The popular CBS sitcom “Mom”, starring Emmy winner Allison Janney, will end after the current eighth season.
Chuck Lorre’s comedy about a group of addicts – including Janney’s main character, Bonnie – will end with the final season on May 6, which according to Variety will serve according to the series.
The move comes after Anna Faris, who plays Bonnie’s daughter Christy, left the series shockingly just before production began on season 8 in September.
“For the past eight years, we have had the great honor of bringing these amazing characters to life and sharing their struggles and triumphs with millions of viewers every week,” executive producers Lorre, Gemma Baker and Nick Bakay said in a statement.
“From the beginning, we decided to tell stories about recovery from alcoholism and addiction that are rarely portrayed in a network comedy series. Whether it was the emotional reactions of the live audience to tape night in phase 20, or discussions in the White House about the opioid crisis, or the personal stories we receive on social media, we are proud that MOM had a positive impact on so many lives. We are eternally grateful to our brilliant cast and guest stars, amazing writers and incredible crew for going on this journey with us. ”
Kelly Kahl, president of CBS Entertainment, added that the program, run by Warner Bros. Television was produced, ‘touching people’s lives by sensitively tackling weighty, yet related topics, with a perfect, deft touch.’
On Tuesday’s episode of Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show of the same name, Janney, 61, told viewers that “it was very strange” because Faris, 44, was no longer on the show, adding: “She was greatly missed. Anna is missed and her character on the show is missed. And we’m just glad she’s doing what she wants to do now, and we’re even happier so we can still tell these stories about these wonderful women and recovery.
“And I think there are some amazing characters that have been established,” she continues. “And people like the program, so we’ll keep telling the stories for as long as we can.”
In a statement announcing her departure last year, Faris called her seven years on the program “one of the most fulfilling and rewarding in my career.”
The regular ensemble of the program also includes Jaime Pressly, Mimi Kennedy, Beth Hall, Kristen Johnston and William Fichtner. Over the years, a number of artists have performed as recurring and guest stars, including Yvette Nicole Brown, Ellen Burstyn, Kristin Chenoweth, Beverly D’Angelo, Patti LuPone, Joe Manganiello, Emily Osment, Kevin Pollak, Richard Schiff, June Squibb, Octavia Spencer, French Stewart (originally regular series), Kathleen Turner, Steven Weber, Bradley Whitford and Rainn Wilson.
The series finale will air on Thursday, May 6 at 9pm on CBS.