Quarry canceled by Cinemax; season 2 hopes dashed
In a new post on his blog, show executive producer Michael D. Fuller confirmed that there were a wide array of different factors that led to the show’s ending, including Cinemax shifting back to their original programming focus and also a failed effort to find another effort for the show:
“After a protracted and agonizing process, we have final confirmation that Quarry will not be returning to television … There were several factors that contributed to the show’s ultimate fate, but a regime change at HBO and a re-(re?)-branding at Cinemax were of particular significance.” We attempted to find another home for the show but were unable to do so.”
Fuller added that by most traditional metrics, the show was a hit and should have returned to the network for another season; alas, some variables are just not in a showrunner’s control. 2017 in general seems to really be the year of shows ending because of things that are somewhat out of their control. Take, for example, Underground and Outsiders ending over at WGN America after the network decided to scrap original programming, or the end of Baby Daddy over on Freeform as a means to make room in the budget for the upcoming black-ish spin-off college-ish starring Yara Shahidi.
Unfortunately, sometimes good shows end, and with Cinemax in general this is becoming somewhat of a trend. Just look at what went into the decision by the network to also get rid of The Knick, arguably their strongest show. The problem there seemed to be a combination of ratings, the network’s brand, and then also the big budget that came with a period drama like this.
When it comes to the search for a new home, one of the things that probably did impede Quarry more so than anything is is the sole fact that it is a premium cable drama. Because of the nature of the show, its violence, and its language, the list of potential new homes was fairly limited … at least the ones that would allow the show to be the same thing that it was during season 1.
What do you think about Quarry getting canceled? Share some of your thoughts right now in the comments below. (Photo: Cinemax.)