Jim Gaffigan Ends TV Show, Citing Need to Spend More Time With Family

Comedian Jim Gaffigan and his wife Jeannie announced on Facebook that they have decided not to make a third season of The Jim Gaffigan Show, saying it was taking them away from their 5 children too much.

“As many of you know,” the couple wrote, “all the episodes this season were written by Jeannie and me. Jeannie was the showrunner and I acted in virtually every scene. In one way it was a perfect scenario. We worked with an amazing cast and crew, learned tons and laughed so much.

“However the time commitment to make the quality of show we wanted was taking us away from our most important project, our five children.”

A few hours later, they published another message on Facebook to clarify the show had not been canceled by TV Land, but that the Gaffigans had freely chosen to end it.

The Gaffigans are open about their Catholic faith. Their TV show was partially autobiographical and sometimes used their faith for important plot points.

The Gaffigans talked about their faith in their commencement address at Catholic University of America’s graduation earlier this year. Jim features in a new documentary about one of the Divine Mercy images. And last fall Jim performed a stand-up comedy routine at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia with Pope Francis present.

Here’s the full text of their original announcement:

“A Message About The Jim Gaffigan Show

“After months of discussion Jeannie and I have decided to make season 2 of The Jim Gaffigan Show the final season. We realize this may surprise some and we don’t make this decision lightly. It is hard to say goodbye to this highly personal passion project, which we have nurtured and poured our hearts into for over five years.

“Jeannie and I are grateful that TVLand allowed us to do this show about our lives the way we wanted. It was empowering, exhilarating and exhausting. As many of you know all the episodes this season were written by Jeannie and me. Jeannie was the showrunner and I acted in virtually every scene. In one way it was a perfect scenario. We worked with an amazing cast and crew, learned tons and laughed so much. However the time commitment to make the quality of show we wanted was taking us away from our most important project, our five children.

“We are truly grateful for all the support friends on social media and television critics have given The Jim Gaffigan Show. Jeannie and I are excited to move forward with other creative pursuits.

“Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan”

And here’s the text of their clarification:

“Just to clear up any miscommunication: The Jim Gaffigan was NOT canceled. Thanks for all the great comments and support. As I mentioned in my tweet Jeannie and I have decided to not continue doing the show. We thank TVland for everything.”