Pierce Brosnan was offered the role of James Bond, but the publicity improved "Remington Steele"s ratings and it was renewed, requiring Brosnan to contractually return to the show, this caused Eon Productions to have to look elsewhere for the new 007. The producers instead hired Timothy Dalton for "The Living Daylights" (1987), and "Licence to Kill" (1989). While Brosnan was reluctant to discuss losing the Bond role, in part because Dalton was a friend, he appeared in Diet Coke commercials portraying what the "Los Angeles Times" described as "a dashing Bond-like character", and NBC advertised "Noble House" with Brosnan dressed in a
Antony Hamilton the role in "Samson and Delilah" which Hamilton won). Hamilton initially had misgivings about taking the role but ultimately accepted it. Hamilton's first episode aired on 24 November 1984. After Hexum's death, the series struggled in the ratings. CBS canceled "Cover Up" the following year. After the cancellation of "Cover Up", Hamilton was in talks to replace Roger Moore as the new James Bond in the 007 film series. "Bond" producer Albert R. Broccoli was reportedly hesitant to cast Hamilton as the womanizing James Bond because, in real life, Hamilton was gay. Timothy Dalton was ultimately cast as James Bond.