Why Did WGN America Cancel ‘Underground’ After 2 Seasons?

“Underground” has just been canceled by WGN America after two seasons, but this does not mean the series has been axed for good.

According to TV Line, the studio behind the series will find a new home for the show. Tribune Media CEO Peter Kern released a statement following the cancelation explaining their tough decision. “Despite ‘Underground’ being a terrific and important series, it no longer fits with our new direction and we have reached the difficult decision not to renew it for a third season. We are tremendously proud of this landmark series that captured the zeitgeist and made an impact on television in a way never before seen on the medium… It is our hope that this remarkable show finds another home and continues its stories of courage, determination and freedom,” he said.

Read: Hulu launches live TV streaming

“Underground” is not the only show that has been canceled as part of Tribune Media’s aim to shift the focus of their programs. “Outsiders” was also axed after the production company was acquired by Sinclair. Kern explained that these changes are aimed at delivering additional value for the advertisers and distribution partners.

Meanwhile, Deadline reported that BET, OWN and Hulu are just some of the networks that have streaming rights for “Undergound.” It is possible that any one of the three can become the new home for the critically-acclaimed drama. The publication noted that BET is closest to making a deal with Tribune Media and WGN America. However, OWN and Hulu are still interested in releasing the series for Season 3.

Kern previously told the publication that they are stepping away from releasing high-cost original TV shows and will instead air cost-effective originals and reruns. “We think this is the right path for WGNA. The ratings don’t justify the type of spending that they do on the original programming side. We believe quite firmly that the channel could be run much more profitably just racking a fraction of what they spend on programming and return that to station profitability,” he said.

“Underground” starred Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Amirah Vann, Jessica De Gouw, Alano Miller, Christopher Meloni and Reed Diamond.