The power of critical acclaim and a cult following has been demonstrated again; despite poor ratings, “Eastbound & Down” will be back for a second season.
The comedy, which stars Danny McBride as washed up, former MLB pitcher Kenny Powers, bled a significant portion of its “Flight of the Conchords” lead-in (which is not spectacular to begin with) in its first season and was considered endangered.
Nonetheless, a positive viewership trend over the course of the season and a proportionately impressive level of buzz from the audience helped the outrageous comedy score a second season.
At the end of the first season, Powers, who had finally experienced some improvement in his throwing arm, was misled into thinking he had earned a return spot in the MLB. Despite learning of the mistake minutes before the close of the season finale, he nonetheless left his hometown (as if he was still on his way to the big leagues), burning a serious bridge with his high school sweetheart April (played by Katy Mixton) along the way.
Set to air in 2010, the second season will likely add another six episodes to the mix.
