Erin Murphy, who played young Tabitha Stephens on Bewitched, is revisiting one of TV’s biggest surprises—the show’s sudden ending. Murphy, who appeared in more than 100 episodes between 1966 and 1972, shared her story in a new interview with Remind Magazine. As Halloween brings back memories of classic witches and broomsticks, fans are again asking, “Why was Bewitched canceled?” after such success.
According to Murphy, the ending came out of nowhere. The cast expected to return for two more seasons until they learned that Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha, chose not to continue. “It wasn’t supposed to be the final episode,” Murphy said. “We went on hiatus like always, expecting to come back.” None of the actors realized they were filming the show’s last episode.
The Sudden End Of A Magical Era
There were no goodbyes when Bewitched ended. Everyone went home thinking they’d be back on set. Soon after, telegrams arrived saying the show would not return. For those still wondering why was Bewitched canceled, it came down to Montgomery’s decision to move on. Even so, the sitcom had already become one of television’s most charming and creative shows.
Decades later, Bewitched continues to reach new audiences around the world. Murphy believes the series still shines because of its strong writing, talented cast, and timeless humor. “It was done right,” she said. Thanks to streaming platforms like Hulu and Antenna TV, fans can still enjoy Samantha’s spells, Darrin’s disbelief, and Tabitha’s childhood magic.
Erin Murphy’s Life After ‘Bewitched’
After the show, Murphy continued to work in Hollywood. She acted in Lassie, Life Interrupted, and more than 80 commercials, including one with Ronald Reagan. Now a mother of six and a grandmother, she remains grateful for the show’s legacy. When asked why Bewitched was canceled, Murphy doesn’t dwell on disappointment—she focuses on the joy it brought to millions.
Fans still approach her at events with dolls, comic books, and board games featuring her character. Though she keeps most of her memorabilia stored away, she loves that people still remember Tabitha with such affection. For Murphy, the magic of Bewitched never really faded—it continues to sparkle in the hearts of fans everywhere.