Natasha Rothwell’s “How to Die Alone” Canceled by Hulu Despite Critical Acclaim

The comedy series “How to Die Alone”, created and starring Natasha Rothwell, has been unexpectedly canceled after just one season on Hulu.

Onyx Collective’s Short-lived Success

The ambitious project was a part of Onyx Collective, a Disney initiative that aims to highlight stories from underrepresented communities. Onyx initially greenlit the series in November 2022, with “How to Die Alone” launching on Hulu in September 2024.

Rothwell’s Emotional Response

In a statement to Variety, Rothwell expressed her shock, stating she was “shocked, heartbroken and frankly, baffled” by Onyx’s decision.

A close source indicated that the platform’s viewership numbers were not high enough to warrant a second season. However, Rothwell vehemently disagrees, emphasizing the show’s critical reception and awards. “How to Die Alone” currently holds a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and has received praise from various outlets, including Variety. The series snagged an Independent Spirit Award and holds three pending NAACP Image Awards nominations.

Representation and Future Plans

Despite the cancellation, Rothwell remains committed to telling her story. She plans to shop “How to Die Alone” to other platforms, underlining the importance of representation. In her statement, she articulated, “Representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence and our cultural contributions are not erased.”

The Series’ Plot

The series centers on Mel, a struggling, overweight Black JFK Airport worker who has never experienced love and has lost her sense of purpose. An unexpected encounter with mortality serves as a catalyst, inspiring her to embark on a journey towards self-realization and liberation. Accompanying Rothwell in this endeavor are Conrad Ricamora, Jocko Sims, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones. The show is produced by Natasha Rothwell via her Big Hattie Productions, Vera Santamaria via her Welcome Stranger banner, and in collaboration with Desiree Akhavan and Jude Weng.

Other Notable Onyx Collective Projects

Onyx Collective’s portfolio includes “The 1619 Project,” “Reasonable Doubt,” and forthcoming titles such as “Deli Boys” and “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius).” Previous successes under this banner include “The Other Black Girl” and “UnPrisoned.”

Natasha Rothwell’s Statement

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

“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. 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.”

“As Maya Angelou so wisely said, ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.'”

“We are rising. And we are not done.”

The dedication and resilience of Natasha Rothwell and her team in the face of adversity are inspiring. Their commitment to bringing underrepresented stories to the forefront of media is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to challenge and change perceptions.

As viewers, we have the opportunity to support such vital projects by sharing their stories and staying informed. Let’s advocate for more stories like “How to Die Alone” and continuance representation in the media landscape.

What are your thoughts on the cancellation of “How to Die Alone”? Share your opinions in the comments below and help spread the word about this impactful series.

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