After six seasons, one of CBS's longest-running sitcoms is coming to an end. The shocking announcement was made on Wednesday (Dec. 9), when Mike & Molly star Rondi Reed took to her personal Facebook account to reveal the network has cancelled the show.
The 63-year-old Tony Award-winning actress, who plays Peggy on the popular comedy series, wanted to share the news with fans first before a public announcement was made through another source. The upcoming sixth season of Mike & Molly will also be the final season airing on CBS.
Typically dishing out more than 20 episodes a season, Reed also revealed the new season will be shortened. Despite CBS announcing a full renewal of 22 episodes in March, the ultimate season of Mike & Molly will only contain 13 episodes.
Before you hear it elsewhere (and some already have) this is the Final and 6th Season of MIKE & MOLLY on CBS. It is also...
Posted by Rondi Reed on Wednesday, December 9, 2015
“The network has its reasons, and I will not get into a debate, discussion, or campaign to get them to change their minds," Reed wrote on Facebook. "Other venues were explored by WB and Bonanza Productions (Chuck Lorre) after CBS announced their intentions, but did not turn up a future for our show.”
Mike & Molly, which kicked off in September 2010, surrounds a Chicago police officer named Mike (Billy Gardell) and a fourth grade teacher named Molly (Melissa McCarthy) who find love after meeting each other in an Overeaters Anonymous meeting. The two struggle through common relationship problems, as well as, life goals and weight loss.
The cast will conclude taping for the sixth season on Jan. 27, 2016. Reed is not sure if all the episodes are expected to air.
“It is a fact and we have known for a few weeks," Reed wrote. "I remain extremely grateful to have been a part of this and to have worked with a fabulous bunch of folks over the years. I have learned a lot about many things, including the Business we call Show. Also grateful for all the fans and for the personal support I have received over the (almost) 6 seasons.”
CBS has not commented on the cancellation news, but the network has added two new comedies to their roster in 2015, including The Odd Couple and Life in Pieces.
Mike & Molly has been nominated for countless Emmy Awards and McCarthy finally took home the award in 2011. Season six of Mike & Molly is scheduled to air on Jan. 6, 2016.
