It’s one and done for AMC’s Dietland.
AMC has opted to cancel the drama from Marti Noxon, starring Juliana Margulies, after one low-rated season.
“Dietland is bold, original and brave. We are beyond proud of our partnership with Marti Noxon, [stars] Joy Nash, Juliana Margulies, [producers] Skydance and everyone else involved in bringing Sarai Walker’s story to the screen,” AMC said in a statement. “Similarly, Aisha Tyler and our friends at Embassy Row delivered a unique companion show that led with fresh voices and important topics. Dietlandgarnered critical acclaim and passionate fans, but unfortunately we will not be able to continue with a second season.”
The cancellation comes as a surprise given that showrunner Noxon told The Hollywood Reporter that she was expecting good news for Dietland. “We should have good news very soon. We’re back in the room, we’re breaking story and we’re close. We’re very close. I love making that show, and boy does that story not feel over!” she told THR in August.
Season one averaged a mere 203,000 viewers among the advertiser-coveted adults 18-48 demographics — with three days of DVR. That was down from the series premiere, which pulled in 262,000 in the same demo. All told, season one averaged 693,000 total viewers with three days of DVR. For a show that AMC did not own in-house that comes with a pricey leading lady and licensing fee, AMC felt the season one return was not enough to move ahead.
Dietland becomes AMC’s latest one-and-done, following drama Feed the Beast. The cable network next will release The Little Drummer Girl and NOS4A2. A decision on rookie Lodge 49 has not yet been determined. AMC’s scripted originals lineup includes The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, Humans, Into the Badlands, McMafia, Preacher,The Son and The Terror.
The news caps a busy year for Noxon, who recently wrapped critical hit Sharp Objects at HBO and said farewell to Lifetime-turned-Hulu entry UnREAL as well as Bravo’s Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce.
(Excerpt) Read more in: The Hollywood Reporter