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Last year, against all odds, HBO stuck with Mike White and Laura Dern’s dark comedy Enlightened after a very low rated first season. But there was no miracle this time, with the network making a decision not to order a third season. “It was a very difficult decision,” HBO said in a statement. “We’re proud of the show and we look forward to working with Mike White and Laura Dern in the future.” Despite improving slightly on Season 1 after moving to a protected Sunday slot after a rough Monday tryout last year, Enlightened still trailed HBO’s other original series. Its second-season premiere drew 300,000 viewers, a third of the viewership of its lead-in, Girls. The show’s first season landed star Dern a Golden Globe though it has not been as popular in the awards circles as fellow HBO female-centered comedies Girls and Veep.
TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.
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Not too surprised, but disappointed all the same. The show was just hitting its stride. Even if it was renewed, it would likely have been for a pittance of episodes just to wrap up the show (look how HBO did Treme). Looking forward to more TV from Mike White
Easily the most interesting thing on TV.
Sad news. “Enlightened” was a great show. And given how the second season ended, I was really intrigued by where a third might take these people.
I’m so depressed right now. Mike White is the best writer on TV. Or was.
Mike White. Babe. Look up. It was the concentration of clout that was needed and T.J. and U.T.A. lack in this regard more than any other agency. You had to just wait around for the plug to be pulled.
What a shame. I can’t believe that “audiences” couldn’t get on boar…oh wait a minute! It’s because there is simple-minded CRAP to watch instead! And Enlightened is a good show! That’s right!
People of Enlightened,
Don’t take this cancellation personally. See it as your show is too smart for society. It’s a compliment. Keep making good TV, and separate yourselves from the other crap that it out there. The real fans, the smart fans, your true audience all know who is in charge and who is responsible for the show…and we like ya!
Let’s campaign for renewal
If Veronica Mars can get a movie – Enlightened deserves a third season! Laura Dern deserves another trophy as does Mike White – best show on tv!
I would like to be part of campaign to bring Enlightenment back.
Please let me know if any plans for campaign are made
Thanks
Nora
Kickstarter..
For sure Kickstarter!
I was one of those 300,000 viewers
I liked this show.
One of he worst shows on Tv. I typically watch HBO shows since I pay for it. But I bailed on this show early. Laura Dern was unbearable. Maybe if the lead role was better cast it would have been better.
A part of me is totally okay with the fact that this was cancelled, if only because I felt that the two seasons we got told an incredible story with enough resolution not to feel cheated.
As far as cancelling HBO over this, like some of the posters here have mentioned… Why? They’ve still got: Girls, Game of Thrones, Veep, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, Treme, and three new series (Vice, Family Tree, and Hello Ladies).
To each their own, I guess. They’re still airing some of the best programming on television, and they gave Enlightened a second chance when not one other network would have even considered giving the show the green light in the first place.
Still, another part of me thinks this is shitty news, because a third season could have been just as amazing as the first two were…
This is sad…one of my favorite series ever and i love the Mike White recaps at the end of each episode. Netflix, please?
Shame. Really liked the first season, loved the second season, but I guess not enough viewers. At least the finale wrapped things up and gave Amy a grace note. Great work all around, but especially Laura Dern and Mike White. Concur about the equally brilliant The Comeback.
I am devastated. People at HBO should be ashamed. If any of you have read some of their current pilots, you know what I’m talking about.
Sunday night HBO Larry Sanders, Oz, Sopranos, Deadwood, Wire, Game of Thrones. But last Sunday HBO wasn’t as good as broadcast or basic cable.
God, I am crushed. This series was and is absolutely incredible.
REALLY????? Just about the best show on the air! Love it! I looked forward to it every week. Our family watched it together and just cracked up and cringed at Amy’s truthfully very real behavior. Just started to realize people didn’t really know about it. I started telling all my friends to watch it, towards the end of the season. But told them to watch it from the beginning. I am very disappointed, VERY. I might have to go all Amy on you! Bring it back guys, you’re making a mistake!
Please… No kickstarters for Hollywood studios… Not even Enlightened. I mean, please.
I was being ironic..
That sucks…. I saw the DVD set from season 1 and fell in love with it. Now there is no reason for me to add HBO to my cable service and bill. I can buy season 2 DVD and continue to do without HBO. This is a show that is well written, smart, has heart and (what other HBO shows lack) a soul.
Annoying, self-indulgent show. Good riddance.
It is the most well written show on television. A jewel. It’s a shame more people didn’t watch. Maybe Mike White can do something more people will watch?
“The Ghost is Seen” episode was crazy good. Beautiful wetting and very moving.
Great Show. Very Disappointing. Thanks Mike and Laura for 18 episodes of brilliance to be found nowhere else.
I loved this show. It felt like it was picking up steam in the zeitgeist and I was hoping it would find a bigger audience; it feels like the buzz just got started after the tremendous Levi and Tyler-centric episodes this season. When people truly gave this show a shot, they fell in love with it. I’m not gonna cancel HBO or anything; it’s great they gave us two seasons of it. I just wish there were more!
Such an awesome show!!! Fantastic writing and acting! So much better than “Girls” which sucks for all the reasons pointed out in last Saturday’s LA Calendar section Mike White is a phenomenal talent Lena Dunham… A fad at best