Last Man Standing is finally back! Season 7 of the hit sitcom returned on Friday, and while many of the members of the Baxter family have stayed the same, there’s one character who looks very different—and fans aren’t sure how to feel. Actress Molly McCook has replaced Molly Ephraim as middle daughter Mandy on the series, as Ephraim became involved with other projects when the comedy was cancelled by ABC. After seeing McCook take the screen in the reboot, viewers felt conflicted about whether the shift was too extreme. This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. I love that @LastManStanding is back on, but I want the real Mandy back! #NotMyMandy — Emily Coronado (@nado1892) October 1, 2018 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. @MollyEphraim just watched the new last man standing. I’m trying to give new Mandy a chances but it is so hard — professional lizard (@lizamonsteroned) September 29, 2018 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. The replacement for Mandy on last man standing is very forced if she can’t be in the show just don’t have the character — Noah Scott (@nscott1234) September 29, 2018 “I love that @LastManStanding is back on, but I want the real Mandy back!” one user wrote. Another said, “The replacement for Mandy on last man standing is very forced.” The biggest critique that the #NotMyMandy fan base expressed was that the switch between a brunette (Ephraim) and a blonde (McCook) altered the perception of the beloved Baxter. “I don’t hate the show or Molly McCook for this, I simply think that she would’ve been better with dark hair, just to make the transition easier,” one tweet read. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. While they may explain why, and even if it is a good reason, I don't think it was the right move. I don't hate the show or Molly McCook for this, I simply think that she would've been better with dark hair, just to make the transition easier. — Schmedricks (@Schmedricks27) September 29, 2018 On McCook’s part, she seems to understand these loyal Last Man Standing supporter’s opinions. When one audience member reached out to McCook to say that she, “really captured the personality” but should have colored her hair, the actress responded: “Thank you! Totally get it. The blonde is a harsh change.” This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Thank you! Totally get it. The blonde is a harsh change. I think if we tried to recreate anything, it would have been harder for fans to accept me being a different dark haired girl. Now, it's so different that there is no comparison. Easier for us all to move forward! Xx https://t.co/A19eNOea4M — MOLLY✶McCOOK (@mollyjmccook) September 29, 2018 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Loved the return of Last Man Standing. Return episode had so many of the things I loved about the original run. All the regulars were great, and Molly McCook fit right in. Can I say #stillmyMandy to contrast that other hashtag? — PD Johnston (@PeaJay42) September 29, 2018 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Molly McCook did a Fantastic job as Mandy "IMHO" The overall characteristics & Theme of Mandy hasn't changed and only some facial expressions has changed, which is to be expected, due to it being a different Actress. Welcome aboard, Molly McCook! — Jason Allan (@JasonAllan79) September 30, 2018 She continued by explaining another thought that, “if we tried to recreate anything, it would have been harder for fans to accept my being a different dark haired girl. Now, it’s so different that there is no comparison.” Although many were put off by the change, there were plethora of people who tuned in and called her “talented,” “fantastic,” and claimed she “fit right in.” Regardless of the change, a new Mandy is better than no Baxter family at all! Megan Stein Megan Stein is the executive editor for The Pioneer Woman, and oversees entertainment, features, and news for the website. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>Viewers were treated to a few noticeable changes on Last Man Standing when it returned to TV last week after a year-long break. Aside from debuting on a new network (Fox, instead of ABC), the family sitcom welcomed two new faces in familiar roles: Molly McCook, marking her introduction as the new Mandy Baxter (taking over for former star Molly Ephraim), and Jet Jurgensmeyer, replacing Flynn Morrison as Mike's grandson, Boyd. The season seven premiere addressed Last Man Standing's cancellation and subsequent revival, as well as the Mandy Baxter recast, in classic sitcom fashion, by offering a wink and a nod to the behind-the-scenes changes. "We're kind of programmed to be afraid of change and I understand that; I'm the same way," McCook told ET. "When I watch any show, if there's any sort of replacement or even if a new character comes in, it's hard for me to accept them, but I hope that everybody keeps their hearts open and they realize that things happen and things change and this is still the Baxter family, so I hope they all can welcome me with open arms." "I felt guilty at first receiving any of that positive love because I just joined, but all of the superfans have been so wonderful and welcoming to me and so excited just because I'm a part of the Baxter family," she added. "That's really, really motivating." Ahead of Friday's new episode, ET spoke with the 28-year-old actress, who also stars in