According to rumors, Lisa Edelstein, who played Cuddy alongside Robert Sean Leonard and Omar Epps, two other original cast members, had contracts that expired after the seventh season. Because the show was only expected to go seven seasons, “House” had a limited budget for Season 8, and tried to negotiate lower rates for Lisa's and Omar’s return. Omar Epps took the deal, but Lisa had another offer to work on The Good Wife. 

She also has no regrets about the character, sharing to TV Line,

“I don't think that show was about happy endings," she stressed. "And the truth is, if someone drives a car through your living room [like House did] you should do what I did and get the f**k out of town.”