Overdoses, relapses, and rehab doesn't  sound like a recipe for a successful  
Overdoses, relapses, and rehab doesn't  sound like a recipe for a successful  

comedy - but Chuck Lorre pulled it off for  eight seasons with his smash hit "Mom."
comedy - but Chuck Lorre pulled it off for  eight seasons with his smash hit "Mom."

If you've ever dreamed of making it in showbiz and  need a bit of inspiration, check out Chuck Lorre's  
If you've ever dreamed of making it in showbiz and  need a bit of inspiration, check out Chuck Lorre's  

story. Lorre, the creator of "Mom," along with a  host of other hit sitcoms, spent many years broke  
story. Lorre, the creator of "Mom," along with a  host of other hit sitcoms, spent many years broke  

and struggling before finally breaking through in  his mid-30s. As he told the Lansing State Journal:
and struggling before finally breaking through in  his mid-30s. As he told the Lansing State Journal:

"I remember vividly what it's like to put 38 cents  
"I remember vividly what it's like to put 38 cents  

in the gas tank and drive to my second  cousin's house, so they would feed me."
in the gas tank and drive to my second  cousin's house, so they would feed me."

Before hitting it big in television, however,  Lorre spent some time dabbling in another  
Before hitting it big in television, however,  Lorre spent some time dabbling in another  

creative profession – songwriting. And if  you're wondering whether any of his songs  
creative profession – songwriting. And if  you're wondering whether any of his songs  

became well-known, we've got four words  for you: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
became well-known, we've got four words  for you: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

Yes, if you've ever gotten the "Teenage Mutant  Ninja Turtles" theme song stuck in your head,  
Yes, if you've ever gotten the "Teenage Mutant  Ninja Turtles" theme song stuck in your head,  

you can thank Lorre, who co-wrote the catchy  song that helped define the franchise. As  
you can thank Lorre, who co-wrote the catchy  song that helped define the franchise. As  

for his comedy-writing dream, that  didn't really happen until he got  
for his comedy-writing dream, that  didn't really happen until he got  

a job writing for the groundbreaking sitcom  "Roseanne," a major break that opened doors,  
a job writing for the groundbreaking sitcom  "Roseanne," a major break that opened doors,  

launching him on a career  trajectory like no other.
launching him on a career  trajectory like no other.

After Roseanne, Lorre went on to become one of  the most successful sitcom creators in history,  
After Roseanne, Lorre went on to become one of  the most successful sitcom creators in history,  

responsible for the hits "Grace Under  Fire," "Cybill," and "Dharma and Greg."  
responsible for the hits "Grace Under  Fire," "Cybill," and "Dharma and Greg."  

But Lorre really hit the jackpot with "Two  and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory,"  
But Lorre really hit the jackpot with "Two  and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory,"  

the pair of megahits which gave him the  Hollywood cred to make "Mom" happen. And  
the pair of megahits which gave him the  Hollywood cred to make "Mom" happen. And  

even though Lorre is a rarity – a sitcom  svengali with multiple mega-hits under  
even though Lorre is a rarity – a sitcom  svengali with multiple mega-hits under  

his belt – any aspiring writer can find  inspiration in his rags-to-riches tale.
his belt – any aspiring writer can find  inspiration in his rags-to-riches tale.

Before "Mom," Anna Faris was best known for  her roles in comedies like "Just Friends,"  
Before "Mom," Anna Faris was best known for  her roles in comedies like "Just Friends,"  

"The House Bunny," and the "Scary Movie"  franchise. With her distinctive comedic  
"The House Bunny," and the "Scary Movie"  franchise. With her distinctive comedic  

chops and bubbly blonde persona, she was  the first actor CBS approached for "Mom."
chops and bubbly blonde persona, she was  the first actor CBS approached for "Mom."

Faris told PopSugar that her husband at the time,  
Faris told PopSugar that her husband at the time,  

actor Chris Pratt, actually read  the script for "Mom" before she did,  
actor Chris Pratt, actually read  the script for "Mom" before she did,  

and by the time he got to the second page he was  convinced the role was perfect for her, saying:
and by the time he got to the second page he was  convinced the role was perfect for her, saying:

"Honey, whatever you're doing,  stop now and read this."
"Honey, whatever you're doing,  stop now and read this."

