HBO canceled the comedy Gordita Chronicles.
In line with the deadline (opens in a new tab)a program that only started last month and met with real critical acclaim, earning a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating (opens in a new tab) in the process of this process, he has now been liquidated and won’t get a second season, at least not on HBO Max.
The action takes place in the 1980s. The show follows 12-year-old Carlotta “Cucu” Castelli as she leaves her home in Santo Domingo to pursue the American dream after her father’s work takes him to Miami.
The series starred Diana-Maria Riva and Olivia Goncalves, with Juan Javier Cardenas, Savannah Nicole Ruiz, Noah Rico, Cosette Hauer and Dascha Polanco in supporting roles.
Speaking of the decision, a spokesman for HBO Max told Deadline: “Live programming, kids and family will not be part of our programming interest in the near future, and we had to make a very difficult decision to end Gordita Chronicles on HBO Max.
They continued: “The series received critical acclaim and loyal fans. We’re 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 bring Cucu’s journey to the screen. We thank them and the talented cast and crew for creating such an honest, groundbreaking program that connects deeply with a very important demographic. ”
Eva Longoria and Marvel Cinematic Universe star Zoe Saldana, who were executive producers on Gordita Chronicles, released their own statement, mourning the cancellation.
They wrote: “We are devastated by the greater programming changes in HBO Max that will not allow our special program, which is The Gordita Chronicles, series hosted by Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz, LatinX comedy powerhouse, to have a second season in his original home. As producers and storytellers who are constantly looking for authentic and original stories that highlight the joy and talent of our community, we are so proud to have worked on this magical creation. “
They continued: “We are still delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response from critics, coupled with the growing viewership, which proves that viewers recognize the importance of this show and the key space it fills for LatinX content in the media landscape.”
While the show was broadcast on HBO Max, Gordita Chronicles was produced by Sony Pictures Television and is now expected to be available on other networks and streaming services.
Analysis: HBO is in a violent mood
Usually, when a show is canceled, you get a statement, which is a cursory round of thanks and cliche that refuse to give you the real reason for that ax, whether it’s poor viewership or bad reviews.
But not this time.
This statement is straightforward: “Live programming, children and family will not be part of our interest in programming in the near future.” HBO works to improve and he is only interested in dramas aimed at adults, those who control strings at home.
Warner Bros. Discovery is on an epic cost-cutting round after it merged earlier in 2022, and so far HBO has moved away from The Time Traveller’s Wife after one season, the historical drama Gentleman Jack, and the animated comedy Close Enough. Not to mention the array of appeals on Adult Swim as well as TBS, TNT, and TruTV.
With excellent reviews and a cast that probably won’t be that expensive, Gordita Chronicles might be picked up elsewhere, but her demise, at least for now, is a sign that HBO has to make some very, very tough choices.