Why Did Mary Schmucker Leave 'Return to Amish' After Season 5?

Though the official cast members on TLC's Return to Amish managed to bring the drama each season, it was often the supporting stars who created the most tension. Original stars Rebecca and Abe Schmucker fell in love on Breaking Amish, and the two shared their married life and their return to Punxsutawney, Penn., on the spin-off series.

As the two adjusted to life outside of their Amish community, they dealt with criticism from Abe's mom, "Mama Mary" Schmucker.

Over the years, Mary grew to accept her son's decision. She also became a mother figure to the other castmates, especially to Jeremiah Raber.

When Abe and Rebecca left the show after Season 4, Mama Mary stayed on to provide guidance to the newer stars. Her relationships with the others were tested when her she was briefly banned from the church, and she left the show completely after Season 5.

When a teaser trailer for Return to Amish Season 6 came out in early 2021, many fans were disappointed to learn that Mary was not featured at any point. 

While some hoped that her scenes simple hadn't made the cut for the trailer, a source told TV Shows Ace that Mary would not be appearing on the show at all in Season 6.

The former reality star has not shared why she left the show (or if she wasn't asked back). There are several rumors about why she may have left the series, but none of them have not been confirmed. 

One theory is that Mary chose to stop filming because of her unsteady position in the Amish church. At the end of Season 5, she was tentatively allowed back in after she was shunned. With her restored position in the church, Mama Mary was able to reconcile with her son, David Schmucker. 

Her role on the show led to tension with her other family members as well, including her husband, Chester, and her daughter, Katie Ann. If Mary wanted to continue to remain on good terms with the others in her community (and in her family), she may have decided to give up the show.

Others think she left the show because her daughter was pregnant, and she wanted to be part of her granddaughter's life.

A third point of speculation is that Mary stopped filming so she could focus on her own health.

Since her time on the hit TLC reality series, Mary has continued to sell Tupperware both online and out of her house. She also sells Mama Mary's Amish Cookbook, which features some of her most iconic recipes from the show.

She has remained active on Facebook as well, which is where she posts game results and her latest Tupperware deals.

Mary has not given an update on where things stand between her and the church, or between her and her various family members. She also hasn't discussed how she is doing with her health.

She does still reside in Punxsutawney.

New Return to Amish Season 7 cast member Fannie Schmucker is related to Mary. So who knows? Perhaps there's a chance Mary could one day make another appearance on the show!

Return to Amish airs on Mondays at 10 p.m. EST on TLC.