The Franchise has officially concluded, as HBO announced this weekend that the satirical series will not continue beyond its initial eight-episode run, which wrapped up its final episode in late November. Created by Jon Brown and produced by Armando Iannucci and Sam Mendes, the show critiqued contemporary Hollywood practices, focusing on the various struggles faced by crew members during the production of a new addition to a massive comic book cinematic universe.
In a statement shared with Variety, HBO expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the talented individuals behind The Franchise, including Sam Mendes, Jon Brown, Armando Iannucci, and the comedic ensemble cast. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season, we look forward to collaborating with all of them in the future,” the statement read.
Similar to shows like Veep and The Thick of It, The Franchise is a true ensemble comedy. It features a core group of actors, including Himesh Patel, Aya Cash, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Richard E. Grant, and Daniel Brühl, along with guest appearances from stars like Katherine Waterston and Nick Kroll throughout its first season.
Upon its premiere in early October, The Franchise garnered generally positive, albeit somewhat restrained, reviews. Its cancellation prevents the series from addressing some of its more unpolished aspects. Fans will have to accept that they will never witness the resolution of the season one finale, which leaves viewers hanging as Patel’s ever-stressed first assistant director, Daniel, receives an unsettling promotion offer from his condescending studio chief, played by Goldstein. This decision marks one of the initial significant cancellations of 2025.
The first and only season of The Franchise is currently available for streaming on Max.
