‘The First Lady’: Showtime Cancels Star-Studded Anthology Series After One Season
Showtime has canceled the anthology series The First Lady after one season.
According to Deadline, the anthology series will not be picked up by Showtime for a second season. If it had been renewed for more seasons, the show would have covered more women who have been First Lady of the United States.
Season 1 starred Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gillian Anderson and focused on chronicling the lives of America’s first ladies.
Davis portrayed Michelle Obama, while Anderson and Pfeiffer portrayed their respective roles of Eleanor Roosevelt and Betty Ford.
“Showtime can confirm that the anthology series The First Lady will not be moving forward with another season,” a spokesperson for the network said to Deadline. “We would like to applaud the artistry and commitment of our showrunner Cathy Schulman, director Susanne Bier, their fellow executive producers, our amazing cast — led by executive producer Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gillian Anderson — and our studio partner Lionsgate for their dedicated work in telling the unique stories of three remarkable leaders.”
The series, from writer Aaron Cooley, got a mostly cold reception from critics and audiences alike.
Cooley executive produced The First Lady along with Davis and Tennon through their production company JuVee Productions.
It was also executive produced by Schulman via Welle Entertainment, Gaspin via Gaspin Media, and Brad Kaplan via Link Entertainment.
Showtime and Lionsgate TV also co-produced the series.