Please wait...
Please wait...

WGN steps away from scripted

Underground tells the story of slaves using secret underground railroads

Tribune Broadcasting-owned cable network WGN America has cancelled its drama Underground as part of plans to move away from original high-end drama series.

The cancellation comes after WGN America swung the axe on its three other original scripted series, Salem, Manhattan and Outsiders, in the past 18 months.

Tribune Media is in the process of being acquired by fellow US-based channels operator Sinclair Broadcast Group for close to US$4bn.

“As WGN America evolves and broadens the scope and scale of its portfolio of series, we recently announced that resources will be reallocated to a new strategy to increase our relevance within the rapidly changing television landscape,” said Peter Kern, president and CEO of Tribune Media.

“Despite Underground being a terrific and important series, it no longer fits with our new direction and we have reached the difficult decision not to renew it for a third season.

“It is our hope that this remarkable show finds another home and continues its stories of courage, determination and freedom.”

Underground tells the story of a group of Georgia slaves who try to escape 600 miles north using the network of underground railroads that carried slaves to free states and Canada.

Sony Pictures Television, which produces the series, is reportedly looking for a new home for the show, but Viacom-owned BET is said to have already passed on taking it due it to its high price tag.

WGN America is the latest US broadcaster is call time on its original scripted strategy, following cable network A&E’s decision to return to its unscripted roots earlier this year.

Please wait...