WGN America has canceled “Manhattan,” the cable network announced Wednesday.
The drama series, which ended its second season Dec. 15, was the second original drama series in the network’s history.
The show explores life at the Los Alamos military base during World War II, where scientists labored tirelessly to create the first atomic bomb.
“After careful consideration, we have reached the very difficult decision not to move forward with a third season of ‘Manhattan.’” Matt Cherniss, President and General Manager, WGN America and Tribune Studios said in a statement. “We are proud of this critically acclaimed series, an extraordinary original drama, and are deeply disappointed that such a wonderful show could not find a larger audience. We thank the immensely talented Sam Shaw and Thomas Schlamme, along with the exceptional cast and crew and our great partners at Lionsgate and Skydance, for crafting a masterful series. We are equally grateful to the dedicated fans for their support over the last two seasons.”
Ash Zukerman, Rachel Brosnahan, John Benjamin Hickey and Olivia Williams starred in the period drama, which won WGN America its first Emmy Award earlier this year.
Lionsgate TV, which produced the show, also weighed in on the cancellation.
“Sam Shaw and Tommy Schlamme gave us a tremendously powerful television series chronicling the lives of those immersed in the race to build an atomic bomb in the dog days of World War II,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs in a statement. “Their masterful depictions of small victories, devastating betrayals, and the high-price of freedom will never be forgotten – just as the monstrous power wrought by splitting the atom indelibly scarred our world forever. We are thankful to our partners at Skydance, WGN America, Tribune Entertainment, and Hulu for making the series possible and to our many fans in the US and across the globe for watching along with us.”
As did Skydance:
“It has been an honor to work with the exceptionally talented creative team of Manhattan, led by Tommy Schlamme, Sam Shaw and our partners at Lionsgate, WGN, Tribune and Hulu,” said President of Skydance Television Marcy Ross. “Thank you to the fans of Manhattan across the globe who have supported the critically acclaimed series over the last two years.”