The sci-fi comedy series Demascus has been axed before having the chance to hit the small screen.
Written and executive produced by playwright Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm and produced by Breaking Bad executive producer Mark Johnson, the show had just completed production when the decision was made.
The series would have followed the titular Demascus, a 33-year-old Black man on a journey of self-discovery. In a series of adventures that not only examine, “the gulf between black male perspectives,” but bend the conventions of genre and the trappings of reality, Demascus is able to experience different versions of his life and explore his very identity through digital psychiatry.
The cancellation is but one of several by AMC, who, according to Deadline, announced last year their intention to cut costs wherever possible in a programming write-down of around $400m of content. Other shows that have suffered the chop include miniseries, Invitations to a Bonfire, the second season of 61st Street, and dystopian sci-fi series Moonhaven.
The series would have featured Hamilton and Station 19 star, Okieriete Onaodowan, with Janet Hubert, Caleb Eberhardt, and Shakira Ja’nai Paye forming the supporting cast. Bad Boys veteran Martin Lawrence was to have a recurring role.
Showrunner Kirk A. Moore took to Twitter to air his disappointment, also highlighting the fact that tax write-offs have become more prevalent among networks in the past year:
Sudden cancellations are nothing new in the streaming world. In 2022 alone, Netflix axed around thirty of its existing shows amid a loss of around two thousand subscribers; some of which boasted considerable viewing figures. These shows included Warrior Nun, Fate: The Winx Saga, First Kill, Diablero and On the Verge. While not as trigger-happy as Netflix, HBO Max also had its fair share of cancellations this year, such as Time Travelers Wife, Raised by Wolves, and Batman: Caped Crusader.
All may not be lost for Demascus, however. Should AMC decide to shop the project, the show could see production resumed.
Words by Faye Price
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