Daniel Stern Dropped From ABC Comedy Pilot After Misdemeanor Charge

Daniel Stern is no longer attached to ABC’s upcoming comedy pilot Do You Want Kids?, with the network and studio opting to recast his role just weeks after he was announced as part of the project.

According to Deadline, the decision comes days after Stern was charged with a single misdemeanor count of engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution. Authorities say the incident allegedly took place on December 10 at a hotel in Camarillo, California, where Stern was cited by Ventura County sheriff’s deputies. His arraignment, originally scheduled this week, has been postponed and is now set for February 6, per TMZ.

If convicted, Stern could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Stern, best known for his role in the Home Alone film franchise, had been cast in December as Freddy, the gruff patriarch of the Zilbalodis family in Do You Want Kids?. That role will now be filled by another actor.

The single-camera comedy stars Rachel Bloom and Rory Scovel as a married couple, Rosie and Alex Zilbalodis. The series explores their lives across two parallel universes — one in which they have a child and one in which they do not — and examines how that life-altering decision impacts their relationship and future.

The pilot is directed by Trent O’Donnell and was co-written by Bloom and her husband, Dan Gregor. They also serve as executive producers alongside Steven Levitan, Danielle Stokdyk, and Jeff Morton, with production handled by 20th Television.

ABC has not commented publicly on Stern’s exit, but recasting is already underway as the pilot moves forward.