Category: Cancelled

by Regina Avalos, July 7, 2023

(Photo by: HBO)

A Black Lady Sketch Show will not return for a fifth season, per Deadline. HBO has cancelled the comedy series a few months after the fourth season finished airing.

Robin Thede created and stars in the series, which features “Black women living funny, relatable experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations.” Gabrielle Dennis, Skye Townsend, Quinta Brunson, Laci Mosley, and Ashley Nicole Black have also starred in sketches across the series’ 24 episode run.

HBO released a statement about the decision to end the series:

For four exceptional seasons of A Black Lady Sketch Show we’ve been thrilled to partner with [Thede] on this groundbreaking, hilarious series. Robin, alongside Hoorae, Jax Media, and the incredible cast and crew, leave an indelible legacy not only in sketch, but in television comedy, and we look forward to continued creative collaboration under her deal with us.”

Thede also spoke about the series coming to a close. She said:

“Thank you to all the immensely talented cast members, guest stars, writers, directors, editors and crew members who have made A Black Lady Sketch Show an Emmy-winning success. I especially want to recognize the Black women and other women of color who excelled in every department at ABLSS. I am also eternally grateful for the support of Issa Rae and Jax Media, Amy Gravitt, Casey Bloys and the entire team at HBO, Max, and Warner Bros. Discovery.”

Fans of Thede’s work may see her return on HBO. She is currently developing a half-hour comedy for the cable network.

What do you think? Are you a fan of A Black Lady Sketch Show? Are you sad to hear it will not return for a fifth season?

by Regina Avalos, July 6, 2023

(Photo: HBO)

HBO has cancelled the Game Theory with Bomani Jones TV series after two seasons, per The New York Post. Jones joined the cable network after he departed ESPN.

The HBO sports talk show features timely issues that go beyond the world of sports. Low ratings are to blame for the cancellation of the series. The series reportedly lost 80% of its lead-in viewership between seasons one and two.

Season two aired earlier this year and was featured on TNT ahead of its NBA doubleheader. That broadcast also had low ratings, and the series never reached the Top 150 for cable shows.

Jones continues to host a podcast at ESPN, though his contract is reportedly not expected to be renewed in August as the network is going through mass layoffs.

What do you think? Did you watch Game Theory with Bomani Jones? Are you sad to hear it will not return for a third season on HBO?

by Trevor Kimball, July 2, 2023

(Photo by: Apple TV+)

Chances of a second season for Patricia Arquette’s newest show have dried up. Apple TV+ has cancelled her High Desert series, according to the actress and executive producer. The show was created by Nancy Fichman, Katie Ford, and Jennifer Hoppe-House.

A single-camera dark comedy series, the High Desert TV show stars Arquette, Brad Garrett, Weruche Opia, Bernadette Peters, and Rupert Friend. Recurring players include Matt Dillon, Christine Taylor, Eric Petersen, Susan Park, Jeffrey Vincent Parise, Eden Brolin, Carmine Giovinazzo, and Carlo Rota. In the story, Peggy Newman (Arquette) is an on-again-off-again addict. She decides to make a new start after the death of her beloved mother (Peters), with whom she lived in the small desert town of Yucca Valley, California. Peggy makes the life-changing decision to become a private investigator.

The eight-episode season debuted in May and finished being released on June 21st. Less than two weeks later, Apple TV+ has already decided to cancel High Desert.  In a video message, Arquette broke the news that the comedy won’t be back for season two.

She said, “A lot of you have asked about High Desert and if there was going to be a second season. So I just wanted to let you know, we just found out that it won’t be coming back. So that’s a sad bummer for all of us. I just want to say, to all of the crew, love you guys. You were wonderful. And the writers and the actors … we just had a blast… Thanks to you all for watching. You can’t win them all. ”

Executive producer Ben Stiller, who has worked with Arquette on several projects in recent years,  responded to her message and wrote, “Yes. We are all disappointed. Our entire High Desert cast was amazing and to all our fans, thank you for embracing this show. I LOVE Patricia Arquette, who gave an awards worthy performance. While we wish AppleTV had stuck with it, we’re grateful they made it and it is on the service. And unlike other streamers these days I’m told they will not be removing any shows. So you can enjoy the first season in perpetuity. And feel free to let them know you want more!!”

What do you think? Have you enjoyed the High Desert TV series on Apple TV+? Are you disappointed that the show won’t be back for a second season?