Benjamin Cologne's Departure: The Real Reason Behind It

Fans of CBS's 'Bull' were shocked to learn that Freddy Rodriguez, who played Benjamin Benny Colon, would not be returning for the show's sixth season. Rodriguez's departure came after a workplace investigation, the details of which have not been made public. The actor, who had been with the show since its first season in 2015, has also not commented on his exit.

Freddy Rodriguez left after a workplace investigation

Freddy Rodriguez, who played Benjamin "Benny" Colon on CBS's "Bull", left the show after a workplace investigation. Rodriguez was a series regular on "Bull" from the very beginning, appearing in more than 100 episodes since it started in 2015. He played lawyer Benny Colon, part of the jury consulting firm run by Dr Jason Bull, played by series lead Michael Weatherly.

Rodriguez's exit followed an investigation by the show's production company, CBS Studios, into its workplace environment. Showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron was also dismissed and will not be returning for season 6. CBS mentioned that Rodriguez would not be returning following a workplace investigation, but did not give any further details.

The environment at "Bull" had been under scrutiny before. Guest star Eliza Dushku alleged that her run on the show was cut short after she complained about offensive remarks from Weatherly. In mediation with CBS, she was awarded a $9.5 million settlement.

Rodriguez has not commented on his departure and has kept a low profile since leaving the show.

The investigation was into the work culture on the set of 'Bull'

The investigation was into the work culture on the set of Bull. The show had been under scrutiny before when guest star Eliza Dushku alleged that her run on the show was cut short after she complained about offensive remarks from series lead Michael Weatherly. Dushku was awarded a $9.5 million settlement in mediation with CBS.

The investigation that led to the departure of Freddy Rodriguez was prompted by the sudden departure of several writers from the show after the end of season 5. Showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron, who had been accused of fostering a stressful and difficult work environment, was also dismissed following the investigation.

Showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron was also dismissed

Showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron was dismissed from "Bull" in May 2021, following a workplace investigation. Caron oversaw the legal drama for four seasons, joining at the end of the first season and becoming showrunner at the start of the second in 2017.

The investigation was launched after multiple writers departed the series at the end of season five. Sources allege that Caron fostered a disrespectful and stressful work environment, with one former writer saying:

> "Everyone was so on edge — it felt like everyone constantly had, at the very least, a lot of anxiety."

Caron is known for creating and showrunning the similarly tumultuous production of "Moonlighting", which aired on ABC from 1985 to 1989. He departed the show before its end amid conflicts with the network and its stars, Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis.

Following Caron's dismissal, CBS named writers Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard as co-showrunners of "Bull".

Rodriguez's character, Benny, is now living in Italy with his wife

Fans of CBS's "Bull" were shocked to learn that Freddy Rodriguez, who played Benjamin "Benny" Colon, would not be returning for the show's sixth season. Rodriguez's departure came after he and showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron were dismissed following separate workplace investigations. While the details of the investigations have not been revealed to the public, the work culture on the sets of "Bull" had been a subject of controversy for some time.

In the show, Rodriguez's character Benny is now living in Italy with his wife. According to co-showrunners Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard, "When we begin our new season, Bull and the TAC team are raising a glass to celebrate Benny's newfound love. After a whirlwind romance during a European vacation, he married an Italian woman and moved overseas." This was also referenced by Izzy, Benny's sister, who said that her brother was “blissfully happy in Rome singing ‘Mi amore’ to his Italian bride."

While it is unclear if Rodriguez will reprise his role in the future, the show's decision to send Benny to Italy, rather than killing him off, leaves the door open for a possible return.

The door has been left open for a possible return

Fans were shocked to learn that Freddy Rodriguez, who played Benjamin "Benny" Colon on CBS's "Bull" since 2015, would not be returning for the show's sixth season. The news came after it was announced that Rodriguez and showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron had departed following separate workplace investigations. While CBS confirmed that Rodriguez would not be returning, the network did not disclose any details about the investigation.

Despite the sudden departure, the door has been left open for a possible return. In the show, Benny's exit is explained by his marriage to an Italian woman and his subsequent move to Italy. This explanation leaves the opportunity for the character to return in the future, which has given fans hope.

Benny's off-screen departure is handled in a way that allows for a potential return to the series. According to co-showrunners Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard, the new season begins with "Bull and the TAC team raising a glass to celebrate Benny's newfound love. After a whirlwind romance during a European vacation, he married an Italian woman and moved overseas." This narrative choice to send Benny to Italy, rather than killing him off or writing him out in another permanent way, suggests that the character could reappear in future episodes.

Additionally, the lack of information about the investigation that led to Rodriguez's departure may also play a role in keeping the door open for a return. While CBS confirmed that an investigation took place and that Rodriguez would not be returning for season 6, they did not disclose any details or specific reasons for his exit. This lack of transparency could allow for a potential reconciliation between the show and the actor, leading to a possible return in the future.

While there has been no official announcement or confirmation of a return, the nature of Benny's exit and the circumstances surrounding Rodriguez's departure leave the possibility open for exploration in the future.

Frequently asked questions