Why Anna Faris left ‘Mom’ after seven seasons, star reveals

Anna Faris spilled the beans about her decision to leave the hit CBS sitcom Mom after seven seasons, describing her departure as a “complicated time” in her career and pointing to the demanding production schedule as a key factor.

The actress, who played Christy Plunkett on the Chuck Lorre-created comedy from 2013 to 2020, reflected on her experience during a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.

“I started to lose my focus,” says Anna Faris

Faris said she valued her time on the series and praised her cast, but admitted the intensity of filming eventually took its toll.

“I do think the intensity, towards the end, I think I started to lose my focus,” she said, describing her seven-year run as a “marathon.”

She added that she had limited professional experience before landing the role, saying she previously worked mainly in waitressing jobs before Mom became a long-term commitment.

A “complicated time” behind the scenes

When asked directly whether the demanding schedule led to her exit, Faris described the situation as complex and said she would need more time to fully explain her decision.

“It was a complicated time,” she said, while emphasising her reluctance to go into full detail about her departure from the show.

Despite this, she stressed she remains grateful for her time on the sitcom and the opportunity to work alongside co-star Allison Janney.

Why she joined the show in the first place

Faris also reflected on why she initially signed on to Mom, saying the pilot stood out to her as “really funny” and creatively appealing.

She noted that at the time, she saw television comedy as a stable path in an unpredictable Hollywood landscape and believed the series could offer long-term career security.

Life after ‘Mom’

The actress said she continues to hear from fans of the show and appreciates the impact it has had on audiences.

“I feel really moved that I’ve touched lives,” she said, reflecting on the sitcom’s lasting popularity.

Mom ran for eight seasons, though Faris departed after Season 7. The show continued briefly with Janney’s character before ending its run on CBS.