The Goldbergs Season 10: Murray Goldberg Killed Off and Show Reboots After Jeff Garlin’s Exit
A significant transformation awaits the beloved Goldberg family as the milestone tenth season of the ABC comedy, “The Goldbergs,” is set to premiere. Fans will be bidding a final farewell to patriarch Murray Goldberg, whose character will be officially killed off, marking a pivotal new chapter for the long-running series. This decision follows the departure of actor Jeff Garlin, who portrayed Murray for the first nine seasons. The showrunners have revealed plans for a substantial “reboot,” promising an optimistic yet emotionally complex journey for the remaining Goldbergs.
The impending tenth season of “The Goldbergs” is poised to introduce monumental changes, setting a new narrative course for the show. When the highly anticipated new season commences, the absence of Murray Goldberg will already be a foundational element, as the character will have passed away prior to the season’s start. This strategic narrative choice allows the series to address the real-world complexities surrounding Jeff Garlin’s exit while forging an innovative path forward. Co-showrunner Alex Barnow provided insights into how the creative team plans to navigate Murray’s death and its profound impact on the family dynamic.
Explaining the show’s approach, Alex Barnow elaborated on the timeline of Murray’s demise. “Murray will have passed, and we are sort of starting from a place of multiple months removed from his death,” Barnow shared with EW. This strategic time jump distinguishes Murray’s passing from the way the show handled the death of Pops (portrayed by the late George Segal) in the season 9 premiere. In Pops’ case, the family was depicted as dealing with their grief very freshly, a raw and immediate emotional experience. For Murray, however, the narrative will pick up after an initial period of mourning. “The family has already grieved, unlike Pops and the premiere of season 9 where they’re dealing with it sort of very freshly,” Barnow noted. “This is going to be a family that has not reconciled the fact that their father’s gone but has sort of moved on and has dealt with a lot of that. So we’re starting with optimism about a baby coming and looking forward to the future. It’s an opportunity for this interesting emotional basis for the way people are behaving.” This approach allows the show to explore the ongoing, subtle complexities of loss and recovery, providing a rich emotional tapestry for character development as the family learns to navigate life without its grumpy but loving patriarch, all while embracing the joy of a new arrival.
The creative team views this significant shift as an exciting opportunity to revitalize the series. Co-showrunner Chris Bishop openly admitted that season 10 “feels like a huge reboot for us.” This sentiment underscores the profound changes anticipated, suggesting a departure from established dynamics and a fresh exploration of the Goldberg family’s journey. Bishop added, “So we have tons of momentum rolling into this new season.” This “reboot” isn’t merely about addressing a character’s absence; it signifies a conscious effort to inject new energy and narrative possibilities into a show that has entertained audiences for nearly a decade. For fans, this promises fresh storylines, evolving character arcs, and perhaps a renewed sense of unpredictability, all built upon the foundation of the beloved Goldberg family’s enduring love and humor.
The Context of Jeff Garlin’s Departure and Allegations
Jeff Garlin played the iconic role of Murray Goldberg, the quick-tempered but soft-hearted dad, for the show’s first nine seasons, becoming an integral part of its charm and success. However, his tenure on “The Goldbergs” concluded amidst controversy. The actor departed the series during its ninth season in what was described as a “mutual agreement” with Sony Pictures Television. This agreement came after a comprehensive HR investigation into alleged behavioral misconduct by Garlin on the set. Reports indicated a pattern of behavior that led to multiple complaints regarding the workplace environment. Following his formal exit, the character of Murray Goldberg still technically appeared in the remaining episodes of season 9, primarily through the clever use of dialogue from prior episodes and unused takes, along with digital manipulation to integrate him into scenes without the actor physically present. This unusual workaround highlighted the difficult position the production found itself in, attempting to maintain character continuity while dealing with the actor’s absence.
