In what is sure to be tragic news for Community fans such as myself, NBC will reportedly not be renewing the comedy series, cancelling the program before it can reach its famous six season goal.
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What began as a half-serious running gag in season two became a seemingly pre-destined objective: the characters would often mention "six seasons and a movie" during episodes, referencing the outcome they desired for Community itself. Sadly, it's apparently not meant to be after all (at least not on NBC) according to sources such as Hotfix and TVLine.
Community was always on the bubble in regards to ratings despite consistent praise from critics, but the extremely passionate fanbase supported the show just enough for a new season each year. Unfortunately, this time around the ratings were just not strong enough to justify one last season from NBC's perspective.
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NBC and Sony abruptly fired show-runner and creative spirit Dan Harmon before season four, which lead to an underwhelming year of the program under the new writers. Somewhat surprisingly, a fifth season was ordered nonetheless along with the return of Harmon, and the show recovered much of the clever tone and off-beat writing that made it a cult hit in the first place.
Signs had been fairly positive for a season six renewal, with the cast seeming optimistic about reaching their goal. Given that, and the show's return to form this season, the cancellation does come as something of a surprise, even if Community's future was never certain.
There is hope, however. Speculation is rife with suggestions that Netflix could pick up the series for a final season, much like it did with Arrested Development. There's also the possibility that Sony shops the property to another network or streaming service, which has apparently been hinted at already, but we should all wait for anything other than rumors or suggestions before getting excited.
Six seasons and a movie may one day come true somehow, but it won't be on the network that has been its home since 2009.