Even though television has come a long way  since the days where everything edgy was on HBO,  
Even though television has come a long way  since the days where everything edgy was on HBO,  

Faris and Janney agreed that "Mom"  dealt with risky issues for a network  
Faris and Janney agreed that "Mom"  dealt with risky issues for a network  

sitcom during a joint interview  with Larry King. When King asked  
sitcom during a joint interview  with Larry King. When King asked  

Faris if she was ever surprised by the  content of the show, she revealed that  
Faris if she was ever surprised by the  content of the show, she revealed that  

she was constantly shocked by how far the  writers were willing to push it, saying:
she was constantly shocked by how far the  writers were willing to push it, saying:

"On a weekly basis when we get the new scripts I  always say, 'Are we sure CBS is okay with this?'"
"On a weekly basis when we get the new scripts I  always say, 'Are we sure CBS is okay with this?'"

Before "Mom," Allison Janney was best known for
Before "Mom," Allison Janney was best known for

her role as White House press secretary Claudia  Jean Cregg, also known as CJ, on "The West Wing."
her role as White House press secretary Claudia  Jean Cregg, also known as CJ, on "The West Wing."

Fans may be surprised to learn that  she didn't have her breakthrough role  
Fans may be surprised to learn that  she didn't have her breakthrough role  

on the "West Wing," until she was 40,  which is pretty unusual by Hollywood  
on the "West Wing," until she was 40,  which is pretty unusual by Hollywood  

standards. Janney did have a steady stream  of supporting movie and TV roles before then,  
standards. Janney did have a steady stream  of supporting movie and TV roles before then,  

but nothing as big as "The West  Wing," which eventually led to "Mom."
but nothing as big as "The West  Wing," which eventually led to "Mom."

On "Mom," Allison Janney's character,  
On "Mom," Allison Janney's character,  

Bonnie, had long, flowing auburn hair. Her coif  actually became synonymous with the character,  
Bonnie, had long, flowing auburn hair. Her coif  actually became synonymous with the character,  

which was a bit ironic considering that  it's not even Janney's real hair. Yup,  
which was a bit ironic considering that  it's not even Janney's real hair. Yup,  

the actor was wearing a wig the whole time  — and her co-workers didn't even know!
the actor was wearing a wig the whole time  — and her co-workers didn't even know!

Janney's real hair is actually a  beautiful shade of natural silver,  
Janney's real hair is actually a  beautiful shade of natural silver,  

and when she showed up on set without the wig  one day, the producers apparently freaked.  
and when she showed up on set without the wig  one day, the producers apparently freaked.  

During an appearance on "The Tonight Show  Starring Jimmy Fallon," Janney told the tale.
During an appearance on "The Tonight Show  Starring Jimmy Fallon," Janney told the tale.

“'What are we gonna do, you should've asked  us before changing your hair!' I'm like,  
“'What are we gonna do, you should've asked  us before changing your hair!' I'm like,  

guys, I've been wearing a wig since  season one, but nobody knew it!"
guys, I've been wearing a wig since  season one, but nobody knew it!"

As a recovering addict himself, "Mom"  was a very personal show for Chuck Lorre,  
As a recovering addict himself, "Mom"  was a very personal show for Chuck Lorre,  

who got sober himself at the  age of 47. As he told TV Guide:
who got sober himself at the  age of 47. As he told TV Guide:

"Sobriety is a big part of my life, and  it's been that way for almost 13 years…I'm  
"Sobriety is a big part of my life, and  it's been that way for almost 13 years…I'm  

eternally grateful I've been  able to find this in my life."
eternally grateful I've been  able to find this in my life."

"I am trying so hard. I quit  drinking, I'm going to meetings…"
"I am trying so hard. I quit  drinking, I'm going to meetings…"

As far as how his personal recovery journey  relates to "Mom," Lorre told IndieWire:
As far as how his personal recovery journey  relates to "Mom," Lorre told IndieWire:

"Broken people trying to repair their lives,  
"Broken people trying to repair their lives,  

I can relate to that. I think we're all  in the process of doing a little mending."
I can relate to that. I think we're all  in the process of doing a little mending."

"Excuse me, no one's going to be  snorting any fat rails while I'm here."
"Excuse me, no one's going to be  snorting any fat rails while I'm here."

