The Young Pope: Cancelled or Renewed for Season Two on HBO?

Vulture Watch  

Is the Sistine Chapel chimney smoke white or black? Has The Young Pope TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on HBO? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of The Young Pope season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  
 

What’s This TV Show About?   

Airing on the HBO premium cable channel, The Young Pope tells the controversial story of Pope Pius XIII (Jude Law). Born Lenny Belardo, the series features his early days as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Vioello (Silvio Orlando), orchestrated Lenny’s ascension as the youngest and first American pope. After becoming the Bishop of Rome, Pius XIII shuns Vioello and looks to Don Tommaso (Marcello Romolo) for details on the motives of those in his inner circle. Thereafter, his mentor, Cardinal Michael Spencer (James Cromwell), stews about being passed over. Meanwhile, Lenny’s childhood friend, Sister Mary (Diane Keaton), flies in to serve as his chief advisor. The Young Pope TV show cast also includes Javier Cámara, Scott Shepherd, Cécile de France, Ludivine Sagnier, and Toni Bertorelli.
 

Season One Ratings  

The first season of The Young Pope is averaging a 0.16 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 585,000 viewers. Find out how The Young Pope stacks up against other HBO TV shows.
 

Telly’s Take  

Although initial airings haven’t exactly burned up the ratings, I think The Young Pope has a prayer for a second season on HBO. The drama is a co-production of HBO, Canal+, and Sky, which means the cabler is sharing investment costs with partners. Since marquis names like Law and Keaton lead the cast, and considering the series lavish production values, to me, The Young Pope is something of a prestige project. Also, Wildside — the production company — is already developing the second season, and will bring it to HBO, Sky and Canal Plus to discuss co-financing once the script is complete. Right now, I’m comfortable going out on a limb and saying HBO is likely to renew The Young Pope for season two.
5/16/17 update: Though there won’t be a second season, HBO is continuing the story. Details here.
 

The Young Pope Cancellation & Renewal Related Links  

 

• TV show ratings are still important. Follow The Young Pope’s weekly ups and downs.

• Check the rankings for HBO’s other scripted TV shows.

• How do this show’s ratings compare to network TV shows?

• Find more The Young Pope TV series news or other HBO TV show news.

• Don’t miss our other TV show status pages.

• Check out our lists of already cancelled and ended TV shows.

 

What do you think? Should HBO have renewed The Young Pope TV for a second season?