Fans win a reprieve... thanks to Yahoo

US sitcom Community has been bought back from the dead, thanks to Yahoo.

The internet company has commissioned a 13-episode sixth season to air on its online channel Yahoo Screen this autumn.

Community’s creator, Dan Harmon, will serve as an executive producer, while cast members including Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs and Yvette Nicole Brown will all return.

The show was cancelled by NBC earlier this year amid disappointing ratings – but actors and Yahoo executives alike credited 'an incredibly passionate and loyal fanbase' for helping keep the show alive.

McHale said: 'Thank you to the greatest fucking fans in the history of the human race. It's the internet. We can swear now.'

And Harmon joked: 'I look forward to bringing our beloved NBC sitcom to a larger audience by moving it online. I vow to dominate our new competition. Rest easy, Big Bang Theory. Look out, Bang Bus!'

Yahoo Screen has previously commissioned short-form comedy in the UK, such as animated Royal series Yes Ma'am and Marek Larwood presenting an alternative guide to London as Boris Johnson.

Meanwhile, Yahoo's rival Hulu has the digital rerun rights to existing series of Community.

Published: 1 Jul 2014