NBC’s ‘Community’ season 5: Cast has fun with renewal prospects

“Community” is nearing the end of its fifth season, and thanks to that, it is basically in the same exact position that it has been for many years now: Completely surrounded by uncertainty about its future. While NBC was hopeful about the show’s chances earlier in the year, nothing more has been said. The ratings are not that far down from most of season 4, but the real question remains if the network wants to devote that much more time to a show that they know is not going to get big numbers … even if it does trend a lot on Twitter.

Speaking at the show’s PaleyFest panel this week, the cast was still excited and hopeful about the future. All parties involved know at this point that if there is a season 6, the “six seasons and a movie” prophecy, which was at first used as a joke about the short-lived show “The Cape,” could be closer to reality. We ultimately feel like creator Dan Harmon said it best, though, with this joke:

“We’re on our fifth year of near-cancellation … The only thing weirder than getting a sixth season would be not getting a sixth season.”

Personally, we feel like a season 6 is going to happen, mostly because the show has ventured this far down the road that it looks so much better if they are given one more go to really close things off (at least until the inevitable movie chatter). The tricky thing about “Community,” though, is that they will be facing even more casting problems if a season 6 comes on the air. Jonathan Banks is now a series regular on “Better Call Saul,” and may not be available more than just an episode or two depending on schedules. Meanwhile, John Oliver has a new show over on HBO. Most of the regulars are still out there, but these two guests have been huge in ensuring that the show navigates the exits of Chevy Chase and Donald Glover successfully.

We’ll of course have more news soon, but for now, be sure to click here if you want to watch a pretty-fun preview for the next “Community” episode entitled “G.I. Jeff.” Also, click here to get even more updates courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: NBC