Maria Stavang bids farewell to 'The Comedy Department': "I'm done"

It's not always easy being funny. Especially not when you've decided it's time to bow out. Much-loved comedian Maria Stavang has now confirmed what many have been wondering: She's leaving the comedy series 'The Comedy Department'.

After three hectic years and three full series, it's the end of the road for her. "I'm done," she says herself, making no secret of the fact that it's an emotional decision. It's with a mix of relief and sadness that she now looks back on her time in the satirical corner.

A bubble that burst

For Maria, 'The Comedy Department' has been more than just a job. It's been a bubble of creativity, late nights, and close collaboration. She describes it as an intense and fantastic period, but there comes a point when you feel the bubble has to burst. You need to come up for air again. She feels she's given everything she had to give to this particular project, and now the time is right to cultivate something new.

What's actually left behind?

When you step away from such a popular concept, it's natural to wonder what remains. For Maria Stavang, it's not about abandoning ship, but about rediscovering herself. Some of the strongest memories from her time aren't always what was broadcast on screen, but rather the moments behind the scenes:

• The camaraderie: Building something from the ground up with a small, dedicated team.
• The launch parties: That wonderful mix of nerves and pride when something you've created is finally released into the world.
• The feedback: When people stop her on the street and quote characters she's created. That's when she realised they'd actually struck a chord.

It's precisely these things she's taking with her, not the scripts or the characters.

Arman is also moving on

She's not alone in leaving the laughter factory. Mate and partner-in-crime Arman Serizehi is also heading out the door. The fact that two mainstays are leaving at the same time naturally raises questions about the programme's future. Was it planned? Was it a joint decision? Either way, as the audience, we're left with a feeling that an era is over. It will be strange to think of 'The Comedy Department' without Maria Stavang, but she hints that other exciting projects are in the pipeline.

For her part, it's now about taking stock. What does she really feel passionate about? Performing on stage? Writing a book? Maybe catching up on sleep first. One thing is for sure: We haven't seen the last of Maria Stavang. People with the comic timing and presence she has don't just disappear into thin air. They just recharge for the next act.