Jeff Garlin himself publicly addressed the allegations in a December 2021 interview with Vanity Fair, offering his perspective on the situation. During the interview, he acknowledged the complaints but seemed to express confusion regarding the nature of the “unsafe” workspace claims. “My opinion is, I have my process about how I’m funny, in terms of the scene and what I have to do,” he stated, referring to his improvisational and often boisterous comedic style. He went on to say, “They feel that it makes for a quote ‘unsafe’ workspace. Now, mind you, my silliness making an unsafe workspace — I don’t understand how that is…” Garlin firmly asserted his character and intentions, emphasizing, “I am always a kind and thoughtful person. I make mistakes, sure. But my comedy is about easing people’s pain. Why would I ever want to cause pain in anybody for a laugh? That’s bullying. That’s just uncalled for.” His comments reflected a disconnect between his self-perception and how his actions were perceived by some on set, ultimately leading to the “mutual agreement” for his departure and the subsequent creative challenge for “The Goldbergs” team.
Moving Forward: The Showrunners’ Vision for Season 10
With the decision made to kill off Murray Goldberg, a natural question arose regarding Jeff Garlin’s awareness of his character’s ultimate fate. Alex Barnow clarified this, stating, “I’ve had a conversation with Jeff and he’s aware that he’s not being replaced.” While Garlin knew he wouldn’t be returning to the show, the precise details of Murray’s narrative conclusion remained somewhat ambiguous, at least from Barnow’s perspective. “The truth is, I don’t know if he knows what his fate is, but I’m assuming he knows, would be the answer to that question,” Barnow mused. He added, “We haven’t had a subsequent conversation since the beginning of writing that he would have any specific clarity on that.” This indicates that while the departure was clear, the specific storytelling decision to kill off Murray was an internal creative choice made by the showrunners to provide closure and a new direction for the series.
What This Means for the Goldberg Family and Beyond
The “huge reboot” promised by the showrunners signifies a massive creative undertaking for a series entering its tenth season. Without Murray, the family dynamic will undoubtedly shift dramatically. Beverly, now a widow, will likely explore new facets of her “smother” persona, perhaps finding new ways to dote on her adult children while grappling with her own grief and independence. Her journey as a single parent to adult children will offer fresh comedic and emotional opportunities. Erica and Geoff’s new baby storyline provides a hopeful counterpoint to the family’s loss, introducing the challenges and joys of new parenthood and adding another generation to the Goldbergs’ chaotic household. Barry, with his boundless enthusiasm, and Adam, the aspiring filmmaker, will also navigate their lives and relationships without their father’s often gruff but ultimately supportive presence. This pivot allows “The Goldbergs” to delve into themes of resilience, family bonds in the face of loss, and the ever-evolving nature of life, all while retaining the nostalgic, heartfelt humor that has been its hallmark.
The absence of Murray will necessitate a re-evaluation of the show’s comedic core. While much of the humor stemmed from his interactions with Beverly and the kids, this void opens up space for other characters to shine and for new relationships to develop. The series will have the opportunity to explore how each character processes grief uniquely and how their relationships strengthen or change as a result. This fresh start could also attract new viewers who are looking for a show that thoughtfully addresses life’s challenges, even within a comedic framework. For long-time fans, it presents a compelling reason to tune in, eager to see how their favorite family adapts to such a significant loss and embraces a future filled with both challenges and the promise of new beginnings.
Anticipating The Goldbergs Season 10 Premiere
The stage is set for a poignant and transformative season. With a new direction and a commitment to fresh storytelling, “The Goldbergs” aims to honor its past while boldly stepping into its future. The decision to definitively address Murray Goldberg’s absence through his character’s death provides a clear path forward for the show and its beloved characters. Fans can prepare to witness how the Goldberg family rallies together, supporting each other through grief and celebrating new life, all with their signature blend of humor and heart. Mark your calendars: The Goldbergs season 10 is scheduled to premiere on September 21 on ABC, promising an unforgettable journey for a family ready to embrace its next chapter.