The Goldbergs actress Wendi McLendon-Covey breaks her silence on her former co-star Jeff Garlin's exit from the series while replying to a viewer criticizing the show's handling of it. For 9 seasons now, The Goldbergs has reigned as one of ABC's biggest comedies. The 80s-set series covers the adventures of the titular family, which is led by McLendon-Covey's overbearing matriarch Beverly and Garlin's Murray. The cast is further rounded out by Sean Giambrone, Troy Gentile, Hayley Orrantia, and Sam Lerner. The current season has seen The Goldbergs honoring the late George Segal, who played Beverly's father.
The Goldbergs season 9 has also had to contend with the surprise departure of Garlin. After revealing he had been the subject of an HR investigation over inappropriate on-set behavior, Garlin exited The Goldbergs in what was called a mutual decision back in December. Rather than have Murray somehow leave alongside him, the series has continued on with body doubles and previously shot footage standing in for Murray during major scenes. However, it hasn't been a very smooth transition, as some have begun to note on social media.
After a Goldbergs viewer outright said the series should either be cancelled or kill off Murray, McLendon-Covey spoke out about Garlin's exit on social media. The actress didn't mince words, stating season 9 threw everyone for a loop because "a.) it's hard to incorporate someone who doesn't want to be there and wants to leave mid-scene, and b.) we werent about to re-write the 2nd half of the season." McLendon-Covey concluded by saying everyone involved is just doing their best and let that be her final words on the matter for the time being.
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McLendon-Covey's mention that Garlin is "someone who doesn't want to be there" fits in with a report that stated he declined to return for his final episode to complete his scenes. In fact, Garlin's ambivalence about The Goldbergs appeared to be a sentiment that had been brewing for some time, as he also mocked the series in a stand-up routine prior to his departure. For the co-stars he had worked with for 9 years, it must've been incredibly frustrating to witness his exit with little to no say in the matter. Garlin doesn't seem to have given The Goldbergs much thought in this entire situation, so McLendon-Covey's blunt response to his leaving makes sense.
The Goldbergs season 9 still has plenty of episodes in store; ABC gave it an additional episode order, bringing the overall count to 22. There hasn't been word yet on if it will return for season 10, but many are already wondering how the series will handle Garlin's absence if it does get the greenlight to continue on. The Goldbergs has been an ABC staple for years now, and it would be a shame to see it go just because of one star's poor behavior. Still, the decision rests with ABC, and only time will tell how it goes.
The Goldbergs season 9 airs new episodes Wednesdays on ABC.
Source: Wendi McLendon-Covey/Twitter
