CBS comedy Mom closes after eight years with a pitch-perfect performance from Allison Janney as her character Bonnie realizes she's finally learned how to care about other people.
USA TODAY Mom is a critically acclaimed comedy with a hopeful message about recovery that s thriving creatively in its eighth season. So why is it ending now? That s a wonderful question. It was not something we wanted, executive producer Chuck Lorre says in advance of the CBS sitcom s series finale Thursday (9 EDT/PDT).
Lorre says he was surprised and disappointed when he learned in February that Mom, which centers on a group of friends who support each other in recovery from addiction, would end this spring, a feeling shared by cast members on social media. He says he was told the series had become too expensive, given the rising costs – including salaries – of a long-running popular comedy, but that he doesn t know the specific reasons behind a decision that would have been discussed by CBS and Warner Bros. Television, the producing studio.
Chuck Barney
East Bay Times
DONâT MISS: âMomâ â Time for a big group hug. The warm-hearted sitcom that dared to tell stories about recovery from alcoholism and addiction â and brought Allison Janney a pair of Emmy Awards â closes the curtain on its acclaimed eight-year run. In the series finale, Bonnie (Janney) gains a new outlook on her sobriety after dealing with difficult news. Also, Jill (Beth Hall) and Andy (Will Sasso) take a big step in their relationship. (9 p.m. Thursday, CBS).
Other bets
SUNDAY: Itâs the moment that passionate fans of âWhen Calls the Heartâ have patiently waited for. In the Season 8 finale, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) finally realizes which man sheâs meant to be with. So whoâs the lucky guy â Nathan or Lucas? (9 p.m., Hallmark Channel).
DON’T MISS
“MOM” Time for a big group hug. The warm-hearted sitcom that dared to tell stories about recovery from alcoholism and addiction – and brought Allison Janney a pair of Emmy Awards – closes the curtain on its acclaimed eight-year run. In the series finale, Bonnie (Janney) gains a new outlook on her sobriety after dealing with difficult news. Also, Jill (Beth Hall) and Andy (Will Sasso) take a big step in their relationship. (Thursday, 9 p.m., CBS)
OTHER BETS
SUNDAY: It’s the moment that passionate fans of “When Calls the Heart” have patiently waited for. In the Season 8 finale, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) finally realizes which man she’s meant to be with. So who’s the lucky guy – Nathan or Lucas? (9 p.m., Hallmark Channel)
Around the remote: Chuck Barney’s TV and streaming picks for May 9-15
Chuck Barney, East Bay Times, (TNS)
Dont’ miss: “Mom” – Time for a big group hug. The warm-hearted sitcom that dared to tell stories about recovery from alcoholism and addiction – and brought Allison Janney a pair of Emmy Awards – closes the curtain on its acclaimed eight-year run. In the series finale, Bonnie (Janney) gains a new outlook on her sobriety after dealing with difficult news. Also, Jill (Beth Hall) and Andy (Will Sasso) take a big step in their relationship. (9 p.m. Thursday, CBS).
Other bets:
Sunday: It’s the moment that passionate fans of “When Calls the Heart” have patiently waited for. In the Season 8 finale, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) finally realizes which man she’s meant to be with. So who’s the lucky guy – Nathan or Lucas? (9 p.m., Hallmark Channel).