It's the end of the road for Mom. The popular sitcom known for starring Anna Faris and Allison Janney will conclude with season 8, CBS has announced.
Mom had continued on with season 8 despite Faris, the co-lead, quitting the show ahead of the season. But, with Janney's contract also up after this season, Mom will not be back for another run.
Mom cancelled: Season 8 series finale airing in May 2021
The Mom season 8 finale will be the conclusion to the series, airing on Thursday, May 6. In a statement reported by Deadline, the show's producers said: "For the past eight years, we've had the great honor to bring these wonderful characters to life, sharing their struggles and triumphs with millions of viewers every week.
"From the beginning, we set out to tell stories about recovery from alcoholism and addiction that are rarely portrayed in a network comedy series. [...] We take great pride in knowing Mom has positively impacted so many lives. We are forever grateful to our brilliant cast and guest stars, wonderful writers, and amazing crew for going on this journey with us."
Mom: Viewing numbers down, Allison Janney's contract up
Mom had regularly attracted around 7 to 8 million viewers per episode in season 7 but managed just 4 to 5 million in season 8, following Faris's exit. The actress, who played "Christy" beside Janney as "Bonnie," quit ahead of season 8, citing the chance to "pursue new opportunities."
The sitcom wrote Faris's exit into the season 8 premiere and has continued on with Janney as the lead. Episode 8 of the season airs tonight. Despite the declining viewership, it's sad news for the popular show that still brought in millions of viewers on Thursday nights.
CBS also cancelled NCIS: New Orleans on Wednesday. Bob Hearts Abishola and The Neighborhood were the first series to get renewed for the 2021-22 TV season.