Aquarius, NBC’s David Duchovny-starrer based on the Charles Manson murders, will end after two seasons. Created by John McNamara, the highly fictionalized historical drama kicked off in the summer of 2015 and finished its second season September 10.
The news isn’t surprising. In August, Deadline reported that the series’ linear ratings had eroded following the series’ second-season renewal, as Aquarius was moved from Thursday to the low-trafficked Saturday night.
For a second consecutive year, NBC had downgrading the series’ time slot, and the second time without a renewal in hand. The Charles Manson drama moved to Saturdays after the Olympics on August 27. At the summer TCA, NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke did not sound optimistic about Aquarius’ renewal chances.
“David and the talent are really important to us, and we’ll continue to support the show wherever we put it,” Salke said, admitting that bringing back the series for a third season would be “tough.” Some of the cast members were released from their contracts in recent months.