And, as Janney told IndieWire  in another interview:
And, as Janney told IndieWire  in another interview:

"It feels like a very grown-up show for  [Chuck Lorre]. I had no idea that we  
"It feels like a very grown-up show for  [Chuck Lorre]. I had no idea that we  

were going to be going to the places  that we've gotten to go with 'Mom.'"
were going to be going to the places  that we've gotten to go with 'Mom.'"

In showbusiness, like any other business, success  breeds success. And in Chuck Lorre’s case,  
In showbusiness, like any other business, success  breeds success. And in Chuck Lorre’s case,  

having so many hits on his resume gave him  the freedom to take on riskier stuff — in  
having so many hits on his resume gave him  the freedom to take on riskier stuff — in  

other words, shows like "Two and a Half  Men" gave him the freedom to make "Mom."
other words, shows like "Two and a Half  Men" gave him the freedom to make "Mom."

Lorre told IndieWire that to challenge  himself creatively, he needed to tackle  
Lorre told IndieWire that to challenge  himself creatively, he needed to tackle  

something different, something that would  force him to step into new areas of comedy.
something different, something that would  force him to step into new areas of comedy.

"I am at a point in my career where I can take  some chances...If you're going to experiment,  
"I am at a point in my career where I can take  some chances...If you're going to experiment,  

do something that is meaningful to you. If you  fail, you did something meaningful to you."
do something that is meaningful to you. If you  fail, you did something meaningful to you."

And with "Mom," he did just that.
And with "Mom," he did just that.

"Someone's spoiling themselves."
"Someone's spoiling themselves."

"It's for my mom. She's a drug  addict who just got out of jail."
"It's for my mom. She's a drug  addict who just got out of jail."

"aw!"
"aw!"

Back in the 1970s, legendary TV producer Norman  Lear was a household name. He had many creations  
Back in the 1970s, legendary TV producer Norman  Lear was a household name. He had many creations  

to his name, but none as groundbreaking  as "All in the Family," which dealt with  
to his name, but none as groundbreaking  as "All in the Family," which dealt with  

topical issues and proved that TV sitcoms  could be intelligent and thought provoking.
topical issues and proved that TV sitcoms  could be intelligent and thought provoking.

Chuck Lorre often credits Lear for inspiring  him to create similarly edgy sitcoms – proving  
Chuck Lorre often credits Lear for inspiring  him to create similarly edgy sitcoms – proving  

to the world that television doesn’t have  to be predictable, and it doesn’t need to  
to the world that television doesn’t have  to be predictable, and it doesn’t need to  

be insulting to the intelligence of the  audience. In an interview with Variety,  
be insulting to the intelligence of the  audience. In an interview with Variety,  

Lorre said that with "Mom," he wanted  to tell stories that could take place  
Lorre said that with "Mom," he wanted  to tell stories that could take place  

in what he calls a "Norman Lear world," in  other words – realism, rather than fantasy.
in what he calls a "Norman Lear world," in  other words – realism, rather than fantasy.

"You know the definition of insanity…"
"You know the definition of insanity…"

"Yes I know the definition  of insanity I live with you!"
"Yes I know the definition  of insanity I live with you!"

Lear, now 100 years old and  someone Lorre considers a friend,  
Lear, now 100 years old and  someone Lorre considers a friend,  

brought a reality to the sitcom  format that had never been seen  
brought a reality to the sitcom  format that had never been seen  

before. And much like Lorre has done with  "Mom," Lear made history tackling tough  
before. And much like Lorre has done with  "Mom," Lear made history tackling tough  

subjects on TV as well. In an interview  with the Los Angeles Times, Lear noted:
subjects on TV as well. In an interview  with the Los Angeles Times, Lear noted:

"People will tell you you can't do  just about anything — mention abortion,  
"People will tell you you can't do  just about anything — mention abortion,  

have a gay character, write funny  about cancer. You do it anyway."
have a gay character, write funny  about cancer. You do it anyway."

"Christy Plunkett. Jill's sponsor.  But I'm not 'sponsible for this."
"Christy Plunkett. Jill's sponsor.  But I'm not 'sponsible for this."

It was a big surprise to the viewers of "Mom" that  the character of Jodi, played by Emily Osment,  
It was a big surprise to the viewers of "Mom" that  the character of Jodi, played by Emily Osment,  

had a fatal overdose and died on the show. At that  point, Jodi had reached six months of sobriety.
had a fatal overdose and died on the show. At that  point, Jodi had reached six months of sobriety.

