AMC has decided not to renew “Lucky Hank” for a second season, marking the end of the road for the dramedy series after just one season. The show, based on Richard Russo's novel “Straight Man,” starred Bob Odenkirk as William Henry “Hank” Devereaux Jr., an unlikely chairman at a poorly funded college in Pennsylvania's rust belt. The series, which spanned eight episodes, was told from Hank's first-person perspective and explored his unraveling career and personal life.
Key Takeaways:
- AMC cancels “Lucky Hank” after its first season.
- The series was based on Richard Russo's novel “Straight Man.”
- Bob Odenkirk played the lead role, marking his first project after “Better Call Saul.”
- The show also featured Mirielle Enos as Hank's wife, Lily.
A Unique and Deeply Human Show
AMC expressed pride in “Lucky Hank,” acknowledging the efforts of the creative team, partners at Sony, and the cast and crew, including Bob Odenkirk and Mireille Enos. Despite the network's appreciation for the show's unique and human elements, they confirmed the inability to proceed with a second season. The network, however, remains hopeful that the existing episodes will continue to attract new fans on AMC+.
The Cast and Production Team
The show's cast included notable names like Alvina August, Sara Amini, Diedrich Bader, Suzanne Cryer, Olivia Scott Welch, Arthur Keng, Lilah Fitzgerald, and Cedric Yarbrough. The series was co-run and executive produced by Aaron Zelman and Paul Lieberstein, with Odenkirk also serving as an executive producer. The pilot was directed by Peter Farrelly, who also executive produced alongside Russo, Naomi Odenkirk, Mark Johnson, and Marc Provissiero. TriStar TV and Gran Via produced the show.
The Fate of the Show Amid Industry Strikes
“Lucky Hank” aired its finale in May, but its future remained uncertain for months, partly due to the historic dual strikes in Hollywood over the summer. The show's cancellation comes as a disappointment to fans, especially considering the anticipation around Odenkirk's role following the conclusion of “Better Call Saul.”
AMC's Future Slate
With “Lucky Hank” now off the table, AMC's 2024 slate includes “Monsieur Spade” and “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.” Additionally, “Parish,” “Orphan Black: Echoes,” and the second season of “Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire” are set to appear on both AMC and AMC+ later in the year.
Conclusion
“Lucky Hank” joins the list of shows that have faced cancellation after a single season, despite having a strong cast and a unique storyline. The series' cancellation reflects the challenging nature of the television industry, where not all shows, regardless of their potential, manage to secure a long-term presence. Fans of the series and of Bob Odenkirk will now have to look forward to his future projects for their next fix of his acclaimed acting.
