ABC Just Cancelled Its Best Sitcom
ABC is canceling The Goldbergs after 10 seasons on the network.
The Goldbergs will conclude their story at the end of the 10th season. The ABC show, which originally starred Jeff Garlin, has been on television since 2013 and will air its series finale on May 3. The cancellation news isn’t surprising, as renewals for sitcoms with an advanced tenure are not straightforward. The reasons are largely due to rising costs and declining ratings, Deadline explains.
Loosely based on series creator Adam F. Goldberg’s childhood, The Goldbergs is the longest-running live-action network comedy series currently on the air. But it hasn’t been without a few problems. In 2021, the comedy lost two core cast members. George Segal died due to complications from bypass surgery. And Jeff Garlin exited the show following multiple misconduct allegations and investigations.
Things got even more complicated when creator, Adam Goldberg, left the series after he exited his long-running overall contract at Sony Pictures Television. Without his heartfelt home videos at the helm of the series, the show struggled to find creative stories that resonated with viewers. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the producer signed a deal with Disney and will oversee The Muppets.
Fortunately, ABC signed new deals with Wendi McLendon-Covey, Sean Giambrone, Troy Gentile, Sam Lerner, and Hayley Orrantia to bring The Goldbergs back for a proper ending. Patton Oswalt also returned as the narrator. The story chronicles the life of the chaotic but loving titular family during the 1980s Regan era.
Season 10 will see all the Goldbergs back under the same roof, with Beverly (portrayed by Wendi McLendon-Covey) adjusting to being a grandmother. Speaking about the series finale, the actress said she was honored to be part of the popular sitcom for the last decade. “I’m so lucky to have had such a rewarding experience,” she said via Deadline.
Along with the rest of the cast, McLendon-Covey said she’s proud of what they accomplished with The Goldbergs. “I will miss my TV family and every last crew member,” she continued. The 53-year-old also thanked the brilliant writers for creating thoughtful story arcs over the years. “And thanks to all our fans for being so sweet and supportive. My heart is full,” she added.
Speaking to Variety, Craig Erwich, President of ABC Entertainment, Hulu, and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals, said the studio is extremely proud of the 10 years spent with The Goldbergs. “This is an incredible team and we’re so thankful for the joy and entertainment they brought,” he told the publication.
ABC will celebrate The Goldbergs’ final chapter along with the fans in the weeks ahead. Ending the series comes at a difficult time for the broadcast business. Major networks have only ordered a handful of comedies, as traditional pilot season volume continues to plummet.
The only ABC comedy series to be renewed so far is Abbott Elementary. Other series expected to get pickups are Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, The Rookie: Feds, The Good Doctor, and, its legal spinoff The Good Lawyer, Variety reports. Meanwhile, seasons one through nine of The Goldbergs are currently available to stream on Hulu.
