On Tuesday, news went public that the WGN network’s critically acclaimed series “Underground” will not be renewed for a third season. The announcement came just one day after the cast of the show joined musician and series co-executive producer, John Legend on his Darkness and Light Tour in L.A.
On Tuesday, John Legend took to Twitter to announce the cancellation of the show which depicted plantation slaves in 1850s Georgia who banded together and risked their lives in a daring attempt to escape North via a series of networks historically known as the Underground Railroad. The Sony Pictures production starred a dynamic cast of actors including Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Amirah Vann, Alano Miller, Christopher Meloni, Jessica de Guow, and Aisha Hinds, who joined the series in Season 2, to play the role of abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
WGN America has been bought and is going a different direction strategically. We will find a new home for #Underground! https://t.co/xY47THI1Yl
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 30, 2017
A statement issued by Peter Kern, the new CEO of WGNA’s parent company Tribune Media suggests that the cancellation was made in alignment with a “new strategy” to increase the network’s relevance “within the rapidly changing television landscape.” Kern goes on to say, “Despite ‘Underground’ being a terrific and important series, it no longer fits with our new direction.”
Legend who oversaw the score, soundtrack and musical elements of the series, took to social media to rally fans and viewers in an effort to get the show picked up by another network.
Content wins. We're not reliant on a particular network to make great content. We're so proud of our show and the audience that supported!
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 30, 2017
Is it a coincidence that as the social climate of the country becomes increasingly politically and racially polarized, artists and industry executives are strategically distancing themselves from black narratives?
Be wary of Sinclair though. They're trying to make local stations mini Fox Newses, but more to the right.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 30, 2017
Even so, there is still a market for the show on other networks.
Feel free to drop some hints to the networks/streaming services you want to pick up #Underground. Show them who will be watching!
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 30, 2017
According to Variety, sources say that Sony has been shopping “Underground” to other networks including BET and Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. Which network do you think should pick up the hit series? A lot of fans are suggesting Netflix, Hulu and HBO as well. Only time will tell.