Freeform's upcoming Fosters spinoff, Good Trouble, about joining Last Man Standing in its seventh season, the moment Tim Allen welcomed her into the family and why she hopes the show gets families with opposing views to start talking to each other again. ET: You replaced Molly Ephraim on Last Man Standing. How did this all come together for you? Molly McCook: It came about like any other audition. I got the [notice] that they were re-releasing the role when they found out that the show was coming to a different network, to Fox. It was a little bit easier knowing what the show was in that sense, but on the other hand, it was different coming into a show that was an established family for six seasons. It’s been wonderful and everyone has been really welcoming, and I definitely feel a part of the family now. Tim Allen Reveals Where 'Last Man Standing' Revival Will Pick Up on Fox (Exclusive) This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page. Tim Allen Reveals Where 'Last Man Standing' Revival Will Pick Up on Fox (Exclusive) How familiar were you with Last Man Standing before your audition? I was pretty familiar with the show when I got the audition, but knowing I was a “recast,” I actually avoided watching it as much as possible. Molly Ephraim did such an amazing job on the show for all of those seasons. I am such an opposite choice; I knew if they were having me audition that they weren’t looking for a replica of Molly. I decided to go into it with a fresh take on the role and in the room, we played around with it a lot, and luckily for me, they wanted a completely fresh take on it, which is what we did. Have you and Molly Ephraim talked about playing Mandy at all? No, we haven’t spoken about it in particular, but we do have a lot of mutual friends. I know that she has wished me well and all is good on that end. I’m very honored to be continuing the path. The word “replacement” has been used a lot. I think it’s so much more than that. It’s not just Mandy who’s different, but Boyd is different. Things are refreshed in general. Fox How is your Mandy different? Hard to say. We’re in the middle of working on episode six right now, so we’re still discovering my Mandy. But Mandy’s very bubbly, excited to be around people. She’s very motivated when it comes to her fashion business and she’s very much in love with her husband, Kyle. I think her view on the world is through rose-tinted glasses and she’s very excited to take on any new chapters of this business and any new chapter in her life as an adult. In the first episode, Last Man Standing pokes fun at the “new Mandy.” One of the jokes is, “She’s been lost upstairs all this time,” and it takes everyone the whole episode to notice that she’s “taller” and “blonder.” What was your take on how they dealt with your introduction? If there’s any type of show that can get away with poking fun at things in such an obvious way is a sitcom. There were so many ways that the show wanted to connect, especially for the first episode back, which was such a massive thing. Thank you to the fans because that is the entire reason why the show is back the way that it is. There’s a lot about poking fun at the show getting canceled and moving to another network. In terms of Mandy looking different, we wanted it to be more of an obvious thing. I couldn’t be more different physically. If we’re all making fun of it and making light of it, we hope the audience can play with us too. It seems more like a friendly approach than just pushing the storyline into people’s faces and making them accept it. Watch Tim Allen Welcome the 'Last Man Standing' Cast Back to Set! (Exclusive) This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page. Watch Tim Allen Welcome the 'Last Man Standing' Cast Back to Set! (Exclusive) Like it gives the audience license to laugh about the change and move on… Yeah. With a sitcom, it enables us to wink-wink at the audience. There’s even a moment in the first episode when Tim looks straight into the camera. If anybody can do it, it’s Tim Allen. We have a lot of fun playing with that and bringing the audience into our playtime. You’re playing one of Tim Allen’s daughters. What has your experience been working opposite him on the show? It’s been really surreal. Intimidating is the exact word that I would use for coming into this experience altogether, not only because it was an established family for six seasons but also because Tim Allen has been such a massive part of my entire life. My favorite Christmas movie of all time is The Santa Clause, so there was an odd thing I had to get past once I started working with him. The moment was actually after our first show. We did our bows and we were heading back and everybody was saying, “Great show.” Tim hugged me and he said, “Welcome aboard,” and I heard Buzz Lightyear. I never told him that. I don’t listen or look at him and think of Buzz Lightyear, but it was one of those things where I was like, wow, nothing is cooler than Buzz Lightyear welcoming you aboard. That was pretty cool. In the context of the family, Mandy has the more liberal viewpoint. What kinds of storylines will we see? We’re all very excited to show the audience all of our different views on politics. The world of politics has become so heavy these past couple of years. A lot of people are afraid to laugh and a lot of people are afraid to listen to other people’s opinions. The truth of the matter is a lot of families have stopped talking to each other, and a lot of friends have decided to not talk to each other because it’s better than getting into fights. What we are excited to experience is all of our family members having our different opinions, discussing those opinions, living in a house together and for it to be OK to talk.