HBO Cancels Hung and Renews Enlightened

HBO has made some pretty big changes to its schedule. Leaving some to wonder why they would end the run of its most popular show. Why do you think Hung, Bored to Death, and How to Make it in America were canceled?

During this time it isn’t unusual to find out your favorite show wasn’t the darling of a network. HBO’s decision has cut its biggest attraction, Hung.The show about a teacher that takes a second job as a prostitute was the networks most popular with 3.9 million viewers. E Online! cites that this figure is down 45% from the previous year. Is this a clue to why the show was axed?

In in interesting turn HBO has renewed Enlightened. This series features Luke Wilson and Laura Dern as regulars. The show, only in its first season, is a critical favorite and is nominated for two golden globes. This may explain why HBO is willing to give the show more time to find it’s audience. The concept behind Enlightened is that a businessman, played by Wilson, tries to get his life back together after having an epiphany in Rehab.

Are you hurting from HBO’s cuts? Bored to Death, Hung, and How to Make It In America were pulling their weight with about 3 million viewers or more apiece. Will these fans tune out or come to love Enlightened. In other news HBO has announced some replacements for the lineup. The network has picked up two new comedies for 2012; VEEP and Girls. The latter is produced by Judd Apatow.

Cable television original programming has proven that it can dish out great drama. Showtime has had many critical successes with The Sapranos, Boardwalk Empire, Dexter, Weeds, and Californication. A&E’s drama Mad Men and AMC’s Walking Dead have also become hits. HBO seem to be following suite by promoting  programming that has a chance to win critical accolades. What do you think?

Update: Some Corrections. The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire are both HBO Shows.  Mad Men airs on AMC.