Lorre has said it was decided that Jodi would  have an overdose when she was first introduced  
Lorre has said it was decided that Jodi would  have an overdose when she was first introduced  

to the show. He explained the reasoning  behind this in an interview with TV Insider:
to the show. He explained the reasoning  behind this in an interview with TV Insider:

"Recovery from addiction is fragile. The  one day at a time trope is sadly true;  
"Recovery from addiction is fragile. The  one day at a time trope is sadly true;  

it's a vulnerable state of being that  requires vigilance. You can't ignore it."
it's a vulnerable state of being that  requires vigilance. You can't ignore it."

The entire cast of "Mom" was heartbroken when  they read the script and realized that Jodi was  
The entire cast of "Mom" was heartbroken when  they read the script and realized that Jodi was  

going to die on the show. Not only did they love  the character, but they loved Osment as well.
going to die on the show. Not only did they love  the character, but they loved Osment as well.

It was a challenge for the writers of "Mom"  to figure out how to bring tragedy to the  
It was a challenge for the writers of "Mom"  to figure out how to bring tragedy to the  

show and then go back to being a comedy, but  ultimately, Jodi's death showed that life goes on.
show and then go back to being a comedy, but  ultimately, Jodi's death showed that life goes on.

Laughter is contagious, and the shared experience  of laughing can make a comedy even funnier. This  
Laughter is contagious, and the shared experience  of laughing can make a comedy even funnier. This  

is why it was so hard to shoot "Mom" when the  COVD-19 pandemic took away its live audience.
is why it was so hard to shoot "Mom" when the  COVD-19 pandemic took away its live audience.

"Something I said changed the  course of your life for the better."
"Something I said changed the  course of your life for the better."

"Feels like it."
"Feels like it."

"Are you listening to this?!?"
"Are you listening to this?!?"

Veteran TV director James Widdoes, who helmed  episodes of "Mom," agreed with that assessment.  
Veteran TV director James Widdoes, who helmed  episodes of "Mom," agreed with that assessment.  

Speaking to Variety, he called shooting the  sitcom during the pandemic a "logistical  
Speaking to Variety, he called shooting the  sitcom during the pandemic a "logistical  

challenge" like no other. Gemma Baker, the  co-creator of "Mom," told Deadline that  
challenge" like no other. Gemma Baker, the  co-creator of "Mom," told Deadline that  

not having a live audience was one of the  hardest parts of finally ending the series.
not having a live audience was one of the  hardest parts of finally ending the series.

"An audience was so much a part of what we  did and this whole season we missed them.  
"An audience was so much a part of what we  did and this whole season we missed them.  

It really was a huge loss to not have that  energy and feedback and laughter. It would  
It really was a huge loss to not have that  energy and feedback and laughter. It would  

have been great if we [could've] ended  the season in front of a live audience."
have been great if we [could've] ended  the season in front of a live audience."

When Anna Faris announced she was leaving  "Mom" after seven seasons, it was a big shock,  
When Anna Faris announced she was leaving  "Mom" after seven seasons, it was a big shock,  

to say the least. And while it's hard for a  show to survive when a lead character leaves,  
to say the least. And while it's hard for a  show to survive when a lead character leaves,  

it isn't unheard of. Similar to Chuck Lorre's  other hit sitcom, "Two and a Half Men," "Mom"  
it isn't unheard of. Similar to Chuck Lorre's  other hit sitcom, "Two and a Half Men," "Mom"  

was able to hang in there for a little  while longer, putting out one more season.
was able to hang in there for a little  while longer, putting out one more season.

However, co-creator Gemma Baker wishes they  could've done more with Christy, telling Deadline:
However, co-creator Gemma Baker wishes they  could've done more with Christy, telling Deadline:

"There were so many things that we  wanted to address that we didn't get  
"There were so many things that we  wanted to address that we didn't get  

a chance to…if we had a little more  time we would have gotten a chance…"
a chance to…if we had a little more  time we would have gotten a chance…"

One storyline fans missed out on was  seeing how Christy would've done at  
One storyline fans missed out on was  seeing how Christy would've done at  

Georgetown University Law School.  Baker described how she imagined it:  
Georgetown University Law School.  Baker described how she imagined it:  

Christy would've faced some challenges  – but ultimately would've overcome them.  
Christy would've faced some challenges  – but ultimately would've overcome them.  

