‘Mike & Molly’ finale preempted due to tornado-related subject matter

In what is another case of television and real-life unfortunately crossing paths, CBS has decided to pull the season 3 finale of their comedy “Mike & Molly,” which talked about a crazy storm in Chicago, from the schedule tonight in the wake of some horrific tornadoes that are moving across the Oklahoma City area. Some parts of the area are completely devastated, and it will be days and weeks before the complete extent of the devastation is known.

A spokesperson for the network confirmed the change in a statement (per Entertainment Weekly):

“Due to the tragic events this afternoon in Oklahoma, we are pre-empting tonight’s season finale of Mike & Molly, which has a related storyline … A repeat broadcast of ‘Mike & Molly’ will run in the time period. The season finale will be broadcast at an appropriate date.”

CBS will address at some point when the finale will air once the full extent of the damage is known. At this time, we are not hearing any plans for any other programming to change. NBC and ABC will have live programming in “The Voice” and “Dancing with the Stars,” and we are certain that the storms will be addressed on both shows. Blake Shelton from the singing competition has a home in the area, and some contestants also have ties to the region. Meanwhile, Fox is premiering “The Goodwin Games” at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, but this will likely be interrupted in some local markets by storm coverage.

There are some other changes coming for the Melissa McCarthy show leading up to season 4. The creator has left the series in order to pursue other projects, and a new showrunner has been named from within the staff. The new season is being held until likely the start of next year.

Photo: CBS