Why Was 'Perry Mason' Canceled? All We Know about the Cancellation of the Hit HBO Show
The cancellation of "Perry Manson" came after the show aired for two seasons. HBO's decision to end the acclaimed legal drama series left fans devastated.
Before fans were left wondering why "Perry Mason" was canceled, many had invested their time to watch the show, thanks to its gripping storyline and notable performances from the cast.
"Perry Manson" debuted in 2020 and is one of the most praised detective shows in recent years. While it only aired for two seasons, it earned six Emmy nominations and is rated 7.6/10 on IMDb.
Is "Perry Mason" Worth Watching?
This highly-praised series is set in Los Angeles and takes viewers back to 1932. It delves into the early life of the renowned defense attorney Perry Mason, portrayed by Matthew Rhys. Mason struggles to make ends meet as a modest private investigator, living paycheck to paycheck.
As the plot unfolds, viewers witness Mason grappling with the haunting memories of his wartime service in France and the fallout of a failed marriage. While Los Angeles is experiencing economic growth, the rest of the nation grapples with the Great Depression.
At the center of it all, Mason's journey takes a dramatic turn when a kidnapping gone wrong forces him to unveil a fractured city's dark secrets while uncovering the truth behind the crime.
Matthew Rhys speaks during a conversation with Josh Horowitz at The 92nd Street Y, New York on March 28, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Viewers were upset and frustrated after the TV network announced the show's cancellation, with many condemning HBO's decisions.
The show left viewers at the edge of their seats with its second season ending on a cliffhanger with Mason in prison. Rhys' impressive acting skills couldn't go unnoticed, with him playing the leading role. The show also featured talented actors like Katherine Waterston, Tatiana Maslany, and John Lithgow, among others.
Why Was "Perry Mason" Cancelled?
HBO released a statement announcing that it had opted not to move forward with another season of the series. Different theories came up following the show's cancellation. Some people assumed the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike might have pressured studios and TV networks to track which shows perform well.
HBO's head of the drama department, Francesca Orsi, also suggested that the show's cancellation could be attributed to its relatively low viewership compared to the significant budget invested in its production.
The show's cast revealed that they wanted to reunite and for the show to continue, with Rhys suggesting that his character, Mason, had so much to offer for many seasons.
Juliet Rylance, who plays Della Street, Mason's business partner, talked about the show's second season, revealing that it was deeper, darker, and exciting compared to the first. She explained that the show had begun delving into the characters' lives, adding that there was so much to share.
Fans' Reaction after "Perry Mason" Was Canceled
Viewers were upset and frustrated after the TV network announced the show's cancellation, with many condemning HBO's decisions. "Perry Mason" fans also took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
A Twitter user expressed confusion, questioning why shows like "Love Island" could reach a fifth season while a quality series like "Perry Mason" was canceled. Another disappointed fan shared their feelings of disbelief at the show's cancellation despite its strong writing and impressive cast.