Looks like class is dismissed over at Community -- maybe for real this time.
Beloved by its cult following that was never quite big enough, the series will end its tumultuous run on NBC after its current fifth season, the network announced Friday. Though NBC’s cancellation is final, the show’s producer, Sony Pictures TV, can shop Community to other platforms (you can almost hear an exec saying “Get Netflix on the blower!” from here).
With that inevitable drama brewing -- Kickstarter? A Community movie? A web series? Trust us, these fans are never going to stop -- let’s take a minute to reflect on what the Community cast has already been through:
From its very beginnings and throughout its five seasons, Community was considered on the bubble for cancellation. It’s never had strong enough ratings to feel comfortable, leaving its stars to openly campaign on social media for viewers.
Its creator and mad genius showrunner Dan Harmon was booted from the show after Season 3, was clearly missed in a lackluster Season 4, and invited back for Season 5 -- becoming a renegade Internet folk hero along the way.
Then there was the Chevy Chase element of it all; the SNL funnyman was a fan favorite, but reportedly came to clash with Harmon and was difficult on set, parting with the show last season (though he would make guest appearances later).
It all dovetails with the show’s incessant absurdity: life imitating art imitating life imitating art.
Or as series star Joel McHale hyperbolically put it on Twitter:
— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) May 9, 2014
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