Anna Faris Exits CBS Comedy Mom After 7 Seasons

Anna Faris has taken fans by surprise after announcing her unexpected departure from the CBS comedy series, “Mom,” after playing the role of one of the main characters, Christy, for seven seasons.

Faris’ exit comes just days ahead of the show’s return to production on the upcoming eighth season. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show’s production schedule was pushed back and is now set to start on Sept. 14. “Mom” was renewed for two new seasons early last year.

“The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career”

The 43 year old actress released a statement talking about her exit from the show. “The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career. I’m so thankful to Chuck, the writers, and my amazing cast mates for creating a truly wonderful work experience,” Faris said in the statement. “While my journey as Christy has come to an end, allowing me to pursue new opportunities, I’ll be watching the next season and rooting for my TV family.”

Faris’ announcement was unexpected also because she and fellow co-star, Allison Janney (Bonnie Plunkett) are both currently under a 2-year contract. Which the two signed together in spring 2019. According to an insider, with knowledge of the decision, Faris reportedly wanted to pursue other opportunities beyond the show.

“Anna was the first and only choice for the role of Christy”

Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions issued a joint statement addressing Anna’s exit. “From the inception of Mom, Anna was the first and only choice for the role of Christy. We are so proud of the stories we have been able to tell during Anna’s seven years with us,” the statement read. “We wish Anna all the best, and we thank her for her beautiful portrayal.” According to insider reports, Faris’ exit was finalized quite early into the show’s hiatus. The writers have ever since been writing the new season without her character, Christy.

Addressing Anna’s absence

“Mom” was created by Chuck Lorre, Eddie Gorodetsky and Gemma Baker. It is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Executive producers are Chuck Lorre, Nick Bakay, Gemma Baker and Warren Bell.

The highly rated 2013 sitcom tells the story of Christy (Anna Faris), a newly sober single mother, who is attempting to get her life together, when her estranged mother, Bonnie Plunkett (Allison Janney) walks back into her life.

It is unclear exactly how Faris’ character will be written out of the show, given her central role in the cast. However, her absence will be addressed in the first episode of Season 8. Apart from Faris and Janney, the series ensemble also stars, Mimi Kennedy, Jaime Pressly, Beth Hall, William Fichtner and Kristen Johnston.

The beloved show has been nominated for 10 Emmy awards in total. With Janney winning two for Best supporting actress in a comedy in 2014 and 2015.