America Ferrera to exit 'Superstore' after five seasons: 'The most rewarding, enriching, enjoyable years'
There's some unfortunate news for 'Superstore' fans. America Ferrera is all set to leave the NBC comedy series, just after the conclusion of the fifth season.
Ferrera, who had been with the show since it launched, was also the executive producer. She had directed multiple episodes as well.
In a statement, Ferrera said, "The last five years on ‘Superstore’ have been some of the most rewarding, enriching and enjoyable years of my career. Producing, directing and acting with this wonderful cast and crew has given me opportunities to grow as a person and storyteller. I’m so grateful to my partners at NBC and Universal Television for the support and belief they have always placed in the show, and I’m most thankful to the brilliant Justin Spitzer for creating the funny, smart and relevant world of ‘Superstore’ and inviting me to be a part of it. As I start the next chapter for my family and career, I wish only the best, and much continued success, to my beloved ‘Superstore’ family."
The exit is just two weeks after it was announced that NBC was renewing the show for a sixth season. Currently, the show averages a 1.1 rating in adults and 3.8 million viewers in the Nielsen Live+ 7 ratings. The premiere of the fifth season has risen to a 3.4 rating with 7.5 million viewers.
Lisa Katz and Tracey Pakosta, co-presidents of scripted programming at NBC Entertainment, had some heartwarming things to say about Ferrera. "America’s immeasurable contributions to ‘Superstore,’ both in front of and behind the camera as well as an ambassador for the show, can’t possibly be quantified. We feel so fortunate to call her both a colleague and friend."
'Superstore' follows the lives of employees working at Cloud 9, a fictional big-box store in St. Louis, Missouri. Along with Ben Feldman, the ensemble and supporting cast includes Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn, Nico Santos, Nichole Bloom, Mark McKinney, and Kaliko Kauahi.