When Did Anna Faris Leave Mom? Unpacking Her Departure From The Hit Show

Helmer Raynor 14 Aug 2025

For many fans of the beloved CBS sitcom "Mom," the news of Anna Faris stepping away from her role as Christy Plunkett came as a real surprise, and a lot of people wondered, you know, what exactly happened and when it all took place. This show, which brought a lot of laughs and also some very touching moments into our homes for quite a few years, certainly had a special place in the hearts of its viewers. So, when one of its main stars decided to move on, it naturally sparked a lot of conversation and, as a matter of fact, a lot of questions among those who followed the series closely.

It's something that happens with television shows, of course, where actors sometimes make choices to go in different directions with their careers. And, you know, for a show that had been on the air for a good while, like "Mom" had, it's almost a big deal when such a central figure decides to leave. We're here to clear up any confusion about the exact timing and the reasons that were shared for her departure, because it's a question that still pops up for people who enjoy looking back at the series.

This piece aims to give you a clear picture of when Anna Faris made her exit from "Mom," and, you know, why she chose to do so. We'll also look at how her leaving might have changed the show's story lines and, perhaps, the overall feel of things for the seasons that followed. It's all about getting the facts straight for those who are curious about this significant moment in the show's history, and frankly, what it meant for the people involved.

Anna Faris: A Brief Look at Her Life and Work
The Exact Moment Anna Faris Left Mom
Why Anna Faris Chose to Step Away from Mom
How Anna Faris' Departure Changed Mom
Christy's Storyline: Before and After the Exit
Looking Back at Anna Faris' Time on Mom
Frequently Asked Questions About Anna Faris' Exit

Anna Faris: A Brief Look at Her Life and Work

Before we talk about her leaving "Mom," it's probably a good idea to remember a little bit about Anna Faris herself, and, you know, what she's known for in the world of entertainment. She's someone who has brought a lot of laughter to many people over the years, appearing in a good number of movies and TV shows. Her work often involves a unique kind of humor, which many people find very appealing, and that's something that, you know, makes her stand out in her field. She has a way of making characters feel very real, even when they are in rather silly situations, and that is a talent she truly possesses.

She had been away from television for a while before "Mom" came along, so her return to the small screen for that show was, in a way, a big deal for her and for her fans. It showed a different side of her acting abilities, combining her knack for comedy with some more serious, heartfelt moments. So, basically, her time on "Mom" was a significant chapter in her career, and it allowed her to show a lot of range as a performer, which is something many people appreciate.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Anna Kay Faris
Born	November 29, 1976
Place of Birth	Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, Podcaster
Years Active	1991–present
Known For	Scary Movie film series, The House Bunny, Mom

The Exact Moment Anna Faris Left Mom

So, let's get right to the main question: when did Anna Faris leave Mom? The timing of her departure was actually quite specific, and it happened just before the show was set to begin filming for its eighth season. Faris, you know, let everyone know about her decision in early September of 2020. This announcement came after she had spent seven full years as a key part of the show's cast, which is a pretty long run for any television series, honestly. Her statement was shared widely, and it certainly got people talking about what the future of the program would look like without her.

To be more precise about the timeline, the news of her exit came out in September 2020, and the eighth season of "Mom" then made its debut on television in early November of that same year. So, the show premiered without her, which, you know, was a bit of a change for viewers who had grown used to seeing her character, Christy, at the center of things. It meant that the creative team behind the show had to adjust rather quickly to her absence as they prepared for the new episodes, which is something that always takes a bit of work.

Her decision to step away was revealed just as the cast and crew were getting ready to start taping new episodes. This meant that the show's writers and producers had to, in a way, figure out how to continue the story without one of its main characters right from the start of the new season. It was a significant shift, and, you know, it certainly marked a new chapter for the program as it moved forward, which is something that tends to happen when a show has been on for a long time.

Why Anna Faris Chose to Step Away from Mom

Now, a lot of people also want to know not just when did Anna Faris leave Mom, but also why she made that choice. Faris herself gave some clear reasons for her departure, which, you know, she shared publicly. She stated that she was leaving to pursue what she called "new opportunities" in her career. It seems she also wanted to enjoy some time off, which, honestly, makes a lot of sense after spending seven years working on a demanding television schedule. Actors often look for fresh challenges, and that was apparently a big part of her thinking.

She mentioned that her time on "Mom" had been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding for her, which, you know, suggests that the decision wasn't made lightly or because she was unhappy with the show itself. Instead, it sounds like it was more about a desire for personal and professional growth, and to explore different kinds of projects. Sometimes, you know, people just feel it's time for a change, even when things are going well, and that seems to have been the case here.