Baker went on to tell Deadline how  she envisioned closure for Christy:
Baker went on to tell Deadline how  she envisioned closure for Christy:

"I like to think that [Christy] got into a happy  
"I like to think that [Christy] got into a happy  

and healthy relationship and that she  is still a part of her mother's life."
and healthy relationship and that she  is still a part of her mother's life."

Fans can have  
Fans can have  

a lot of power when it comes to saving a  show. Case in point? The original "Star  
a lot of power when it comes to saving a  show. Case in point? The original "Star  

Trek" series. About to be canceled after  the second season, NBC's deluge of letters  
Trek" series. About to be canceled after  the second season, NBC's deluge of letters  

from fans begging the network to keep it on  saved it. The cop drama "Cagney and Lacey"  
from fans begging the network to keep it on  saved it. The cop drama "Cagney and Lacey"  

has a similar story – after it was canceled,  a letter writing campaign kept it on the air.
has a similar story – after it was canceled,  a letter writing campaign kept it on the air.

And when "Mom" was officially canceled  in February 2021, fans mobilized with a  
And when "Mom" was officially canceled  in February 2021, fans mobilized with a  

50,000 signature petition. And those fans who were  in recovery were particularly passionate. To them,  
50,000 signature petition. And those fans who were  in recovery were particularly passionate. To them,  

it was important for the show to remain  on the air, because of the fact that so  
it was important for the show to remain  on the air, because of the fact that so  

many addicts were struggling during  the pandemic. As the petition stated:
many addicts were struggling during  the pandemic. As the petition stated:

"'Mom' has been a crucial voice in de-stigmatizing  addiction. This show has no doubt saved countless  
"'Mom' has been a crucial voice in de-stigmatizing  addiction. This show has no doubt saved countless  

lives by promoting substance abuse recovery  and encouraging people to seek help."
lives by promoting substance abuse recovery  and encouraging people to seek help."

While the show did end up going off the air,  
While the show did end up going off the air,  

the spirit of "Mom," and how it gave a  voice to people in recovery, will carry on.
the spirit of "Mom," and how it gave a  voice to people in recovery, will carry on.

A lot of sitcoms have endings  where everything ends up just fine,  
A lot of sitcoms have endings  where everything ends up just fine,  

and everyone lives happily ever  after. But for a show like "Mom,"  
and everyone lives happily ever  after. But for a show like "Mom,"  

having everything wrapped up with a neat  little bow at the end just wouldn't work.
having everything wrapped up with a neat  little bow at the end just wouldn't work.

"My name is Bonnie, and I'm a grateful alcoholic."
"My name is Bonnie, and I'm a grateful alcoholic."

Co-creator Gemma Baker also didn't  want a convenient ending for the show,  
Co-creator Gemma Baker also didn't  want a convenient ending for the show,  

telling the Hollywood Reporter:
telling the Hollywood Reporter:

"Because of the nature of the show, it  didn't feel truthful to have an ending  
"Because of the nature of the show, it  didn't feel truthful to have an ending  

where everything is tied up, because  the show has always really been about  
where everything is tied up, because  the show has always really been about  

reality and characters showing  up for life on life's terms."
reality and characters showing  up for life on life's terms."

"I think it's true what we say here,  'don't leave before the miracle.'"
"I think it's true what we say here,  'don't leave before the miracle.'"

"Yuchh."
"Yuchh."

Baker recalled how the finale was hard to put  together because they wanted to bring the show  
Baker recalled how the finale was hard to put  together because they wanted to bring the show  

to a close in a way that was meaningful  and that did the best for the characters  
to a close in a way that was meaningful  and that did the best for the characters  

and the audience as well, a challenging  feat even under the best of circumstances,  
and the audience as well, a challenging  feat even under the best of circumstances,  

made more difficult by the  sudden departure of the lead.
made more difficult by the  sudden departure of the lead.

"We'll be there, every step of the way." "Damn straight."
"We'll be there, every step of the way." "Damn straight."

But it could also be seen as fitting, how, in the  
But it could also be seen as fitting, how, in the  

end, the characters and the creative staff  had to make the best of a tough situation,  
end, the characters and the creative staff  had to make the best of a tough situation,  

and deal with life – on life's terms.
and deal with life – on life's terms.

"FORGIVEN."
"FORGIVEN."