HBO has canceled coming-of-age comedy Gordita Chronicles.
After deadline (opens in new tab)the show, which launched to genuine critical acclaim just last month, earns a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating (opens in new tab) in the process, has now been canceled and isn’t getting a second season, at least not on HBO Max.
Set in the 1980s, the show followed 12-year-old Carlota “Cucu” Castelli as she leaves her home in Santo Domingo to pursue the American dream after her father’s work took him to Miami.
The show starred Diana-Maria Riva and Olivia Goncalves, with Juan Javier Cardenas, Savannah Nicole Ruiz, Noah Rico, Cosette Hauer and Dascha Polanco in supporting roles.
Of the decision, a spokesperson for HBO Max told Deadline, “Live-action, children’s and family programming will not be part of our programming focus for the foreseeable future, and as a result, we had to make a very difficult decision to end Gordita Chronicles on HBO Max.
They continued, “The series has received critical acclaim and a loyal following, and we are proud to have worked with creator Claudia Forestieri and our two powerful executive producers, Eva Longoria (who also masterfully directed the pilot) and Zoe Saldaña to accompany Cucu’s journey. We thank them and the talented cast and crew for creating such a genuine, groundbreaking show that connected deeply with a very important community.”
Eva Longoria and Marvel Cinematic Universe star Zoe Saldana, who both served as executive producers on Gordita Chronicles, issued their own statement lamenting the cancellation.
They wrote, “We are heartbroken by the major programming changes at HBO Max that will not allow our special show Chronicles of Gordita, Showrun by LatinX comedy powerhouse Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz to have a second season in its original home. As producers and storytellers constantly looking for authentic and original stories that celebrate the joy and talent of our community, we are so proud to have worked on this piece of magic.”
They continued, “We continue to be overwhelmed by the overwhelmingly positive critical response combined with our growing viewership, proving that viewers understand the importance of this show’s existence and the crucial place it holds for LatinX content in the media landscape. recognize.”
Although the show aired on HBO Max, Gordita Chronicles was produced by Sony Pictures Television and is now slated for purchase on other networks and streaming services.
Analysis: HBO is in a brutal mood
When a show is cancelled, you usually get an explanation that’s a perfunctory round of thanks and platitudes that declines to mention the real reason for the axe, whether that’s bad viewership or bad reviews.
But not this time.
This statement is direct. “Live-action, children’s and family programming won’t be part of our programming focus anytime soon,” HBO tweaks, only interested in dramas aimed at adults, those who control the wallet in a household.
Warner Bros. Discovery is on an epic cost-cutting spree following its merger in early 2022, and so far HBO has dropped The Time Traveller’s Wife after a single season, historical drama Gentleman Jack and animated comedy Close Enough. Not to mention the string of cancellations on Adult Swim and on TBS, TNT and TruTV.
With excellent reviews and a cast that probably won’t be all that expensive, Gordita Chronicles might be picked up elsewhere, but its ending is a sign that HBO has some very, very tough decisions to make, at least for now.
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