Hulu Cancels Critically Acclaimed Comedy ‘How to Die Alone’ After One Season

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Hulu has canceled the critically acclaimed comedy series “How to Die Alone” after one season, Variety reported Tuesday. The show, which debuted in September with eight episodes, followed the story of Mel, a John F. Kennedy International Airport employee who survives a near-death experience and vows to change her life.

Created by and starring Natasha Rothwell, the series received multiple award nominations, including for best ensemble cast in a new scripted series at the Independent Spirit Awards and outstanding comedy series at the NAACP Image Awards. Rothwell was also nominated for outstanding actress in a comedy series.

“I am heartbroken and frankly, that Onyx has decided not to move forward with a second season of ‘How to Die Alone,'” Rothwell said in a statement. “This is a tough reality to accept because the show is an undeniable critical, creative, and award-winning success.”

The series, produced by Disney’s Onyx Collective, focused on amplifying underrepresented voices and prioritizing diverse hiring and casting decisions. Rothwell emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “Representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence, and our cultural contributions are not erased.”

Rothwell, who also starred in HBO’s “The White Lotus” and wrote for “Saturday Night Live,” expressed hope that the series could find a new home. “This show took me eight years to bring to life, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in that time, it’s resilience,” she said. “I’m not giving up. My team and I are committed to finding ‘How to Die Alone’ a new home because stories like this matter.”

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rothwell shared her gratitude for the cast, crew, and fans. “My heart aches for the incredible cast, crew, and writers who gave their all to tell this story,” she wrote. “Now, my prayer is that this news will be but a comma in the HTDA story, not a period. Onward.”

Rothwell’s career continues to thrive, with upcoming roles in “Wonka” (2023) and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” (2024). She remains a prominent voice in Hollywood, advocating for diverse storytelling and representation.