While "Community" fans have been ringing the six-seasons-and-a-movie bell for years, it never really seemed like something that would actually happen. While the comedy built up a small but vocal following, it never looked like it would be enough for anyone to fund a movie, particularly after NBC canceled the show after five seasons this past spring. But yesterday a miracle arrived at literally the last minute. With the cast’s contracts set to expire after June 30th, Sony Pictures Television struck a deal with Yahoo for a thirteen-episode sixth season, and yes, thoughts are already turning to a movie.
Speaking with THR, President of Programming and Production Zack Van Amburg shared that discussion of a feature-length is percolating, and seemed to suggest that a seventh season would come after a movie. "I don’t know, let’s see how our movie does! Isn’t that our plan?" he told the trade when asked about a possible season seven. "There’s no way we’re not making the movie now! I think once we make the movie, let’s look up and decide how much more ‘Community’ the world wants. We promised six seasons and a movie, how much more do you want?! [Laughs.] … I’d be lying if I told you that we have not had some very early and preliminary conversations that are very exciting about what a potential movie could be and who might direct it. It’s early but it’s completely in our thought process."
Exciting stuff for fans, but there should be a cautionary note in there—any movie would probably require yet another new deal, as it’s not part of any existing plans. "It was not part of our Yahoo conversation. We were singularly focused on getting the series picked up but I think anything is possible," Amburg said.
So, be thankful for the sixth season, and fingers crossed on the movie, thought it looks like Sony is committed to making it happen.
