Community Season 5: Donald Glover Not Returning Full Time — Who's Gonna Tell Abed?

Michael Ausiello

Abed is not going to like this. Not one bit.

Donald Glover (Troy) will not be returning to Community full-time in Season 5, TVLine has confirmed.

According to Vulture, which first broke the news, Glover — who wants to devote more time to his Childish Gambino-fueled music career — will only appear in five of the show’s upcoming 13 episodes.

Word of Glover’s reduced schedule comes roughly a month after series creator Dan Harmon inked a deal to return as showrunner (after sitting Season 4 out).

Thoughts? Does this unfortunate development dampen your enthusiasm for Season 5? Also, should Community find Abed a new BFF to fill the eight-episode void? Hit the comments!

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Tags: Community, Donald Glover, NBC

Comments (106)

But….what will Abed do?!?!
Comment by ktbanks – July 8, 2013 01:12 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Hopefully, spend more time with that girl from the Sophie B Hawkins dance.
  On good shows, cast changes can greatly extend the series life and keep it interesting: Cheers, M*A*S*H, E.R.
  Comment by rockgolf – July 9, 2013 08:25 AM PDT Reply To This Post
I love Childish Gambino’s music, but darn it… He couldn’t have just waited a few more months? I’m sure this is probably going to be the final season of Community.
Comment by Joel – July 8, 2013 01:13 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- I know, that seems like kind of a dick move. You couldn’t just stick around for like 10 episodes, I mean come one.
  Comment by Elly – July 8, 2013 02:03 PM PDT Reply To This Post
  - Exactly, it doesn’t take long to film 13 episodes. I have been waiting for his ego to outgrow this role and it appears now is that time. Gambino is okay, but not great, certainly not better than Community.
    Comment by Ethan – July 8, 2013 11:22 PM PDT Reply To This Post
… What? How do they not have his contract locked up so he can’t do this? I mean, I understand he wants to further his career, but Troy isn’t even going to be in half the season? Plus no Pierce (which I am fine with)? This show will hardly even feel like Community anymore.
Comment by Rebecca Parker – July 8, 2013 01:13 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- From what I understand, they could have demanded he appear in all the episodes but they chose not to. Probably a money-saving decision. But yeah, I agree, I’m quickly losing enthusiasm for Season 5.
  Comment by DL – July 8, 2013 02:35 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I believe I speak for everyone when I say: “WHAT THE HELL?”
Comment by Sean – July 8, 2013 01:14 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Nooooooooooooooooo… this is the darkest timeline.
Comment by ElKabong – July 8, 2013 01:14 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- LOL!! Good one.
  Comment by S – July 9, 2013 06:14 AM PDT Reply To This Post
This is so disappointing…
Comment by Katherine – July 8, 2013 01:14 PM PDT Reply To This Post
NoooOOOOOooooo!!!
Comment by Aleksa – July 8, 2013 01:15 PM PDT Reply To This Post
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Joseph Felix – July 8, 2013 01:15 PM PDT Reply To This Post
What the hell am I supposed to do with this Troy & Abed In The Morning mug when it’s just Abed In The Morning?
Comment by TigerNightmare – July 8, 2013 01:16 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Comment by tripoli – July 8, 2013 02:32 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- I’m predicting a life-sized Troy cutout. Or perhaps a… doll?
  Comment by DL – July 8, 2013 02:35 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Seriously. Troy was my favorite and the only time I’ve liked Abed is when he was with Troy. This hurts my feelings.
  Comment by Ari – July 8, 2013 03:56 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Excellent question.
  Yeah. There is nothing right about this news at all . Damnit, why does this show always have to have some sort of bad news following it around?
  Comment by Angela – July 8, 2013 06:20 PM PDT Reply To This Post
And so it begins. I have a feeling that this is the first of many actors who won’t be full time on the show and will just eventually leave. Here’s hoping this is the final season and that it just ends without letting the show fall further into mediocrity.
Comment by Akwete Purrmusk (@BetaRayBob) – July 8, 2013 01:16 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Nooooooooooooooooooooooo
Comment by T.t – July 8, 2013 01:16 PM PDT Reply To This Post
He hasn’t been at any panels for ‘Community’ in a long time. It was starting to become obvious that he was tired of the show. Disappointing to fans that kept the show going and therefore, allowed him to build a career in music. Not cool, Donald. You could have waited.
Comment by Ashley – July 8, 2013 01:17 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- implying he owes you something.
  Comment by Nick C – July 9, 2013 11:21 AM PDT Reply To This Post
  - A lot of people bought his music who otherwise wouldn’t have, just because he was on Community. He is a talented rapper, but he certainly has a much larger fanbase because of his role on the show.
    Comment by Sg. Grant – July 9, 2013 02:02 PM PDT Reply To This Post
    - Yes, but his success in his role on the show is down in large part to his performance (from the commentaries it’s clear he even comes up with a sizeable proportion of his jokes). We watch it because we want to, not to do him a favour.
      Comment by Topaz – July 10, 2013 05:18 AM PDT Reply To This Post
I freaking knew he didn’t enjoy it.
Comment by D'Arcy – July 8, 2013 01:20 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Weird to say its “Gambino-esque” when he is Childish Gambino.
Comment by Whom – July 8, 2013 01:20 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Five episodes, huh? Maybe I’m crazy, but I have a theory.

