If a social media post by one of her colleagues is to be believed, Melissa McCarthy won’t be spending anymore time working on the CBS sitcom “Mike & Molly.” The network already cut short an episode order for the show’s sixth season, and according to Rondi Reed, the actress who plays Mike’s (Billy Gardell’s) mother on the show, “Mike & Molly” will be canceled once the current season ends.
In a Facebook post from Dec. 9, Reed wrote:
“Before you hear it elsewhere (and some already have) this is the final and sixth season of MIKE & MOLLY on CBS. It is also a shortened season (13 episodes) after the announced full renewal of 22 episodes back in March by the network. We are done taping as of Jan. 27th, 2016, and I am not sure exactly when/if the episodes will all be aired. The network has its reasons, and I will not get into a debate, discussion, or campaign to get them to change their minds. 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. It is a fact and we have known for a few weeks. 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) six seasons. Stewart Talent has guided me every step of the way on this journey, and for that I am also forever grateful.”
This probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise for anyone who’s been paying attention to McCarthy’s fiery career lately. This year, Forbes declared her the third-highest paid actress in the world behind Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett Johansson.
Even though many came to love her as Sookie St. James on “Gilmore Girls,” things really took off for her after “Bridesmaids.” When she won an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series in 2011, it really did seem as though the award was actually an excuse to celebrate McCarthy’s film success that year.
So what’s next for McCarthy?
Even though we’ve steadily been closing the gap between film and television stardom, McCarthy and the end of a conventional sitcom like “Mike & Molly” is an example of the old rarefied model of making the leap from television to becoming a full-on movie star.
“Mike & Molly” served as a nice bit of insurance that allowed McCarthy to do “Tammy,” her first film directed by her husband, Ben Falcone. It didn’t get the same reception as her collaborations with Paul Feig (“Heat,” “Bridesmaids” and “Spy”), but at this point the couple is secure enough to attempt a do-over.
Falcone directed McCarthy in the Suze Orman spoof, “The Boss,” which lands April 8. She’s also the voice of Watts in the animated feature “B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations.”
On top of everything else, she recently made headlines again after debuting her plus-size clothing line, Seven7, in August. McCarthy recently appeared in new ads for the line’s holiday-inspired wear after having lost 50 pounds and looking happier and more vibrant than ever.
