Will Underground get a third season on another network? Recently, Refinery29 posted an update as to whether OWN will save the cancelled WGN America TV show or not.
The historical drama follows the heroes of the Underground Railroad who harnessed every bit of their wits, strength, and grit in order to escape slavery and live as free men and women. The cast includes Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Jessica De Gouw, Alano Miller, Christopher Meloni, Marc Blucas, and Reed Diamond.
In late May, WGN America announced they were cancelling Underground after two seasons as part of a larger change to the network’s programming. In response, the cast and the show’s producers remained optimistic that another network would pick up the series.
One of the networks in discussion was OWN. However, according to Refinery29, OWN will not be saving Underground after all. Apparently, Oprah Winfrey told journalists the show was simply to expensive to produce:
I can’t afford Underground. It cost twice as much to make as Queen Sugar. As a matter of fact, my dear friend John Legend called me personally and asked me about it, but we’d already been talking about how we could make it work […] it’s like $5 million an episode, so we can’t afford it. It’s not cheap, I think because it’s a period piece.”
Winfrey did add that she really wanted to pick up the show but it wasn’t possible:
We really tried to make it work. I wanted to make it work because I think it’s a good show. I wanted to be able to save that show, but it did not make good business sense for me.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of Underground? Do you hope another network saves the show?
I just found the show and am captivated! If it’s not picked up it will be a disservices to the history of this country. Never have I watched a show that puts right into the reality of history. You can feel every tear, pain and joy. I truly hope there is a way to bring back such a treasure. I haven’t even finished the second season and I don’t want the story to end.
we really need more of underground,,, I agree the series should at least go to the civil war,,, it’s so much better than a movie and it provides an educational more realistic perspective of history for this period that would not/is not being taught in school. I look forward to undergrounds return
blessings
m flynn
Someone PLEASE save UNDERGROUND, I would watch it with my oldest son(17) and we would have long talks about the show and how it was not just African Americans fighting the war against slavery but people from all walks of life. Underground is awesome piece of work by Mr. Singleton and the acting is superb. I hear cost is very high but can all the powers go back to the table and rethink how can this show be made at a lower cost. See I live in a world and believe in GOD where all things are possible. #3blackwomen help… Read more »
I agree with Karen Stewart it is a wonderful program. I couldn’t wait for it to be on the next week. The actors and actresses were awesome. I’m so sad it isn’t on. Please save it>
Please save Underground. The acting is superb. The writing is wonderful with believable characters and and engaging storyline. The music is fantastic. Not only is it a great show, it is an important part of American history in a country that was founded on the principle of freedom and justice for all.
please keep it on. it is a powerful teaching forever moment of our history and survival.