Why HBO Comedy Avenue 5 Was Canceled After Two Seasons

British writer and show creator Armando Iannucci is best known in the U.S. for his political satire "Veep." He followed it up by returning to HBO with the science-fiction comedy "Avenue 5," which ran for two seasons before getting canceled.

The main reason "Avenue 5" was canceled was due to the performer contracts running out. Under a normal timetable, the contracts would have run past the second season; however, the pandemic caused production on Season 2 to be delayed by 18 months. Season 1 made its premiere in January 2020, and the renewal came in February 2020. Season 2 began filming, however, in August 2021, and only aired in October 2022, over two years after the show's premiere.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Iannucci noted that the pandemic had caused unforeseen delays in the production of the 2nd season, during which time the contracts ran out. He added that HBO doesn't renew a show until the upcoming season is at least close to its premiere date. With no commitment from HBO, he felt it would be unfair to renew the performers' contracts, potentially keeping them from other projects they could be involved in. Iannucci himself is working on a pilot for a new HBO series called "The Franchise," a parody about superhero movie-making with Sam Mendes attached as producer and director of the pilot.

Armando Iannucci went on to say that, despite the cancellation, everyone involved in "Avenue 5" is eager to see it continue, including HBO. More seasons would be dependent on coordinating everyone's schedules, but Iannucci had an idea of where he wanted the show to go next.

In an interview with Collider, Hugh Laurie, who plays Captain Ryan Clark, also spoke favorably about his time on "Avenue 5.". He said the show gave him the opportunity to do things he wouldn't have been able to do on other shows. Laurie added that the show's environment also allows for the performers to bring their own ideas and try new things, something Iannucci encourages. "Most of mine are hideously unsuccessful, but I try, and I love playing the game. It's a real pleasure to be a part of," he said.

Iannucci added that the cast made contributions to the show that weren't in the script, highlighting a particular moment in Season 2, Episode 3 where Ryan emphatically points out that an idea is a bad one. He continued that he likes to have the script in place so there's something to fall back on, but likes to see what else the performers can cook up.

"People have got to feel free to try stuff out, knowing that if it falls flat on its face, it won't be seen," Iannucci said.