HBO cancels adult comedy Gordita Chronicles.
According to deadline (opens in new tab)the show only launched last month and has received real critical acclaim, 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating (opens in new tab) In the process, which has now been axed, it won’t get a second season, at least not on HBO Max.
Set in the 1980s, the show tells the story of 12-year-old Carlota “Cucu” Castelli, who leaves her home in Santo Domingo to pursue the American Dream after her father’s job brought him to Miami.
The show stars Diana-Maria Riva and Olivia Goncalves, Juan Javier Cardenas, Savannah Nicole Ruiz, Noah Rico , Cosette Hall and Dasha Polanco in supporting roles.
Speaking of the decision, an HBO Max spokesperson told Deadline: “Reality, kids and family programming will not be part of our programming focus in the near future, so we have had to make a very difficult decision. . Ending Gordita Chronicles on HBO Max.
They continued: “The series has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following, and we are proud to partner with creator Claudia Forestiri and our two formidable executive producers, Eva Lange. Leah (who also deftly directed the pilot episode) teamed up with Zoe Saldana to bring Kuku’s journey”
Eva Longoria and Marvel Cinematic Universe star Zoe Saldana, who both served as executive producers on Gordita Chronicles, released their own statements , sorry for the cancellation.
They wrote: “We are heartbroken by the larger programming changes on HBO Max that will not allow our specials to be Gordita Chronicles, The show, hosted by LatinX comedy mogul Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz, will have its second season in its original home. As producers and storytellers who are constantly looking for real and original stories to highlight the joy and talent of our community, we are proud to have created this amazing work. “
They continued: “We continue to be overwhelmed by the overwhelmingly positive critical response and our growing audience, which is a testament to audience recognition of the importance of this show’s existence and the critical space it fills in the media space for Latin content.”
While the show aired on HBO Max, Gordita Chronicles was produced by Sony Pictures Television and is now expected to be available for purchase on other networks and streaming services.
Analysis: HBO is in a cruel mood
Often, when a show is canceled, you get a sketchy thank you and a cliché statement that refuses to mention what the real reason was for being cut, whether it was low ratings or bad reviews.
But not this time.
This statement is straightforward. “Reality, kids and family shows won’t be part of our programming focus in the near future,” HBO is streamlining, and it’s only interested in shows aimed at adults, those who control the family’s wallet.
Warner Bros. Discovery is in the midst of epic cost-cutting after a merger in early 2022, and so far HBO has axed The Time Traveler’s Wife after a single season, period drama Gentleman Jack and animated comedy Close Enough “. Not to mention the series of cancellations from Adult Swim and TBS, TNT and TruTV.
With stellar reviews and an unlikely cast that’s as expensive, Gordita Chronicles will likely find success elsewhere, but its demise, at least for now, shows HBO has to make some very, very tough choices.
