HBO cancels superhero satire series The Franchise after one season

HBO has canceled The Franchise, a series that parodied superhero films, after one season. In addition to the concept, which was aimed at the entertainment industry’s insatiable desire for superhero films (we’re looking at you, Marvel and DC), The Franchise had a pair of key producers in Veep creator Armando Iannucci and Skyfall director Sam Mendes. The Franchise was created by Veep and Succession veteran Jon Brown.

The series debuted last October.



“We’re so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the tremendously talented team behind The Franchise, especially Sam Mendes, Jon Brown, Armando Iannucci, and this hilarious ensemble of actors,” an HBO spokesperson said. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season, we look forward to collaborating with all of them in the future.”

The series was ordered during the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Although the pilot was completed before the strikes began, the start of production was delayed until they were resolved.

The series, starring Himesh Patel and Aya Cash, was set behind the scenes of the superhero film Tecto: Eye of the Storm, and poked fun at the superhero genre and Hollywood’s non-stop push for IP-driven films.