Deadwood: An Update on the Reasons Why
As reported previously, Deadwood will come to an end after the wild-western’s third season (which starts airing on June 11, 2006). Though the series was not officially cancelled, the series’ cast options were not picked up, leaving the actors free to pursue other projects. If new Deadwood episodes were commissioned at a later time, it’s unlikely that all of the large number of cast-members would be available to participate.
The news upset and confused legions of fans of the unique HBO drama. A passionate “save our show” campaign has begun (for details visit SaveDeadwood.net) which includes the suggestion that HBO subscribers cancel their paid subscriptions following the airing of the last episode of the third season. Contributions are also being accepted to pay for “open letter” ads in editions of Variety.
Deadwood series creator David Milch has said, “I am deeply disappointed by the way things turned out. (HBO) felt like they had to make a choice, and this is how they chose. I know they tried to work it out, and I tried to work it out with them.” It’s been confirmed that HBO offered to greenlight a small six-episode order of the groundbreaking drama but Milch, who has had bad experiences with so-called “short-order renewals,” rejected the offer. “For my part, I did not want to accept a short order. We couldn’t have done the work the way we wanted. I didn’t want to limp home. My old man used to say, ‘Never go anyplace where you’re only tolerated,’” relates Milch. One source has reported that Milch had already plotted the fourth (presumed final) season episodes.
So in essence, the reason for Deadwood’s ending seems to be a financial one. Milch is working on a new series for HBO (John from Cincinnati) and, due to that commitment, HBO didn’t believe that he would be able to return to Deadwood for quite awhile, delaying the possible start of a Deadwood season four. Deadwood is an expensive show to shoot and it’s assumed that the cable channel didn’t want to (or couldn’t afford to) pay the actor salaries for months while they waited for production to begin.
Creator Milch is reportedly doing his part in an attempt to save his series. He’s reportedly looking into possible tie-ins with casinos and theme parks as well as with the real Deadwood community. “I’m doing what I can,” Milch says. “Any financial participation could take the pressure off.”
HBO Chairman and Chief Executive Chris Albrecht has noted, “Not having a fourth season of Deadwood is not the result anyone wanted.” Fans and David Milch would agree and are making sure that HBO knows it. 
Related links
Deadwood on DVD
July 26th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I know all good things come to an end. I could understand HBO’s need to
cancel Deadwood if they had something, anything better or equal to it on
their schedule. Have I missed what that might be? Certainly not “John from
Cinncinnati”. Louis CK, whew, that really sucked. I’ve read many of the comments
that were submitted and it seems that we really need more Deadwood. Please,
you’re more than willing to let us pay for HBO every month, give us a voice.
At lease do the movies to give us closure.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:19 am
WTF! What a blunder. HBO you suck. I will cancel my subscription. TV is so awful already, and you are helping it get worse. John from Cincinnati? WTF!!!
March 8th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Thanks for giving me a reason not to keep HBO. Deadwood was the best thing HBO had going. Best show on TV period! Well at least I’ll save on my satelite bill.
January 18th, 2008 at 11:47 am
My Buddy and I rushed home every night with boyish excitement, fireplace burning, Labrador at our feet, dinner on the TV trays, each with one beer with the meal, laughing hysterically together imitating Jane by shouting *ock*ucker and eagerly settling in to watch DEADWOOD. We find out it’s cancelled. Our hearts are in our feet now. “BIG MISTAKE—HUUUUUGE” Not to add ‘insult to misery’, but if HBO is content to allow this, I along with the greater populace am gravely concerned for them and their future. Distaste in the mouth of a few hundred thousand people turns permanently into a foul disgust to a few million. Word of mouth can destroy and nothing passes faster, not even the media.
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:04 pm
You cancelled the best series you had. Why should we waste our time getting involved, if you are not going to follow through. Here’s an idea for 2008. BRING BACK DEADWOOD!! I realize the actors are doing their own thing, but you should find a way.
December 30th, 2007 at 10:17 am
I am currently in iraq and deadwood was sent to me for something to do while im here and all i can say is that its one of the best series ive seen hit tv in a long time. I am only on season 2 of deadwood but i feel that more seasons would be benificial to the Deadwood fan base. I will have to say that it has kept up morale with me and some of my fellow soldiers to cancle would just be madness
December 26th, 2007 at 6:38 am
I cannot beleive that this show has been cancelled as it has a large number of fans in Australia that are also unhappy with it’s cancelation. What are the management of HBO thinking when they stop a show that wins awards. What are they going to replace it with, another lollypop boring sitcom?