Mom fans will need to prepare for a major absence in season 8.
On Sept. 4, news broke that series star Anna Faris has quit the CBS sitcom ahead of the new season. Per a Deadline report, Faris decided to move on "early into the show's hiatus," referencing Mom's mid-March pause amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She'll move on after starring as "Christy" since Mom debuted in 2013.
Mom: Anna Faris quits after 7 seasons
Deadline reported a statement by Faris addressing her exit: "The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career," she began.
"I'm so thankful to 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."
Despite losing Faris, Mom will continue with season 8. Co-star Allison Janney ("Bonnie") remains under contract for the new season, and it appears she will star as the solo lead when the show returns to production on Sept. 14.
Mom season 8 will go on without Anna Faris
The absence of "Christy" in Mom season 8 has been known for some time, according to Deadline. The sitcom's writers will accordingly address her exit in season 8.
Faris had starred as "Christy" with Janney as "Bonnie," a mother-daughter pair of recovering addicts who reconcile and move in together. The sitcom, often praised for its mix of comedy and thoughtfulness, has been one of CBS's best performers across seven seasons (2013-2020). The network unveiled its Fall 2020 TV line-up last month, but Mom, with all other scripted series, has no firm premiere date as of yet.