From York's hospital bed, director William Asher and he discussed York's future. "Do you want to quit?" Asher asked. "If it's all right with you, Billy," York replied. With that, York left the sitcom to devote himself to recovery. He never again returned to the set. Dick Sargent replaced York in the role of Darrin Stephens, taking over the role at the start of the series' sixth season (1969-1970) and continuing in the part until the series ended after its eighth season (1971-1972). Sargent was originally offered the role of Darrin in 1964, but turned it down to do a short-lived sitcom called "Broadside".