After two seasons, HBO has cancelled comedy Looking, which will be able to wrap its storylines in a special.
“After two years of following Patrick and his tight-knit group of friends as they explored San Francisco in search of love and lasting relationships, HBO will present the final chapter of their journey as a special,” HBO said in a statement. “We look forward to sharing this adventure with the shows loyal fans.”
Looking was never a strong ratings performer. Last year, HBO executives proceeded with a second season renewal encouraged by the attention the show was getting in the cultural conversation and by its week-to-week ratings growth. Unfortunately, the second season couldn’t build on that, falling from the Season 1 highs and drawing 300,000 viewers for its last episode.
HBO has been taking a page from the British broadcasters’ playbook, giving shows with small but passionate following a final chapter with a special. Hello Ladies, cancelled after one season, got one, and Looking will follow suit.
Created by Michael Lannan, Looking stars Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alvarez and Murray Bartlett as friends in San Francisco who explore the fun and sometimes overwhelming options available to a new generation of gay men. Lauren Weedman, Raúl Castillo and Russell Tovey co-star. Lannan, Andrew Haigh and Sarah Condon executive produce.
UPDATE: Fans of Looking have started an online petition urging HBO to reconsider and not cancel the show.
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