Anna Faris reveals what led to her shocking exit from hit sitcom ‘Mom’ after 7 seasons
Anna Faris left the sitcom “Mom” after seven seasons because the time commitment became too intense, according to the actress on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. Faris told host Josh Horowitz that she began to lose her focus toward the end of her tenure on the Chuck Lorre-created series, which ran from 2013 to 2020.
Why did Anna Faris leave the sitcom “Mom”?
Faris described her time playing Christy Plunkett as a “marathon.” While she praised her “brilliant cast,” she admitted the intensity of the filming schedule became difficult to manage.

When asked if this intensity led to her departure, Faris called it a “complicated time.” She noted that she is often hesitant to discuss the experience in detail because the seven-year project represented a significant portion of her life.
Why did Anna Faris join the series?
Faris agreed to the role after seeing a pilot she described as “really funny” and “really interesting.” At the time, she felt a need to “settle down” as she got older.
The actress sought stability, stating she did not believe the movie landscape looked “wide open.” According to Faris, she viewed comedy as a potential avenue for longevity in Hollywood. She also highlighted her enjoyment of the live audience, calling them the “happiest live audience you can imagine.”
How did the series conclude?
The sitcom followed the relationship between a mother and daughter, portrayed by Faris and Allison Janney. Janney served as the official lead for Season 8, but the series was not renewed for another season.

Janney previously expressed dissatisfaction with the cancellation during an appearance on “The Late Late Show.” She stated she wished the writers had another year to ramp up the ending, noting that the cast found out about the cancellation sooner than expected.
Because Faris mentioned she may discuss the specific details of her departure in a future podcast episode, further clarity on her exit could emerge in subsequent interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Anna Faris leave “Mom”?
Faris stated on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that the time commitment became too intense and she started to lose her focus toward the end of her seven seasons.
What motivated Anna Faris to sign onto the show?
Faris was drawn to the interesting pilot and a desire for stability. She believed comedy offered a path to longevity in Hollywood during a time when she felt the movie landscape was limited.
How did Allison Janney feel about the show’s ending?
Janney shared on “The Late Late Show” that she wished the show had lasted another year to allow the writers more time to develop the series finale.
Do you think long-running sitcoms benefit more from a planned ending or a sudden cancellation?