Summary Netflix canceled “Uncoupled” after one season likely due to low ratings on its platform.
Showtime initially rescued the show for a second season, only to later cancel it, disappointing fans.
Showtime reversing the decision to renew Uncoupled makes the initial cancelation even more disheartening.
Netflix is (unfortunately) notorious for underpromoting the majority of its original shows and then canceling them after one season, and Uncoupled fell victim to this curse in January 2023. Of course, the cancelation in and of itself was upsetting, but a new update concerning the romantic comedy series makes Uncoupled’s ending even more frustrating. Uncoupled, created by Darren Star (of Sex and the City fame) and Jeffrey Richman, premiered in July 2022 and consisted of eight episodes revolving around Michael, played by Neil Patrick Harris, a man whose partner of 17 years, Colin, portrayed by Tuc Watkins, abruptly dumps him.
Aside from Harris and Watkins, the cast of Uncoupled included Tisha Campbell as Suzanne Prentiss, Marcia Gay Harden as Claire Lewis, Emerson Brooks as Billy Burns, and Brooks Ashmanskas as Stanley James. Sadly, despite its talented cast and leading man star power, thanks to Harris, Netflix decided not to renew Uncoupled for a second season after it didn’t gain much traction on the streaming platform. There was a glimmer of hope for the romantic comedy even after its cancelation, but that was crushed in March 2024.
Uncoupled Season 2’s Short-Lived Rescue Makes Its Cancelation Doubly Disappointing
Close
Shortly following Netflix’s cancelation of Uncoupled, Showtime announced that it would pick the show up for a second season in February 2023. Of course, fans (and those who created the show) were elated by the news that the romantic comedy series would continue, after all. The cast and crew were scheduled to begin filming season 2 in July 2023, but the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike delayed production. Following months of no news surrounding season 2, even after the strike ended, Showtime revealed that it was canceling Uncoupled ahead of season 2.
The worst part of Showtime’s decision not to go through with Uncoupled season 2 is the fact that the network gave fans false hope regarding the show’s future.
The production delays related to the strikes likely had a hand in Showtime’s decision not to go through with saving Uncoupled. However, several other factors could have also been behind the (permanent) cancelation. Nevertheless, despite the network’s promise to continue Uncoupled after Netflix canceled the romantic comedy, the Neil Patrick Harris-led series is officially dead in the water.
Related Uncoupled: 10 Cliches That Actually Worked Really Well For The Plot There are several cliches used within the new romantic comedy series, Uncoupled, on Netflix that works well to enhance the quality of the storyline.
Showtime’s Intervention Gave Fans False Hope About Uncoupled’s Fate
The worst part of Showtime’s decision not to go through with Uncoupled season 2 is the fact that the network gave fans false hope regarding the show’s future. When Netflix canceled it, those who loved the series were disappointed and had to come around to the idea that the season 1 finale doubled as the series finale. However, then Showtime marched in as Uncoupled’s savior and ultimately promised to produce season 2. Now that the network has reversed the renewal, Uncoupled fans are twice as heartbroken as when Netflix first canceled the show in early 2023.
Uncoupled co-creator Darren Star also created the ongoing Netflix romantic comedy-drama series Emily in Paris , which has been renewed for season 4.