No second series, despite all the comedy firepower behind it

Superhero movie satire The Franchise has not been renewed for a second series.

Armando Iannucci was one of the executive producers of the big-budget HBO comedy, whose stars include Himesh Patel, Jessica Hynes, Lolly Adefope and Richard E. Grant.

Now Hollywood industry website Deadline reports that the series – about the offscreen shenanigans on a Marvel-like movie – will not be coming back, after failing to crack the  Top 10 streaming rankings.

The show, which aired on Sky Comedy in the UK, was created by Jon Brown, one of the Succession writers, and counted director Sam Mandes as an executive producer.

HBO told Deadline: ‘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

‘While we won’t be moving forward with another season, we look forward to collaborating with all of them in the future.’

Iannucci previously created Veep for HBO, following on from the success of The Thick Of It, as well sci-fi comedy Avenue 5.

The cast of the eight-part series also included, Aya Cash, Billy Magnussen, Darren Goldstein, Isaac Powell and Daniel Brühl.

Published: 4 Jan 2025