The popular CBS comedy series Mom has just been dealt a tremendous blow, as star Anna Faris is reportedly leaving the show ahead of its eighth season. The news comes as a bit of a shocker, as Faris and co-star Allison Janney had both just signed two-year contract extensions just last year. Word is that Faris' departure had been finalized early on into production on the show's eighth season, and the creative team has already moved on ahead by writing new episodes without her character, Christy Plunkett.
"The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career," Anna Faris said of her Mom exit in a statement released to the press. "I'm so thankful to [co-creator] Chuck [Lorre], the writers, and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience. While my journey as Christy has come to an end, allowing me to pursue new opportunities, I'll be watching next season and rooting for my TV family."
"From the inception of Mom, Anna was the first and only choice for the role of Christy," Mom studios Warner Bros. TV, CBS, and Chuck Lorre Productions said in a statement. "We are so proud of the stories we have been able to tell during Anna's seven years with us. We wish Anna all the best, and we thank her for her beautiful portrayal."
Mom has been a ratings hit for CBS since first debuting on the network in 2013. The comedy series followed Faris and Allison Janney as Christy and Bonnie Plunkett, a formerly-estranged daughter and mother duo whose struggles with addiction brings them together. Mom has also been recognized for the way it has handled serious real-life issues, from drug addiction and treen pregnancy to domestic violence and homelessness. In addition to Faris and Janney, the series also stars Mimi Kennedy, Jaime Pressly, Beth Hall, William Fichtner, and Kirsten Johnston. Chuck Lorre, Nick Bakay, Gemma Baker, and Warren Bell executive produce the series.
Both Faris and Janney have also been honored for their performances on the popular sitcom. This includes Janney winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and additional nominations for Best Lead Actress. Mom has also gotten Farris acting award nominations at the People's Choice Awards and the Prism Awards. Reviews from critics have also consistently stayed positive along with the show's continued high ratings over the course of its seven seasons on the air.
No reason was given concerning Faris' Mom exit, but the decision does appear to be amicable. The question now is whether the show can survive without Faris, who has played such an integral role in the story over the past seven years. While the sitcom will be retaining its titular mother, every fan is going to miss having Christy on the show, and it will be interesting to see if the network continues the show after season 8. Previously, CBS had given Mom a two-season renewal that renewed the show through season 8, and that was before Faris had left the show. Fortunately, the series does have a strong ensemble cast on its side to hopefully bring enough viewers back around for the eighth season. This news comes to us from Deadline.