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?
Underground is an awesome show… I certainly hope some network can swoop in and save this show…
I think either BET or TV One or Centric should take on the tv show underground it is a very educational story.
I truly hope someone will pick Underground up its very informative an the youth of today really need to visually see their history it’s easier to grasp where as reading it maybe more difficult for some I pray an hope we can continue to enjoy this wonderful show
I am devastated that the show has been cancelled. I love the show Underground. I am a hard core, don’t bother me while I’m watching it fan. I am in hope that a network will pick it up. Someone…please!
I luv the show, it’s to many shows on now that have no substance or quality about it, do we as a people have to act a fool ( reality tv) on TV to keep a series going, come on there is so many different networks, somebody please stand up and keep this going, or would u rather for us to be running around disrespecting ourself and others to make a point, this is quality programing do the right thing.
Underground is brilliant. It captured me from the very first episode. There must be a season 3, surely some channel can take it over.
Save this show it is such a good show. The actors are great and it’s history.
I LOVED the show
i think history channel should renew the series as it fits their programming and they are a much more channel and have been around for over 20 years
I LOVE the program, it’s our history. I’ll keep prayers for a blessing. Thanks for what has been shown. Sincerely Jackie 6/8/17
5 million an episode is ridiculous!!!
It is an excellent show so it needs to be saved with the episodes being less than 5 million an episode.
In recent years there was a sitcom about football players…The Game that came on for so many years. The network canceled it and we did petitions and stuff and it got at least 2-3 more seasons. I believe it switched networks too. The writers changed and it wasn’t as good and it kinda sizzled out but never the less we can get another petition started.
Love the show
I love Underground. Will support sponsors.
if OWN said NO then fine another network. FX , AMC, History channel
there must be someone. Underground needs to be completed. this show needs
to go thru the Civil War
I believe, OWN made and paid for the show , ch WGN canceled it.
It’s all about $.
Jacklyn, OWN had NOTHING to do with creating or producing this fabulous series. Oprah was asked personally by John Legends to pick it up, but she turned him down. This is the same Oprah who is always screaming about quality and relevant programming, but now claims the series is too expensive, and this BILLIONAIRE can’t afford it! What a hypocrite! I pray someone has the courage and generosity to save this rare and excellent historical drama. Has anyone thought about asking a foundation like the Bill and Melissa Gates foundation? They have always been interested in advancing worthy educational projects,… Read more »
Felicia, thanks for your input, Oprah has done more for others than you or I put together. But if you have billions maybe you’ll give. Is she to save the world. We all should support the Underground, I’m willing are you? Have a blessed day! 6/16/17
SOMEONE PLEASE, keep this series going-it is one of the best History stories that I have seen–This is a piece of history that should not be left to die…….!!!
Underground has been one of the best quality of programming on television this past year. It is so important that this story be told, especially to the younger people today. I sincerely hope it is picked up.