Why Anna Faris Left 'Mom' And What It Means For Her Career

Fans of the hit sitcom Mom were left heartbroken when Anna Faris announced her departure from the show in September 2020. Her character, Christy Plunkett, resonated with audiences as a single mother navigating life and recovery from alcoholism. Known for her comedic roles in films like Scary Movie and The House Bunny, Anna brought a unique charm to the character that fans adored. The news of her exit came as a shock, especially considering the show's popularity, averaging 5.1 million viewers per episode.

Anna Faris’s decision to leave raised many questions. What prompted her to walk away from a character that she had played so successfully for seven seasons? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind her departure, the impact it had on the show, and the reactions from her castmates and fans alike.

After announcing her exit, Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. confirmed that Anna was the first choice for the role of Christy Plunkett. They stated, "From the inception of Mom, Anna was the first and only choice for the role of Christy," emphasizing her integral role in the show. With her sudden departure, many fans were left to ponder the future of the series and its beloved characters.

Anna Faris: A Closer Look at Her Departure from 'Mom'

In her statement regarding her exit, Anna expressed gratitude for the years spent on Mom, calling them "some of the most fulfilling and rewarding" of her career. She revealed that she felt it was time to pursue new opportunities, marking a significant change in her professional journey. This decision was made shortly before the show's eighth season was set to begin production, catching everyone off guard.

Anna’s departure not only left fans in shock but also her fellow cast members. Kristen Johnston, who played Tammy Diffendorf, remarked that while she would miss Anna, the show would continue. Jaime Pressly, portraying Jill Kendall, highlighted the importance of Christy's story arc, emphasizing the need to represent characters who achieved sobriety without regressing.

As fans speculated about how the show would explain Christy's absence, executive producer Gemma Baker reassured them that killing off the character was never an option. The audience had invested in Christy’s journey for seven seasons, and the loss would have been too devastating for both viewers and the remaining characters.

The Aftermath: CBS Cancels 'Mom' Following Anna Faris' Exit

When the eighth season of Mom premiered, it was revealed that Christy had left for Georgetown University to pursue her education. However, fans were left questioning the plausibility of her rapid transition from struggling to get into community college to securing a spot at a prestigious university. This narrative choice did little to ease the concerns surrounding the show's direction without its lead.

Despite the show still pulling in a sizable audience, CBS shocked fans once again by announcing the cancellation of Mom just one season after Anna's departure. The executive producers expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share the characters' stories, acknowledging the talented cast and crew that brought the series to life.

While Anna Faris may have moved on from Mom, she has continued to pursue her career in other avenues, including her podcast Unqualified. The changes in her career trajectory reflect her desire for growth and new challenges, leaving fans to wonder what exciting projects she may take on next.