The Oprah Winfrey Network announced that the upcoming fifth season of the documentary series will be its last.
According to Deadline, this cancellation is significant because Our America was part on the network’s inaugural slate of unscripted series that aimed at empowering women and helping them better their lives.
OWN had big rating struggles in earlier months, but Our America continued with solid ratings and critical responses. The network scored a second hit in late 2011 with Welcome To Sweetie Pie’s which often targeted black audiences.
Acknowledging the importance of Our America to OWN, Sheri Salata, the network’s president said: “Over the past three years,Our America has cast a bright light into dark places, raised awareness of some of our country’s most controversial issues and provided a voice to those who are often not heard.”
OWN president Erik Logan added by saying that “Lisa Ling’s top-notch journalistic work is the best in the industry, and we can’t wait to see her soar in her next chapter.”
The new topics of the fifth season include New topics include gun violence in Philadelphia, ADHD in American families, the largest foster care system in the country, criminal informants, the HIV epidemic in the African-American community and the emotional story of a woman held captive for months.
Lisa Ling said “It has been an honor to be part of the launch and success of OWN, and I am exceptionally grateful to the network and to Oprah for allowing me to produce the show of my dreams,”
The final 10-episode season of Our America kicks off on May 29.