Mike & Molly series finale on hold

The series finale of US sitcom Mike & Molly has been shelved because of parallels with the Oklahoma tornados.

In the episode due to be aired by CBS last night, the lead characters, played by Melissa McCarthy and Billy Gardell, shelter from a tornado that hits Chicago.

But network chiefs decided it would be insensitive to show the programme, as at least 91 people died in storms.

A spokesman said: ‘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.’

It aired a rerun in its place. The episode – which was titled Windy City and was the last in series three – will be broadcast at ‘an appropriate date’, network chiefs said.

Mike & Molly has been recommissioned for a fourth series, to air next year.

Comedy Central broadcasts the show in the UK, with episodes going out a week after their US premieres.

Published: 21 May 2013