Chevy Chase Exits Community

The often-contentious relationship between Chevy Chase and Community has come to an end: multiple sources confirm that the actor and NBC have reached an agreement and Chase has left the show, effective immediately.

Chase has been openly critical of the sitcom for months. He clashed with creator Dan Harmon prior to the creator's exit in May and he caused production to shut down in August after uttering a racial epithet on set.

Community Season 4 kicks off on February 7, though the series had almost wrapped filming when this announcement was made. In fact, it has already filmed its season finale (out of order, a couple episodes remain to be shot) with Chase on board as Pierce Hawthorne.

It's unknown at this time how that unusual situation will be addressed.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.