The Goldbergs will begin its ninth season with a tribute to one of its late co-stars. George Segal, who died back in March just two days before the ABC comedy wrapped production on its eighth season, will be honored by the series during its season nine premiere.
George Segal played Pops on the comedy series and since his passing happened before the show could give him a proper tribute, the series was only able to air a title card noting his passing. When the series returns on September 22, 2021, The Goldberg plans to pay homage to a 1980s movie, as it has always done in the past, and they will honor Segal. The news was confirmed by star and executive producer Wendi-McLendon-Covey. Here is what she had to say:
“Every time we open a season, it’s a movie tribute. We’re doing one that takes us on the journey of where to spread Pops’ ashes. It’s hysterically funny, and you’ll cry your eyes out. Sean Giambrone and I could barely get through filming. We’ll be mentioning George a lot this season.”
George Segal appeared in more than 160 of The Goldbergs’ 185 episodes over its first eight seasons. Segal was a fan favorite on the show and his advice-dispensing, up-for-anything character was a highlight of the comedy series. It’s hard to imagine the show without him but I respect the series plans to soldier on while also honoring his impact on the show. After Segal initially passed, series creator Adam F. Goldberg said, “It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal’s amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark.”
Will YOU be watching the season nine premiere of The Goldbergs? The George Segal tribute is set to air on September 22, 2021, on ABC.