A person who is on a show as a main cast member, can only make up to five appearances on another show (which is why Maggie Lawson will only be on 5 episodes of Psych this season). This very well might mean he will have a main role on another show (my guess, the upcoming FX series The Comedians).
Comment by Zach – July 8, 2013 01:21 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- A while ago there was talk he was developing a show with someone (can’t remember the station). Although not heard anything since.
  Comment by Ashley – July 8, 2013 01:29 PM PDT Reply To This Post
  - It was with NBC. They ordered a put pilot, and came very close to ordering an actual pilot, but it got passed on. I don’t think he was going to star in it though.
    Comment by Zach – July 8, 2013 02:16 PM PDT Reply To This Post
It’s a DOA show. Why NBC and Sony can’t hold actors and creators? Why everyone else does?
Comment by Maxim Knyazev – July 8, 2013 01:22 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Sorry. A mistake.
  Why everyone else can?
  Comment by Maxim Knyazev – July 8, 2013 01:25 PM PDT Reply To This Post
  - Afraid the grammar’s still wrong – I think you wanted to say “why can’t NBC and Sony hold actors and creators? Why can everyone else?”
    
    I don’t agree with your point though – I still think this season has potential, but this is definitely a major kink in the works. Still, being on Community the last couple of years must have been pretty stressful. Most actors stick around on a TV show past their contractual obligation because they can’t guarantee they’ll have as good a job after they leave. Glover is obviously doing very well in his music career as well, and in the end he has to go with what feels right for him.
    Comment by Topaz – July 8, 2013 01:29 PM PDT Reply To This Post
This is very sad news, but it’s a strong cast, and they wrote around Pierce’s absences well last year, so it’s not a complete Troygedy. I wish it were more than five episodes, though…
Comment by TV Gord – July 8, 2013 01:24 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- After posting this, I realized that I’m sadder than I expressed. The idea of not having a regular dose of Troy and Abed in every episode is depressing.
  Comment by TV Gord – July 8, 2013 01:32 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Because Pierce was wildly unpopular. Troy is wildly popular. He’s also 1/2 of the core duo of the show. You can’t just have him missing.
  Comment by Rebecca Parker – July 8, 2013 01:44 PM PDT Reply To This Post
  - I’m sure they’ll find clever ways to write him out. I can see an entire episode where he just rounded a corner in the hallway or spent the whole show in bed with the covers over his head. There are ways around it. I have faith in the show. I’m not going to begrudge Glover following his passion, especially when this is likely to be the show’s final season.
    Comment by TV Gord – July 8, 2013 04:16 PM PDT Reply To This Post
  - I actually liked Pierce and thought they did a terrible time writing around his absence. It could not have been more obvious that the people in charge of writing around him despised the character.
    Comment by Ari – July 8, 2013 04:47 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I need help reacting to this.
Comment by Pepper – July 8, 2013 01:24 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Oh wow, that’s really sad. Donald Glover is a phenomenal talent. He was hugely wasted last year, though. And I have no idea if that’s because he had already reduced his commitment or because the writers weren’t interested in his character. But damn, the episodes without him just won’t be the same.
Comment by Topaz – July 8, 2013 01:26 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Cruel…cruel, cruel, cruel.
Comment by Michael Sacal – July 8, 2013 01:26 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Who made this decision: Donald Glover, “Community”, or NBC?
Comment by thestormwithin (@thestormwithin) – July 8, 2013 01:33 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- it literally says Glover did it because he wants to devote more time to his music career. Seriously read the dam article before you react
  Comment by ggny – July 8, 2013 01:43 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Read the article – Glover wanted more time off to focus on his music career and then Sony agreed b/c it saved them money.
  Comment by C – July 8, 2013 01:50 PM PDT Reply To This Post
  - Unless that’s just spin and the it was really initiated by NBC and Sony to cut costs.
    Comment by Marc – July 8, 2013 04:49 PM PDT Reply To This Post
    - If you listened to his music you would know that he hasn’t really been passionate about the show.
      
