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. 
Deadwood was played out. The series needed to go. It became boring after the first season. The writing was terrible. If David Mulch is involved, I doubt if the upcoming movie will be much better.
I disagree. The Chinese connection was only getting started as well as bringing in the famous Pinkerton Gang. The show could have ran for at least 1 more season… I was seriously bummed with the ending of 3. It clearly had more to come. The characters in the show were developed and it had very few downsides. OR boring airtime. VS THE WIRE is OK. Sopranos
…OK… DEADWOOD I BINGE WATCHED, better story telling. NO CURRENT EVENTS… POLITICIZING/POLARIZING JUNK. (Not Much)
What was Milch thinking creating “John From Cincinnati” ? truly one of the most confusing and plotless series of all time. How I do miss Deadwood!
This show was profane and used curse words no normal human almost ever uses, unless you’re in a biker gang maybe. The story was great, why ruin it with cursing literally constantly with the same words. It was like they were trying to indoctrinate us into using those words all the time. I seriously doubt they talked like that, at least as much, back then. This show was intentionally sabotaged by the language and violence against women. I’m glad its gone, as I wanted to watch the period piece, but I couldn’t abide the language. My wife wouldn’t watch it… Read more »
You don’t know what you’re talking about. Back then they use to curse with that frequency. The “F” word hadn’t come into modern curse language yet. They used different curse words that are today, outdated. However, for the audience to understand the effect they had, they decided to use modern day curse words. This show is very accurate historically and it was a smart choice to use modern curse words for the viewers to understand the impact.
I loved hearing hooplehead.. hahaha what a word. I think everything about DeadWood was awesome and then I realized while watching on Amazon that its from 11 years ago. I thought for sure they had just made this series. Glad I found it anyhow. I almost never like westerns (Tombstone is one of the only ones) and I RARELY curse but I 100% believe it. I find it a bit hilarious and puzzling that the women abuse is what turned you off and not the hatred for black people. I’m sorry to inform you but through religion women have always… Read more »
the show was entirely enjoyed in this house but the delayed movie fell short but was attempting to fill in sooo many voids that were left. I had to visit Deadwood several times with much enjoyment.
Same situation in our home. Language unnecessary.*
More men died in the show. Women especially “Ladies” are treated with utter respect. (Standing, taking off hats in their presence)
If you’re referring to the prostitutes being abused. Sorry, it’s accurate. And still goes on to this very day. I wouldn’t expect a pimp to treat “his” woman nicely, regardless of era.
Again “Violence against women” ?? More men are hurt, and killed in the show… By a huge number. You just don’t count them.
Now I know how a junkie feels when his supply has been cut off
Perhaps they ran out of f-bombs and there was nothing left. I kept hearing about it and thought I could binge watch it. But!
I just watched about 3 minutes of the first show and after about 5 or 6 f-bombs, I cancelled it straight up.
I don’t know why it was cancelled but I do know if I was watching it in 2004 I would have turned it off three different times and stopped being a viewer. The writing rang true to what it might have been like in those times and was eye opening as far as the possibilities of it being true. They should have consulted someone who would draw the line as far as what is acceptable . If I didn’t know that it was ending, I really would have stopped watching , even though I was enthralled by the way it… Read more »
what happened ?
i ******* loved this show what the hell is going to happen???
I’m very disappointed of the shows cancellation due to finance. Hell give me a shout and I will work for half of what you pay to the others! Armenian and long Brown hair! No joke! Bring the dam show back!