Anna Faris exiting CBS comedy series ‘Mom’ after 7 seasons

Anna Faris is leaving just before shooting begins for the eighth season of “Mom,” the CBS television comedy series, the actress confirmed Friday.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the show’s production schedule was delayed. Filming will begin Sept. 14, Variety reported.

Faris played Christy Plunkett, a single mother struggling with alcoholism. Her mother, Bonnie, is played by Allison Janney, and the show has been nominated for 10 Emmy Awards, Variety reported. Janney won back-to-back Emmys for best supporting actress in the series.

Faris and Warner Bros. Television, the producer of the series, released statements Friday confirming her departure.

“The past seven years on ‘Mom’ have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career,” Faris said in her statement. “I’m so thankful to (creator) Chuck (Lorre), the writers, and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience.”

Faris said she wanted to pursue opportunities beyond the show, Variety reported.

“From the inception of ‘Mom,’ Anna was the first and only choice for the role of Christy,” Warner Bros Television said in a statement. “We are so proud of the stories we have been able to tell during Anna’s seven years with us. We wish Anna all the best, and we thank her for her beautiful portrayal.”

The seventh season featured Faris’ character continuing law school while going through a series of romantic episodes, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Mom” also stars Mimi Kennedy, Jaime Pressly, Beth Hall, William Fichtner, and Kristen Johnson, People reported. It is not clear how Faris’ character will be written off the show, the magazine reported, but it will be addressed in the season premiere of Season 8.

“I’ll be watching next season and rooting for my TV family,” Faris said in her statement.

Cox Media Group