      “Paid for my house, but the show [Community] is not me”
      Comment by Anthony – July 8, 2013 05:30 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Well besides Chevy, he is my least favorite character on the show. It is unfortunate though because Abed is alone and it definately changes the dynamic of the show.
Comment by Dillon – July 8, 2013 01:33 PM PDT Reply To This Post
This sucks. Dumping Chevy was fine, but now we’re chipping away at the people who made the show fun to watch. I’m not sure how this will turn out.

Maybe we can get some scenes of Abed auditioning new potential co-hosts, Kelly Rippa style? But that joke would only be funny for so long. This isn’t sounding good for Community at all. Seems like we might get six seasons and a movie, but the movie will probably only have Chang in it.
Comment by Drew – July 8, 2013 01:39 PM PDT Reply To This Post
c’mooooon!
it’s the final season!
do it for the fans man!
T_T
Comment by Polly – July 8, 2013 01:44 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- That’s what makes me angriest. It’s half of a full season, and he couldn’t wait? My respect for Glover dropped exponentially.
  Comment by Rebecca Parker – July 8, 2013 01:44 PM PDT Reply To This Post
So we get Harmon back but lose Troy? I’m not sure how to feel about this timeline…
Comment by Aprilcot – July 8, 2013 01:46 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Not cool. Not cool-not cool-not cool.
Comment by Steve F. – July 8, 2013 01:47 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I love his character, and like him (hes funny and smart and all that)…but this is disappointing. Im sure they will find a way to have him in the most important 5 episodes for his character (and the stories) but still it sucks. Especially because the writing has been on the wall, he has basically not shown up (too busy) for EVERYthing since his music career got big. He wasnt at Comic Con’s, Paley-Fests, etc.
Comment by M3rc Nate – July 8, 2013 01:49 PM PDT Reply To This Post
WHAT.
Comment by Jen Anonymous – July 8, 2013 01:49 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Aw man, the show won’t suffer for the loss of Pierce, but it WILL be missing its heart without Troy. I can’t begrudge Donald Glover at ALL though, unlike some disgruntled fans up above – I can’t imagine that the cast feels super secure right now with yet another reduced episode season and constant behind-the-scenes drama. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of them start keeping an eye on their other options.
Comment by Brooke – July 8, 2013 01:54 PM PDT Reply To This Post
If you’ve heard his song “We Ain’t Them”, then it’s not really surprising. In it, he raps: “Back of my mind though, I hope the show gets cancelled Maybe then I can focus.” It still sucks though.
Comment by Lulu – July 8, 2013 01:54 PM PDT Reply To This Post
This is not ok and makes me lose respect for him. We all know this is going to be it for Community and we are lucky to be getting this. We really are lucky for what we have gotten. I don’t know. This just isn’t ok. I want to understand his side but I can’t.
Comment by Matt – July 8, 2013 01:55 PM PDT Reply To This Post
what will happen to Troy and Abed in the Morning
Comment by Brian Nussbaum – July 8, 2013 02:07 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I guess it’s a good thing he didn’t get cast as Spider-Man. Wouldn’t want a trilogy of films to derail his music.
Comment by JD – July 8, 2013 02:18 PM PDT Reply To This Post
The people that are saying they are disappointed in him and why couldn’t he wait….are you SERIOUS? A music career is not the same as acting. He has to strike while the iron is hot. Would you stay with a job that was shaky at best, while you have a chance to jump into your other career choice that is moving up the ladder quickly? As a fan, I can understand being disappointed the show won’t be the same but to be disappointed in him is utterly ridiculuos.
