Perry Mason is just one of many HBO shows which has recently been cancelled, but the show’s drop in ratings certainly did not help it.
HBO did not provide any specifics about why the network decided to cancel the fan-favorite show, Perry Mason. But it is fair to assume that the show’s declining viewership and HBO’s rebrand, contributed to this decision.
Why did HBO cancel Perry Mason?
Perry Mason is both a reboot of and a prequel to the original series by the same name, which aired from 1957 to 1995, starring Raymond Burr.
This updated version stars Matthew Rhys in the title role of the noir detective and, he quickly became a fan-favorite amongst HBO viewers.
Unfortunately, HBO has now announced that the show has been cancelled after its second season.
HBO did not elaborate on why the network decided not to renew the series for another season (even though the second season ended on such a cliffhanger).
But it is likely that the show’s declining viewership, as well as all the new changes behind-the-scenes at HBO HQ, are to blame for the show’s untimely demise.
The Perry Mason season 2 viewership numbers
Although HBO did not exactly spell out why Perry Mason was cancelled, Francesca Orsi, HBO’s head of drama, has explained that HBO has to consider the “viewership relative to budget” when they are deciding which shows to cancel and renew.
Perry Mason season two’s linear ratings dropped by more than 50 percent, and no episode in this season even garnered half a million views.
In light of this, it is likely that the show was just not bringing in enough viewers to justify that HBO keep it around any longer.
All of the changes happening at HBO
Unfortunately, it seems as though a declining viewership was not the only thing that contributed to Perry Mason being cancelled.
In fact, it seems as though Perry Mason may have fallen victim to simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, as it is one of many shows to get the axe just before HBO Max’s rebrand in May of 2023.
Other shows that have been cancelled include Pennyworth (directly after its own rebrand), Titans and Doom Patrol.
HBO may be working on a new project with Team Downey soon
This second season of Perry Mason may have ended on a cliffhanger with the main character sitting in a jail cell, but this abrupt ending will not be the last that viewers see of Team Downey’s efforts.
While HBO will not bring back Perry Mason, the network has confirmed that they are “excited to continue working with” Team Downey on future projects. This includes the upcoming The Sympathizer, which is set to air in 2024.