What was the reason for Mabel King not appearing in the third season. Was it a contract dispute or she decided to move on?

I believe it was contract and something about Daniel Spencer getting the best lines. {Could you blame her?}

She was upset about her reduced role on the show.

Originally posted by Brian Damage
She was upset about her reduced role on the show.



I didn't think she was needed-lol

Wasn't Mabel King doing "The Wiz" and "The Jerk" movies around this time? Maybe that could have been a factor as to why she was seen less- Doing movies.

I remember something back then when she had said that the show was basically revolving around "the Kids". She knew she was getting fewer and fewer lines and was in less and less scenes. The producers agreed to let her go but were a little reluctant because they wanted the audience to at least feel there was "a grown-up" watching over the kids. But they moved Shirley up a notch at that point as the "wiser" one. Mabel King went back to Broadway and to film "The Wiz". What's Happening went down the tubes shortly after.
I do hate how so many shows that revolve around the kids phase out the parents or evolve them into cardboard cut-outs.