Fired 'Community' Showrunner Absent for Big Win at Critics' Choice TV Awards

It was the night Dan Harmon had always hoped for -- except he wasn’t there to enjoy it.

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At the second annual Critics' Choice Television Awards, the fired Community showrunner was a no-show as the ratings-challenged but critically admired NBC comedy earned its first major award for best comedy series.

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Accepting on Harmon’s behalf were series star Joel McHale, executive producer Russ Krasnoff and castmembers including Danny Pudi and Gillian Jacobs.

“First, we want to thank show creator Dan Harmon,” McHale said to big applause at the Beverly Hilton. Later in his speech, he remarked that “without critics, this show would never have existed.”

Harmon was let go as showrunner of the Sony TV-produced series in May and replaced by David Guarascio and Moses Port. The move came after a tumultuous season in which Harmon feuded with Community co-star Chevy Chase and leaked an unflattering voicemail from the actor.

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So was Harmon invited to attend the awards?

Reps for NBC and Sony Television didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, but Harmon shed some light on the situation via Twitter shortly after Community took the top comedy prize.

"Congrats, Community, and thank you, critics. Sorry I was unable to have been invited!"

Email: Stacey.Wilson@thr.com