<doc-sep>“Last Man Standing” returned from a lengthy hiatus on a new network to some of its highest ratings yet, and fans simply couldn’t contain their excitement to see the Baxter family back in action. For those unfamiliar, “Last Man Standing” was one of ABC’s highest-rated shows before it was given the ax by the network in May 2017. After a lot of time off the air, and uproarious demand from fans, Fox revived the show for Season 7, which premiered on Friday. As previously reported, the show won the Friday night ratings, exceeding anything it ever did on ABC with 8.01 million viewers. Obviously, fans turned up to support the show as it shifted to a new network, but their support didn’t end with tuning into the premiere. Several fans took to Twitter to show their excitement for the new adventures of the Baxter family. “So glad #LastManStanding is back!!! Thank you @FoxTV @ofctimallen,” one user wrote. “One of my favorite television shows is finally back on the air. Here’s to the Baxters!” another commented. One user commented on the opening scene, which poked fun at the network change in a meta-joke about a show moving networks saying, “What a way to return! Happy to have the Baxter’s back.” While fans by-and-large seemed to enjoy the return of some of their favorite sitcom characters, others couldn’t help but be a little turned off by the most jarring change to the show’s return, a new actress playing Mandy. It was previously revealed that actress Molly Ephraim would not return to her character in Season 7. “When the show was canceled… [Molly] got involved in some different things, so when [Last Man Standing] came back, she was not able to do it,” EP Matt Berry told TVLine at the 2018 Television Critics Association summer press tour. “It’s unfortunate. We love her deeply. She’s a big part of who we were.” She was replaced by Molly McCook in the Season 7 premiere, and fans noticed. “Who else don’t like the new Mandy. Molly Ephraim was the best,” one user wrote. “I miss Molly Ephraim… not that Molly McCook doesn’t capture the essence of Mandy, but it’s not the same. They should’ve gotten Ephraims doppleganger, Allison Scagliotti,” another user wrote, along with a photo of the two actresses. “Will the real Mandy please stand up…#missingmollye...but so glad you’re all back! !” someone else chimed in. The show’s star, Tim Allen, wasn’t immune to the Twitter crowd either, taking to the social media platform Friday night to thank fans for watching the premiere. “Thanks from all of us for your eyes on our reBoot…. Next week is even better.”<doc-sep>
Last Man Standing returned to the air last Friday, but fans got more than they bargained for when they noticed Molly Ephraim was no longer part of the show and that Molly McCook was drafted in as the new Mandy. While Ephraim decided against returning for the revival, series executive producer opened up about the backlash in a new interview with EW.com. "We fully expected [the backlash],” he said, adding: “You don’t take a character played by an actress that’s beloved and suddenly switch them out. I’m glad they missed Molly Ephraim; that’s a good thing. And they’re going to go through the same process we did in casting.” Related: Last Man Standing Season 7 Episode 1 Review: Welcome Back While viewers are up in arms about the recast, primarily because there's no similarity between Ephraim and McCook, Abbott went on to say that it took a bit of getting used to for he and other creative forces behind the show. “When Molly McCook walked in we thought, ‘That’s not going to work. Physically that’s not going to work.’ And then she’s just so good," he continued. "We thought maybe another character? Then we thought she’s the best actress, let’s go with it." “It’s a little jarring then you grow to love her,” Abbott adds. “We hope the audience starts to feel the way we do.” It's always difficult to assemble a cast of a series after it's been canceled. Related: Last Man Standing Revived at Fox Actors move on to new roles, and given that a year went by before Last Man Standing was saved, it made sense that some cast members would not be available. “When the show was cancelled… [Molly] got involved in some different things, so when [Last Man Standing] came back, she was not able to do it,” EP Matt Berry told reporters in August at the Television Critics Assoc. summer press tour. “It’s unfortunate. We love her deeply. She’s a big part of who we were. But [it’s] exciting for us to look around and see who we can get to play that character." "We want someone to come in and not play Molly Ephraim. We want somebody to come in and play Mandy. We’ve seen a lot of great actresses.” Last Man Standing premiered on Fox on Friday with 8 million viewers and a 1.8 rating among adults 18-49. That marked the show's highest ratings since 2012, proving there was still an audience for it. What are your thoughts on the recast? Hit the comments below. Remember you can watch Last Man Standing online right here via TV Fanatic. Last Man Standing continues Friday on Fox. Paul Dailly is the Associate Editor for TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter.