Star of Home Alone Daniel Stern, who recently encountered legal issues, has reportedly exited the ABC comedy pilot Do You Want Kids? Stern was allegedly charged with soliciting prostitution earlier this week, just one month after being cited by Ventura County officials.
Daniel Stern reportedly departs ABC pilot Do You Want Kids?
Daniel Stern has reportedly left the ABC comedy pilot Do You Want Kids? after joining the cast as a series regular just a month prior. He was expected to star alongside Rachel Bloom and Rory Scovel.
The single-camera series, produced by 20th Television, centers around a married couple. Rosie and Alex Zilbadolis, portrayed by Bloom and Scovel respectively, are the main characters. The narrative unfolds in two different universes: one where Rosie and Alex have a baby and another where they do not.
Stern’s role may be recast, although it remains unclear who will take over. Before his rumored departure, the 68-year-old actor was set to portray Freddy, the patriarch of the Zilbadolis family.
Trent O’Donnell will direct the pilot, which is co-written by Bloom and her husband, Dan Gregor. Gregor is a comedian, writer, director, and producer known for his work on Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, How I Met Your Mother, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the latter of which stars Bloom. Additionally, O’Donnell, Bloom, and Gregor will serve as executive producers alongside Steven Levitan and Danielle Stokdyk from Levitan Productions, as well as Jeff Morton.
Stern’s exit from the pilot follows reports of him being charged with one misdemeanor count of soliciting a prostitute on January 12, 2026. His arraignment was initially set for January 13 but has been postponed to February 6.
The actor known for City Slickers was cited on December 10, 2025, at a hotel in Camarillo, California. At that time, he was not arrested but received a ticket instead. A spokesperson for the Ventura County District Attorney, Joey Buttitta, later informed People that Stern was “cited at the location [the soliciting took place] and released.”
