Anna Faris Exits CBS' 'Mom' Ahead Of Season 8, Role Will Not Be Recast

Anna Faris has announced that she is leaving "Mom" after seven seasons to pursue new opportunities, though she will always remain a fan of the CBS sitcom.

Faris, who plays lead character Christy Plunkett, made it official on Friday, Sept. 4, that she will not be returning for "Mom" 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 sent to Us Weekly.

"I’m so thankful to Chuck [Lorre], the writers and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience," she continued. "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."

Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Production have confirmed Faris' departure. They also announced that they have no plans to recast her character for Season 8 because Faris was their only choice for Christy's role.

"From the inception of Mom, Anna was the first and only choice for the role of Christy," they said in a joint statement to Us Weekly. "We are so proud of the stories we have been able to tell during Anna’s seven years with us. We wish Anna all the best, and we thank her for her beautiful portrayal."

Faris and Allison Janney (Bonni Plunkett) have led "Mom" since the series premiered in September 2013. The two star as a mother and daughter who are recovering addicts.

The sitcom has taken a number of recognitions over the years. Janney won a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series in 2014 and 2015. She got nods for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series in 2017 and 2018.

"Mom" was also nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award for best comedy series in 2015.

Commenting on Faris' exit, Deadline said the move was "surprising," noting that the actress was still in the middle of a two-year contract that she and her co-star, Janney, signed in spring 2019.