Others  January 5, 2025

HBO Pulls the Plug on ‘The Franchise’ After Just One Season

In a surprising move, HBO has decided not to renew its satirical comedy series The Franchise for a second season. The announcement, made this weekend, has left fans disappointed as the show aired its final episode in late November, bringing its eight-episode first season to an abrupt end.

Created by Jon Brown and executive-produced by industry heavyweights Armando Iannucci and Sam Mendes, The Franchise offered a sharp and humorous critique of Hollywood’s obsession with superhero blockbusters. The series followed the chaotic behind-the-scenes antics of crew members working on the latest installment of a sprawling, overly ambitious cinematic universe inspired by comic books.

HBO’s Official Statement

Expressing gratitude for the show’s creative team, HBO shared its reasoning in a statement to Variety:

"We’re so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the tremendously talented team behind The Franchise, especially Sam Mendes, Jon Brown, Armando Iannucci, and this hilarious ensemble of actors. While we won’t be moving forward with another season, we look forward to collaborating with all of them in the future."

An Ensemble Cast Packed with Talent

Much like Iannucci’s previous works—Veep and The Thick of It—The Franchise was a true ensemble comedy. The show featured standout performances from stars like Himesh Patel, Aya Cash, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Richard E. Grant, and Daniel Brühl. Guest appearances from Katherine Waterston and Nick Kroll added an extra layer of star power to the mix.

Despite the star-studded cast and high-profile production team, The Franchise struggled to capture widespread attention. While the series received generally positive reviews when it premiered in early October, critics noted that some aspects of the show felt unpolished, leaving room for improvement.

Fans Left with Unanswered Questions

The cancellation means that fans will never get a resolution to the cliffhanger ending of Season 1. In the finale, Himesh Patel’s character, Daniel, a stressed-out first assistant director, receives a cryptic and unsettling promotion offer from his arrogant studio boss, played by Goldstein.

This premature end leaves many unanswered questions about the future of Daniel and the fictional cinematic universe he worked so tirelessly to bring to life.

Industry Shifts and HBO’s Decision

HBO’s decision to cancel The Franchise marks one of the first major renewal calls of 2025. The move reflects a broader trend of networks reassessing their investments in niche or experimental content in favor of programming with mass-market appeal.

Despite its cancellation, The Franchise will likely find a devoted cult following among fans of Iannucci’s satirical style and Mendes’ sharp directorial vision. For those who haven’t yet experienced the series, all eight episodes of its first and only season are currently available to stream on Max.

What’s Next for the Creators?

While The Franchise won’t return, its talented creators and cast are far from done. Industry insiders speculate that both Iannucci and Mendes have several projects in development, which could bring their unique brand of storytelling to new audiences.

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