HBO is known for having quality programming in both the dramatic and comedic genres. Of course, viewers are much more likely to watch the dragon-clad adventures of epic dramas like Game of Thrones then they are to watch quirky and realistic half hour comedies. This trend in fantasy dramas over comedies seems to have reared its ugly head, as HBO just announced the cancellation of one of its more under the radar comedy series.
Deadline is reporting that the series Togetherness has been officially cancelled by HBO. Currently in in the middle of its second season, the Season 2 finale will now serve as the series finale.
Togetherness is a dramedy which premiered last year and revolves around a slightly dysfunctional family in Los Angeles. Mark Duplass, who also created the series, stars as Brett Pierson, a father and husband who is attempting to reignite the fire in his marriage to his wife Michelle (Two and a Half Men star Melanie Lynskey). While the couple has a nice home and beautiful daughter, their happiness is stifled by a stale relationship. Additionally Brett’s best friend, a struggling actor, and Michelle’s bizarre sister round out the cast to provide a true ensemble piece.
Togetherness was produced due to an agreement between HBO and the Duplass brothers for a multitude of projects. The duo is also executive producing the animated comedy Animals, which currently has a two-season deal with the network. Regarding the Duplass brothers and their relationship with HBO after Togetherness’ cancellation, the network said the following:
Although we have decided not to proceed with another season of Togetherness, we look forward to continuing our strong creative collaboration with the talented Jay and Mark Duplass.
While fans of Togetherness will be disappointed that the Pierson family won’t be returning to primetime for another season, they can take solace in the fact that the Duplass brothers’ distinct narrative voice will still be present in both HBO and beyond.
The cancellation of Togetherness is the most recent in a line of comedy series which have been ended by HBO. We recently saw Lisa Kudrow’s mockumentary series The Comeback return after over a decade between the first and second seasons, only to not be renewed for a third. Additionally, Looking, which revolved around a group of gay friends in San Francisco, was cancelled after its second season. News recently broke that next season of Girls will be its finale one, making the amount of comedies on the premium network vastly uneven when compared to the dramas.
There is so much quality television currently airing. Between premium networks, streaming services, and cable, viewers have a ton of shows to chose from. In a world where we can regularly see extreme suspense and violence in The Walking Dead and Daredevil, are quirky dramedies becoming a thing of the past? Sound off in the comment section below.
Togetherness is currently airing on HBO. Catch it while you can.
