Behind-the-Scenes “Charmed” Drama Over the Years: A Timeline

The power of three will free us… from everything except drama.

Charmwhich premiered on The WB in 1998, made headlines from the start with the hiring of Aaron Spelling. Shannen Doherty to play one of the three Halliwell sisters, four years after she was infamous let go of Spelling Television Beverly Hills, 90210.

“(Aaron) was extremely supportive of casting Shannen Doherty as Prue,” the creator said. Constance M. Burge reminded to In touch in 2018, noting that the actress’s chemistry with Holly Marie Combs was one of the reasons the producers wanted her for the role. “Holly, at that time, was in Palisades, and she was also good friends with Shannen, so they had great chemistry with each other.

With Doherty and Combs taking on the roles of Prue and Piper respectively, Lori Rom was to complete the trio as younger sister Phoebe. After shooting the pilot, Rom was recast with Alyssa Milan.

While the chemistry between the Halliwell sisters worked on screen, tensions behind the scenes were high and history repeated itself when Doherty left after three seasons. Doherty later spoke out amid reports that she and Milano weren’t getting along.

“There was too much drama on set and not enough passion for the work,” Doherty said. Entertainment tonight at the time. “You know, I’m 30 years old and I don’t have time for drama in my life anymore. For me, it’s a bit nonsense. I’m going to miss Holly a lot and that’s really the only thing I want to make clear.

She continued: “She is one of my best friends and I love her very much. And there have never been any problems between the two of us, and we will always be friends.

While Doherty claimed at the time that Combs wasn’t sure she wanted to stay on the show without her then-best friend, Charm continued for five more seasons with Combs, Milano and Rose McGowan, who played their long-lost sister Paige.

The fantasy drama then made history as the longest hour-long series with all female leads before the 2006 finale. (Desperate Housewives took over this honor in 2012). For some fans, however, the legacy was overshadowed by the alleged on-set drama. Scroll down for a full timeline:

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