Now, before anyone can say NBC didn’t give “Community” a chance, they did—several times over. Though it developed a vocal and earnest cult following, the Dan Harmon-created show never managed to hit the mainstream with any impact, and bless their hearts, NBC really tried to throw a lifeline to the show. But repeatedly, the show served up low ratings, and Dan Harmon exiting for season four and returning for season five did little to boost the fortunes of the show (though it did outperform “Parks and Recreation” this season, which got renewed but is arguably much more syndication friendly). And now, it’s no more.
NBC has formally cancelled the sitcom, with fans left to treasure the five seasons they got, while mourning that the six-seasons-and-a-movie dream will likely not come to pass. That said, this spring there was chatter NBC was going to renew “Community” for a sixth season, with optimistic talk of a film actually happening, and Justin Lin eyed to get behind camera (he’s the “Fast & Furious” director who has also helmed plenty of “Community” episodes). But we’d wager that’s not on the table, though we’re sure fans will still be calling for a feature to happen.
So pour one out for “Community.” It was good to know you while you were around. And don’t be too bummed—there are apparently very faint rumblings that Netflix or a similar service might step in. But don’t cling too hard to that hope just yet. [Deadline]