Starz predictably canceled Friday night comedies “Party Down” and “Gravity” this week, according to a statement from the network Wednesday.
“After careful consideration, we’ve decided not to continue on with subsequent seasons of Party Down and Gravity,” said Stephan Shelanski. “We’re grateful to everyone involved in the shows, and are proud to have had them on the channel. Starz remains committed to aggressively expanding our original programming lineup.”
“Party Down,” which earned rave reviews and featured one of the most acclaimed casts on television, bows out after two seasons. Many of its season two episodes–including the series finale–garnered viewer counts considerably below 100,000, and it was clear that no matter how much critical buzz the show received, it was never going to be a big hit for the network.
By virtue of the show’s small-time nature, it also had an ongoing issue with retaining its cast. Jane Lynch, who was a scene-stealer in season one, could not return as a regular for season two due to her role on “Glee.” Adam Scott would likely not have been available for season three due to his new role on “Parks and Recreation,” while Ryan Hansen has been tapped to star on NBC’s midseason comedy “Friends with Benefits.”
Lizzy Caplan had not accepted a new TV role, although she has been actively courted–“Mad Love”‘s CBS pickup almost did not come through due to the show’s inability to secure Caplan, who guested on the pilot, for a starring role on the show.
“Gravity,” meanwhile, had been a ratings dud throughout its first season, failing to retain “Party”‘s already-miniscule audience.
