"The Night Shift" season 4 will debut on NBC but Dr. Christopher "Topher" Zia would be out of San Antonio Memorial for good. Ken Leung who plays the role of Dr. Zia decided not to reprise his role in the medical drama for its fourth season.

"The Night Shift" Season 4 Updates

In "The Night Shift" season 3 finale, San Antonio Memorial changed hands. Dr. Julian Cummings (James McDaniel), the new owner, decided to fire Dr. Zia from his post as an ER surgeon.

In a show of support, Dr. Zia's colleagues in the hospital stormed out of the hospital. Since the season premiere will pick up from this scene, the writers will not have a difficult time writing out Leung's character. How the hospital staff returns after staging their walkout would be interesting to see.

"The Night Shift" Season 4 Cast Changes

Leung has been with "The Night Shift" since the pilot episode and his absence would be noted. His character, Dr. Zia, used to be an Army Ranger who helped wounded soldiers during the war before he landed a post as an ER surgeon. Although he decided not to continue his role in the medical drama, there is no news about other projects that he could be pursuing.

While Leung's character will be missed, NBC seems to have prior knowledge of his decision since the press release for the renewal of the drama did not include his name. All other series regulars, namely, Bailey, Beatty, Fehr, Flint, Lemon, Macken, and Wolf are all in the said document. Jennifer Beals who portrays Dr. Sydney Jennings is not in the press release either but her name is on NBC's press site. Since Leung's departure is final, she could replace him as the ER surgeon to fill the void.

"The Night Shift" season 4 is scheduled to air in 2017 on NBC.