Mom star Anna Faris will not appear in the upcoming series finale. Premiering in 2013, Mom quickly became a massive success for CBS. Co-created by Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men), Mom follows dysfunctional mother/daughter duo Christy (Faris) and Bonnie (Allison Janney). The two navigate life’s hurdles as single mothers while struggling with sobriety and attempting to rebuild their relationship after years of estrangement.
Hailed for its powerhouse performances, Mom has received praise for doling out hilarious moments while tackling topical issues. These include addiction, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, and drug overdose. Last year, Faris shocked viewers when she revealed she would exit the sitcom ahead of season 8. Pivoting Janney’s Bonnie into the spotlight, Mom gave Faris’ character a satisfying sendoff and revealed that Christy moved away to enroll at Georgetown Law School. Earlier this year, CBS announced Mom was canceled and would air its series finale in May. Now, it appears a former cast member will not be included in the curtain call.
According to Variety, Faris will not return for the final episode of Mom, as Christy's story is now complete. However, Mom's co-creators say the series will end on a powerful message of “hope and redemption." The series finale will center on Bonnie navigating a fresh perspective on her sobriety after receiving “difficult” news. Explaining that the Mom series finale will be an emotional roller coaster for viewers, co-creator Gemma Baker says, “There will be developments that our audience will be excited about and maybe there are also some things that are less than ideal. That’s just how life is.” However, Lorre offers some reassurance to those nervous about the ending:
From the very beginning to the final episode the show is about hope — that there’s hope. Recovery from alcohol and drug addiction is possible. And not only possible, it can be a joyful and communal experience. We knew going in eight years ago that’s what the show was about. I think that will be loud and clear in the finale as well.
Indeed, the news that Faris will not return for the final episode of Mom is disappointing for viewers who have followed the series for 170 episodes. Of course, Janney continued to tackle relevant storylines in her Emmy winning role of Bonnie throughout season 8, despite the lack of the integral mother/daughter component. Apparently, the writers have ensured Janney's talents can truly shine in the final episode with her character working through difficult news, though it remains unclear what that will be.
Mom became a staple comedy for CBS over its eight seasons and solidified its legacy in the sitcom world. The beloved series offered realistic characters and family-centered scenarios for viewers to relate to while showcasing Janney and Faris’ potent chemistry and comedic talent. Of course, all good things must come to an end. Audiences will have to tune in to CBS on Thursday, May 13 to see Janney and the stellar supporting cast bid farewell in the Mom series finale.
Source: Variety