Why Is Keen Absent Blacklist Season 8? – Celebrity
Sarah Oconnor
Updated on January 17, 2026
Culture NBC Blacklist TV The Blacklist is crossing out an original cast member, as Megan Boone is set to leave the show after eight years of playing rookie FBI agent turned fugitive Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Keen. Per Deadline, the actor is set to leave the show during the Season 8 finale on Wednesday, June 23.
The exit of Megan Boone after the eighth season of ‘The Blacklist’ seemed to be on the cards for a long time. Unfortunately, neither NBC nor Megan have provided the specific reason behind the actress’ departure. But apparently, the decision was made mutually after several discussions between the actress and the producers.
The show was renewed back in January for Season 9. This makes The Blacklist the third longest-running drama currently airing on NBC behind Law & Order: SVU and Chicago Fire. The series will return in fall 2021 without Boone, when the show will be back on Friday nights. The Blacklist Season 8 airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT on NBC.
One of the highlights of season 8 of ‘ The Blacklist ’ is Katarina’s death in the second episode that redefines Elizabeth’s (Megan Boone) relationship with Raymond “Red” Reddington ( James Spader ). Elizabeth had made it very clear to him that she would not tolerate any harm to Katarina, who Elizabeth knows as her mother.
When does Liz leave Blacklist?
Per Deadline, the actor is set to leave the show during the Season 8 finale on Wednesday, June 23.
This makes The Blacklist the third longest-running drama currently airing on NBC behind Law & Order: SVU and Chicago Fire. The series will return in fall 2021 without Boone, when the show will be back on Friday nights.
Megan Boone as Liz Keen in ‘The Blacklist.’. NBC. As for exactly how Boone will leave the show, show creator Jon Bokenkamp dropped some hints in a recent TV Insider interview. He said, “these last two episodes are really sort of companion pieces. [With] the next episode, ‘Nachalo,’ we’re going to go back to the very beginning …
Who is Elizabeth Keen?
Elizabeth Keen is Megan Boone’s most prominent role in her body of work . The actress has been a part of the series since 2013 when it first premiered.
Elizabeth’s relationship with Red has been a rocky one. But ever since Elizabeth chose to side with Katarina, the rift between Elizabeth and Red has only become more pronounced. After Red kills Katarina, Elizabeth swears revenge, and we see her cross over to the dark side.
One of the highlights of season 8 of ‘ The Blacklist ’ is Katarina’s death in the second episode that redefines Elizabeth’s (Megan Boone) relationship with Raymond “Red” Reddington ( James Spader ). Elizabeth had made it very clear to him that she would not tolerate any harm to Katarina, who Elizabeth knows as her mother.
Elizabeth has learned a lot about the minds of criminals, and she learned from the best – Red. This makes Elizabeth a dangerous enemy for Red and explains her recent actions. She is on the run and is making dangerous allies such as Neville Townsend; she even goes on to commit murder.
ADVERTISEMENT
Red is building pressure on Elizabeth, which may force her to come out of hiding at some point. In an interview, John Eisendrath revealed that Red and the task force are on a hunt for Elizabeth, though their motives are different.
Season 8 has also put the spotlight on Elizabeth’s relationship with her daughter Agnes since they are both on the run together. Moreover, the actress Megan Boone has not addressed her absence from the show.
In the ninth episode, Red threatens to shoot the doppelgänger if Elizabeth does not disclose her location, and still, Elizabeth does not budge from her stance.
