HBO Cancels Superhero Satire Series 'The Franchise

The satirical series, which premiered last October, had big names attached to its production, including 'Veep' creator Armando Iannucci and renowned filmmaker Sam Mendes. HBO Pulls the Plug on Satirical Superhero Series 'The Franchise' HBO has decided not to move forward with The Franchise, its behind-the-scenes satire of superhero movie franchises, after just one season. The series took a sharp and humorous look at Hollywood’s obsession with superhero films, poking fun at the industry’s endless appetite for blockbuster IPs, particularly from major players like Marvel and DC. Backed by notable producers including Veep creator Armando Iannucci and Skyfall director Sam Mendes, the show was the brainchild of Veep and Succession alum Jon Brown. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with such an immensely talented team on The Franchise—from Sam Mendes and Jon Brown to Armando Iannucci and the outstanding cast,” an HBO spokesperson shared in a statement. “Although we’ve decided not to proceed with another season, we’re excited about future opportunities to work with these gifted creators.” The series, which debuted in the wake of the 2023 Hollywood strikes, faced production delays due to the labor stoppages. The pilot had been completed prior to the strikes, but the rest of the season was delayed until the industry returned to work. Starring Himesh Patel and Aya Cash, The Franchise offered a satirical glimpse into the chaotic world of filmmaking. Set against the backdrop of a struggling superhero movie, Tecto: Eye of the Storm, the show cleverly skewered Hollywood’s relentless drive to churn out IP-centric content. Deadline first reported the news of the show’s cancellation.