Comment by tp – July 8, 2013 02:40 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Actually it’s exactly the same as acting. I wouldn’t begrudge an actor leaving a show because they’d landed a major movie role with a great director. They’ve probably dreamt of doing that their whole life and these opportunities don’t come along more than once. This is no different. I mean, okay, we watch Community every week. We’re very emotionally attached to it and we emotionally invest in it doing well. So yeah, the people making the show shouldn’t be dicks to us. But Donald Glover has spent a lifetime building a career and improving his skills as a performer. He wrote for 30 Rock, he acted full time on a tv show for 4 years, all while building his musical career. He’s worked really hard. And what, we think because we tuned in once a week, bought the DVDs and talked about the show online that we have more of an entitlement to dictate his next career move than he does? That’s just crazy.
  Comment by Topaz – July 10, 2013 05:29 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Guess who’s schedule is also free… Damon Wayans Jr – just sayin’
Comment by Rachael T – July 8, 2013 02:42 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I wonder if a part of this has to do with Dan Harmon coming back…maybe Donald just didn’t want to focus all his time with the egomaniac, and decided to focus on something that will benefit him in the long run. I’ve heard people say that the cast was all for Harmon coming back, but you have to believe he ruffled some feathers.
Comment by Nick – July 8, 2013 03:03 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Or maybe it’s just exactly what he said it is. He wants to get on with his music career. No doubt there were some negotiations with pay, but he obviously decided on balance that he was better off getting on with his music.
  Comment by Topaz – July 10, 2013 05:31 AM PDT Reply To This Post
I’d rather it be cancelled
Comment by leahbh – July 8, 2013 03:27 PM PDT Reply To This Post
NOOOOOOOOOO
Comment by Sarabi – July 8, 2013 03:37 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Hmmm…trying to look in the bright side here…maybe they’ll explain Troy’s absence because the world needs “The Truest Repairman” to repair man. It’s such a ridiculous storyline, but I’ve always loved it. I think it could also be interesting to see Abed trying to cope with the loss of Troy to his higher calling.
Comment by JLK – July 8, 2013 03:38 PM PDT Reply To This Post
But, no!!!
Comment by Tiffany – July 8, 2013 04:15 PM PDT Reply To This Post
No! Sucks there won’t be much Troy and Abed in season 5.
Comment by Joey – July 8, 2013 04:36 PM PDT Reply To This Post
add chang to the study group
Comment by The Boii – July 8, 2013 04:42 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Please God no.
  Comment by Ruby – July 8, 2013 06:14 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Chang needed to not be in the show post-season one.
  Comment by Summer – July 8, 2013 09:32 PM PDT Reply To This Post
  - There are not sufficient words to express the extent of my agreement with this statement.
    Comment by Michelle – July 9, 2013 06:45 AM PDT Reply To This Post
I don’t think “Community” can survive this loss. Must be said. They should’ve just cancelled it.
Comment by Laura – July 8, 2013 05:00 PM PDT Reply To This Post
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!! But how will Abed survive?
Comment by picklesjr – July 8, 2013 05:02 PM PDT Reply To This Post
He has been hinting this all through his songs. Not unexpected.
Comment by Maria – July 8, 2013 05:05 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- POST ME LINKS! I wanna see.
  Comment by Will – July 9, 2013 01:09 PM PDT Reply To This Post
MY EMOTIONS!! MY EMOTIONS!!
Comment by MJ – July 8, 2013 05:06 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Season 4; Troy in every episode > Season 5; Dan Harmon returns.
Comment by Jay H. – July 8, 2013 05:18 PM PDT Reply To This Post
This sucks in every way.
Comment by Ruby – July 8, 2013 06:15 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Nope. I’m out. This is too much.
Comment by Leah – July 8, 2013 06:22 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Troy and Pierce are my least favorite characters so I’ll be fine. But it will still be strange when there’s only 5 of them. Can they just get rid of Chang too while they are at it? It should just be about Dean-Jeff-Britta-Annie-Shirley & Abed.
Comment by Efe – July 8, 2013 06:24 PM PDT Reply To This Post