After a long wait, HBO Max has decided not to renew Bad Robot’s crime drama Duster for a second season. This news came right after the Season 1 finale aired.
The show, featuring Josh Holloway and Rachel Hilson, had mixed success. While it received praise—92% from critics and 83% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes—it struggled to attract a large audience. Although Duster managed to stay in HBO Max’s daily Top 10, it fell short of making it into the Nielsen Top 10 for streaming originals.
In a statement, HBO Max expressed gratitude for the collaboration with J.J. Abrams, LaToya Morgan, and the entire cast and crew. The series, which debuted in April 2020, was delayed, leading to expired contracts for the cast.
Seeking a new home, Warner Bros. Television and Bad Robot quietly pitched Duster to other platforms, but no deals were made.
Duster follows Nina, the first Black female FBI agent, as she recruits a daring getaway driver to tackle a crime syndicate in the 1970s. The show features a diverse cast, including Keith David and Greg Grunberg.
Despite the cancellation, Warner Bros. remains proud of what was accomplished, showcasing character depth and rich storytelling that brought the ‘70s to life in fresh ways.
In a surprising twist, as Duster ends, HBO Max has greenlit a spinoff from The Big Bang Theory, showing the network’s shifting focus.
This cancellation reflects broader trends in streaming where shows face swift decisions based on audience engagement. As of now, The Pitt is the only original HBO Max series still in production.
The fast-paced landscape of TV means that networks must balance artistic vision with viewer demand. The fate of Duster serves as a reminder of this reality, raising questions about how platforms can better connect with audiences.
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Duster,HBO Max,JJ Abrams,Josh Holloway,Rachel Hilson
