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For CBS‘ Bob Hearts Abishola, a shortened final season has — at least in one regard — turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
As previously reported, only Billy Gardell and Folake Olowofoyeku will return to their titular roles as series regulars for the sitcom’s final 13 episodes. The rest of the ensemble — which consists of Christine Ebersole (as Dottie), Matt Jones (as Douglas), Maribeth Monroe (as Christina), Vernee Watson (as Gloria), Shola Adewusi (as Auntie Olu), Barry Shabaka Henley (as Uncle Tunde), Travis Wolfe Jr. (as Dele), Anthony Okungbowa (as Kofo), Bayo Akinfemi (as Goodwin), Saidah Arrika Ekulona (as Ebunoluwa) and series co-creator Gina Yashere (as Kemi) — will now appear on a recurring basis, which has forced the writers to get creative.
“Before, when we had to get everybody in every episode, we would put characters in an episode and they would have two lines,” Yashere tells TVLine. “But now, because we have this concentrated number of episodes, when we include a character, we build a story around them. It’s a silver lining, as far as the writing is concerned.”
As co-showrunner Matt Ross puts it, “Our deep bench of series regulars was an embarrassment of riches. You had all these talented people that you felt you weren’t able to write to as deeply as you would like,” he explains. “Anybody from Barry Shabaka Henley [who plays Uncle Tunde] to Maribeth Monroe [who plays Bob’s sister Christina], any time you gave them the ball, they’d run with it. They’d do so well, and you’d say, ‘I wish they had three scenes and not one….’ And now, you get to say, ‘OK, this is the episode where Christina makes this big, huge, surprising decision about her future,’ and we follow what that looks like for her, and all of the emotions that come with it.
“It’s different [with 13 episodes],” Ross points out. “If we could only use everyone for 4-5 episodes each across 22, I think everybody, including the fans, would feel that a lot more than you feel it across 13.”
Bob Hearts Abishola started off as more of a two-hander — an unlikely love story about a middle-aged compression sock businessman (played by Mike & Molly vet Gardell) and his cardiac nurse (Olowofoyeku). Over time, the series blossomed into a true ensemble effort — and by Season 4, the cast had expanded to 13 series regulars.
CBS first announced B❤️A‘s fast-approaching end date in November. “It’s a testament to the incomparable Chuck Lorre, the amazing creative team led by Al Higgins, Gina Yashere and Matt Ross, and the talents of Billy Gardell, Folake Olowofoyeku and the entire cast for making this show and its characters come to life and resonate with viewers,” CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said in a statement at the time. “We plan to celebrate it this spring and give fans the most amazing episodes to remember it by.”
The series’ farewell run kicks off Monday, Feb. 12 at 8:30/7:30c, while its series finale is scheduled for May 13. Will you be watching?
Yes I will be watching.
You know, that makes sense. If you are paying someone as a regular, they get a paycheck if they say something or not. Recurring allows the writers to give person A a story line an a big plot, because A might not be in the next ep.
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Given the shortened nature of the TV shooting schedule this year, it works out because the actors are unlikely to get other jobs. In the past, like on West Wing, recurring actors just disappeared because they’d get a series regular job, or a movie role, and be gone with no explanation the next season.
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This would happen on Bob the NEXT year, but not THIS year.
The supporting cast was very funny. They can’t sustain the show. No chemistry.
If you MUST end Bob Hearts Abishola, consider a spin off with the aunt and uncle. They’re hilarious. Or the mother and sister. Or keep Bob. Love the show. Everyone is so good.
Love the aunt Olu & Uncle Tunde. They would be great at having a spin off with them. Not only are they funny, but those two have so much heart on the screen, and their love for each other & family is unmatched.
Will miss the show & ALL of this cast dearly
Boo on CBS for ending this amazing series
I completely agree! Why is CBS canceling one of their best shows? They seem to be making a habit of this poor decision making. Keep shows like this and drop some of the stupid reality shows!
Considering the loyal following of the show it’s really a disappointment to only have 13 episodes of these great characters. With all the crap on TV, I guess I don’t understand why we can’t have several more episodes to send these lovely people I’ve grown to adore with a proper send-off. 18 episodes would have been perfect. Shame on you CBS!!!
I absolutely love this show..I’m always on pins and needles with the characters..I’m so sad this is the final season. Good luck to all the actors. Xo
Sorry to see that this show is going to end. I looked forward to watching this every week. One of the better sitcoms in my opinion.
Yes, I will watch! 😍
I certainly will be watching. I love this show. I certainly am looking forward to a lovely and hopefully happy end for all of the cast members that we have grown to live.
I used to love the show but it hasn’t been the same. The character Kemi and uncle Tunde and wife are hilarious. Billy Gardell is a great comedian. They should of kept his previous show Mike and Molly and all of their cast.
Just don’t get how great shows like Bob Hearts Abishola & Young Sheldon, with such multi-dimensional characters, can be cancelled. Lightning in a bottle. So great!
So sad..love the show!
I don’t understand why it’s going off, it’s one of the most creative and hilarious shows on TV. I can only imagine it’s because CBS has gotten complaints about a white man and black woman being together. I going to miss it, young Sheldon and CBS because I am not watching shows on the channel anymore. Everytime there’s a good sitcom on it gets cancelled and shows like So Help me Todd stay on!!!
CBS is real sad.This show is so Entertaining inspiring Educational and full of Love Laughter and humor.
All the Actors are great .Cut other shows and leave this one alone.Maybe I need to call ABC and tell them to pick it up.What a shame I will be watching but this is ridiculous
So sad to see this show come to an end. Every episode had me laughing and have not missed one .Truly a gem and will miss watching every week…so entertaining.
Why does TV always cut the good shows, like Bob hearts Abishola, CSI Vegas, and so many more. I’m a bit angry. If another channel has sports and it takes away from current programming, not everyone likes sports hello! But the rest of us suffer the loss of my favorite shows.
I love that show so very much and really relly hate it is ending on a local channel. Yes I will be watching.