The idea of seeking "new opportunities" can mean a lot of things, like perhaps focusing on film roles again, or maybe even exploring work behind the scenes, or, you know, other creative ventures. It's a common path for actors who have spent a long time on one particular show, to want to stretch their creative muscles in different ways. So, in some respects, her leaving was a natural progression for her career, as she looked to branch out and try new things, which is something many people do in their professional lives.

How Anna Faris' Departure Changed Mom

Anna Faris's exit certainly had an impact on "Mom," as you might expect when a co-lead leaves a show. Her character, Christy, was, you know, a very central part of the story, especially her relationship with her mother, Bonnie, played by Allison Janney. So, when Faris left, the show's narrative focus had to shift quite a bit. The writers had to figure out how to continue the story in a way that felt natural, even without Christy being physically present in every episode, which, you know, is a bit of a challenge for any show.

The show, as a matter of fact, became much more focused on Allison Janney's character, Bonnie, and her journey. While Bonnie was always a very important character, her storyline took center stage even more after Christy's departure. This meant that other characters in the supporting cast also had more chances to shine and, you know, develop their own stories, which is something that can happen when the spotlight moves around a bit. It allowed for new dynamics to form within the group.

Ultimately, "Mom" continued for one more season after Faris left, concluding with its eighth and final season. The show had a good run, and, you know, it managed to adapt to the change. It's a testament to the strength of the ensemble cast and the writing team that they were able to keep the show going and maintain its quality even with such a significant change. But, you know, it's fair to say that the show felt a little different without Christy there, which is to be expected.

Christy's Storyline: Before and After the Exit

During her seven seasons on "Mom," Anna Faris's character, Christy Plunkett, had some very strong and compelling storylines. Her journey often involved trying to put her life back together, deal with her past choices, and, you know, most importantly, mend her often-rocky relationship with her mother, Bonnie. These stories really resonated with viewers, as they showed the struggles and triumphs of people trying to make a better life for themselves, which is something many can relate to.

When Faris left, the show, of course, had to explain Christy's absence. The storyline they chose for her character involved Christy going off to law school, which was a path she had been pursuing on the show for a while. This gave her character a natural reason to be away from the main setting and, you know, allowed for a logical explanation for her not being on screen. It was a way to give her character a hopeful future, even if viewers wouldn't see it unfold directly on the show.

So, while Christy was no longer a visible part of the weekly episodes, her presence was still felt through Bonnie's reactions and, you know, occasional mentions. The show continued to explore themes of recovery, family, and personal growth, but with a different central dynamic. It was a way to honor the character's journey while also moving forward with the rest of the cast, which, you know, is a common approach in television when a main actor departs.

Looking Back at Anna Faris' Time on Mom

Anna Faris's time on "Mom" was, in many ways, a significant period for her career and for the show itself. She returned to television in 2013 to lead this CBS comedy after being away from regular TV roles for more than five years. Her portrayal of Christy brought a lot of heart and humor to the program, and, you know, she really helped to establish the show's unique tone, which blended comedy with some very serious topics. It was a role that allowed her to show a different side of her acting abilities, as a matter of fact.

The show, "Mom," became a favorite for many, largely because of the chemistry between Faris and Allison Janney, and, you know, their ability to handle both the funny and the deeply emotional parts of their characters' lives. Their performances were often praised, and they really made the mother-daughter relationship feel very real and, at times, quite raw. It was a show that, you know, tackled some tough subjects with grace and laughter, and Faris was a big part of that success.

Her departure in 2020, as we've discussed, was a big turning point, but her contributions to the show during those seven years were substantial. She helped create a character that many viewers connected with, and her work on "Mom" remains a memorable part of her acting story. It's a role that, you know, really showcased her talent for both making people laugh and, at the same time, making them feel deeply for her character's struggles, which is a pretty special thing to do.

To learn more about her career path and other projects, you can explore information about her work with Variety, a well-known publication in the entertainment world, which often reports on such matters. Learn more about Anna Faris' career and other news from Variety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anna Faris' Exit

When exactly did Anna Faris announce her departure from "Mom"?

Anna Faris announced that she was leaving "Mom" in early September 2020. This news came out just before the show was scheduled to start taping for its eighth season, which, you know, was a bit of a surprise for many people who followed the show.

Why did Anna Faris decide to leave the show "Mom"?

According to statements she made, Anna Faris chose to leave "Mom" to explore new career opportunities and also to enjoy some time off. She mentioned that her seven years on the show had been very fulfilling, but, you know, it was time for her to pursue different ventures.

What happened to Anna Faris' character, Christy, on "Mom" after she left?

After Anna Faris left, her character, Christy Plunkett, was written off the show by having her pursue her dreams of going to law school. This storyline provided a logical reason for her absence from the main setting, allowing the show to continue with its other characters, and, you know, it gave her character a hopeful ending.

You can find more details about how TV shows handle character departures and other behind-the-scenes stories by exploring our site. Learn more about television production and cast changes on our site, and link to this page for more articles on popular sitcoms.

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