According to The Hollywood Reporter, HBO has officially canceled The Franchise after just one season. The news of the cancellation comes just a few months after the release of season one in early October. The satirical series poked fun at Hollywood’s overwhelming reliance on superhero blockbusters, taking aim at the industry’s obsession with IP-driven content, particularly franchises like Marvel and DC. Backed by notable names such as Veep creator Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Avenue 5) and Skyfall director Sam Mendes (Britannia, 1917), the show was helmed by Jon Brown (Dead Pixels, Loaded), a veteran writer from Veep and Succession.

Starring Himesh Patel (Yesterday, Tenet, Station Eleven) and Aya Cash (The Boys, You’re the Worst, Fosse/Verdon), The Franchise offered a comedic glimpse behind the scenes of a fictional superhero film titled Tecto: Eye of the Storm. The series explored the dysfunction, egos and absurdities that come with crafting a high-budget superhero blockbuster, providing sharp commentary on the genre’s dominance in modern cinema.

The show was initially greenlit during the turbulent period of the 2023 Hollywood strikes. While the pilot was completed prior to the strikes, further production was delayed until the industry reached a resolution.

In a statement addressing the cancellation, HBO praised the creative team, including Mendes, Iannucci, Brown and the ensemble cast. “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,” said an HBO representative. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season, we look forward to collaborating with all of them in the future.”

Despite its sharp humor and high-profile creative team, The Franchise couldn’t secure a second season. The news of the cancellation was first reported by Deadline. For now, the curtain has closed on HBO’s ambitious attempt to lampoon the superhero-industrial complex.