Peacock cancels “Based on a True Story” and “Mr. Throwback” due to low viewership. Streamer focuses on high-profile scripted series.
In a decision that highlights the brutal realities of today’s streaming wars, Peacock has officially canceled two of its original comedies, Based on a True Story and Mr. Throwback, after they failed to cut through the noise of a jam-packed market.
The NBCUniversal-owned streamer confirmed the news on Wednesday, marking the end of the road for both shows, which couldn’t secure the viewership needed to survive in an increasingly cutthroat landscape.
Based on a True Story: A True Crime Satire That Couldn’t Find Its Crowd
Based on a True Story, created by Craig Rosenberg and with Jason Bateman on board as executive producer, brought a darkly funny twist to the small screen. The series starred Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina as Ava and Nathan Bartlett, a couple whose dive into the world of true crime podcasting takes them from armchair detectives to real-life peril.
Launching in June 2023, the show earned kudos for its clever jab at America’s obsession with grisly tales, but that critical love didn’t translate into a big enough audience. A second season, released in November 2024, kept the Bartletts’ wild ride going, yet it wasn’t enough to convince Peacock to greenlight a third.
Mr. Throwback: A Fresh Idea That Faded Too Fast
Meanwhile, Mr. Throwback took a swing at mockumentary comedy, courtesy of Happy Endings creator David Caspe and writers Matthew and Daniel Libman. The six-episode series followed Adam Pally as Danny Grossman, a down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer who reconnects with his old pal, NBA icon Stephen Curry—playing himself with a wink and a smile.
Debuting in August 2024, the show won praise for its quirky premise and Curry’s charming turn, but it couldn’t muster the buzz or numbers to stick around for a second season.
Behind the Scenes and the Bigger Picture
Both shows came from the Universal Studio Group family—Based on a True Story via UCP, and Mr. Throwback through Universal Television alongside Curry’s Unanimous Media. Insiders point out that while critics gave them a thumbs-up, neither series sparked the kind of cultural conversation or viewership surge needed to stand tall in Peacock’s growing lineup or the wider streaming ecosystem.
The axing of these comedies signals a pivot for Peacock, which is sharpening its focus on splashy, high-impact scripted fare to hold its own against rivals. It’s a tough game out there, where even solid projects can get the chop if they don’t hit the right metrics.
Looking ahead, Peacock isn’t slowing down. The streamer has a slew of buzzy projects in the pipeline, including Long Bright River with Amanda Seyfried, the fifth season of Law & Order: Organized Crime, and the much-anticipated second season of Rian Johnson’s Poker Face. Plus, there’s a series take on The Burbs starring Keke Palmer and a fresh spin-off from the iconic The Office in development. Clearly, Peacock’s betting big on content that can drive subscriptions and keep viewers hooked.
The cancellation news first broke via Variety, shining a spotlight on yet another shakeup in the streaming world.
