Ana Faris Exits CBS Sitcom ‘Mom’

Ana Faris has announced she will not be returning for the upcoming eight season of CBS Chuck Lorre sitcom “Mom.” Faris is exiting the series to pursue other opportunities, according to a rep for Warner Bros. Television confirms and her character Christy Plunkett will not be recast. Rather, the her absence will be addressed at the beginning of season 8.

“The past seven years on ‘Mom’ have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career,” Faris said in a statement. “I’m so thankful to Chuck Lorre, the writers, and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience. While my journey as Christy has come to an end, allowing me to pursue new opportunities, I’ll be watching next season and rooting for my TV family.”

Initially, the focus on “Mom” was on Faris’ Christy, a single mother who, after dealing with her battle with alcoholism and drug abuse, decides to restart her life working as a waitress and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Her mother, Bonnie Plunkett, (Allison Janney) is also a recovering addict. Christy’s daughter, Violet (Sadie Calvano), who was born when Christy was 17, has also become a teen mother, and she has a young son, Roscoe (Blake Garrett Rosenthal) by her ex-husband. By season four, Christy’s children were downgraded to only occasional appearances and eventually written off the series.