Melissa Rauch Bids Farewell as NBC Cancels ‘Night Court’ Revival After Three Seasons
Despite efforts to find a new home for the sitcom, the “Night Court” reboot officially ends, with Rauch expressing heartfelt gratitude and nostalgia in a farewell note.
Melissa Rauch, star and executive producer of the NBC sitcom Night Court, has officially confirmed the show’s cancellation after three seasons, expressing deep emotion and gratitude in a heartfelt Instagram post.
In her tribute to the series, Rauch acknowledged the team’s relentless attempts to keep the show alive. “We did everything in our power to find another home for it,” she wrote. “Maybe it was my inner Goonie clinging to the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit or just plain denial that made it so hard to let go. But after exhausting every option, it’s time to say farewell—or at least, until next time.”
Rauch led the revival of the original 1980s comedy, stepping into the role of Judge Abby Stone, daughter of the iconic Judge Harry Stone. The reboot premiered in 2023 with strong ratings, earning a quick renewal. However, subsequent seasons saw a significant ratings drop, and though Warner Bros. Television explored relocating the show to other platforms, a new deal didn’t materialize.
In her emotional message, Rauch shared memories of working on the recreated set, blending nostalgia with awe: “As a kid who grew up glued to the TV, stepping onto the recreated ‘Night Court’ set felt like entering a dream. From the cafeteria chairs from the original to the energy of live audiences—it was all surreal.”
The ensemble cast also featured John Larroquette reprising his original role, alongside Wendie Malick, Lacretta, and Nyambi Nyambi. The series continued the original’s tradition, chronicling the quirky characters that passed through a Manhattan arraignment court during the night shift.
Reflecting on the legacy, Rauch quoted the show’s original creator Reinhold Weege: “The courtroom doors were the engine of the show, ushering in endless stories.” She added, “I like to think that spirit lives on. Just as the show returned after 30 years, maybe it’ll return again. The heart of Night Court—the strange cases, the late-night camaraderie, the found family—will always be there. Until next time.”
