Showtime’s biggest ever show is ending sooner than expected

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(Image credit: Showtime)

Usually, when a network or streaming service produces a ratings hit, that show is guaranteed multiple seasons, and potentially even a few spinoffs. However, Showtime has made the curious decision to end one of its biggest ever shows after its upcoming second season. 

Your Honor star Bryan Cranston has confirmed in an interview with Dax Shepard on his Armchair Expert podcast that the legal drama will draw to a close after its sophomore season. “I am [currently] preparing for the second and last season of Your Honor, which is a limited series that I did for Showtime,” said Cranston. 

Considering Showtime has enjoyed a string of popular shows over the years including The Affair, Dexter and Homeland, it’s definitely impressive if Your Honor has managed to trump them all and pull the network’s highest rating. This does make the decision to end the drama after just two seasons a bit of a head-scratcher, especially as Showtime hasn’t been afraid to milk popular series in the past (see Homeland). 

Perhaps it’s because the show was originally conceived as a limited series that would only run for a single season. Its popularity led to more episodes being commissioned in August 2021, but Cranston and the show’s creative team may have put their foot down and said season two would be as far as they would stretch. Or maybe Showtime just acknowledged that sometimes it's better to leave your audience wanting more. 

Rory Mellon
Senior Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.