“SMILF” won’t be getting a third season, Showtime announced Friday. The show, created by and starring Frankie Shaw, is currently in its second season on the network.
“After weighing a variety of factors, SHOWTIME has decided that SMILF will not move forward for a third season. The remainder of the second season will continue to air as scheduled on SHOWTIME through its series finale on March 31,” Showtime said in a statement. “We remain extremely proud of the two seasons of SMILF, and thank Frankie Shaw for her singular voice and unique creation, as well as the dozens of writers, producers, actors, directors and crew members both in Los Angeles and on location in Boston, who contributed to this exceptional series.”
In a separate statement, a spokesperson for ABC Studios, “SMILF,” said that its overall deal with Shaw “has been suspended without pay while we review our options.” No information was provided as to why the deal has been suspended; Shaw and ABC Studios struck the deal last July.
In December, Shaw came under scrutiny after Samara Weaving, a series regular on the first two seasons of “SMILF,” left the show after filing a complaint with producers and the network about the way the show handled the filming of a sex scene. A human resources investigation subsequently conducted by ABC Studios with Shaw’s full cooperation found no evidence of misconduct. The investigation is still ongoing.
Weaving complained about being asked to perform a nude sex scene and that while speaking with O’Donnell had mentioned she was made uncomfortable by Shaw’s behavior during a similar scene in the first season, according to the individual.
“ABC Studios is committed to a safe work environment and when we are made aware of issues we address them appropriately,” the studio said in a statement at the time. “Complaints were brought to our attention after season two production wrapped, and we are investigating. We will take appropriate steps going forward if season three is ordered.”