Despite high rankings and awards recognition, it seems Hulu has decided not to renew How to Die Alone for a second season. The comedy-drama, created by and starring Natasha Rothwell, explored the struggles of a single Black woman in New York. It covered themes of self-discovery, body positivity, and love, and its cancelation has left fans shocked and raising questions about why such a well-received show won’t get a second season.
How to Die Alone premiered on Hulu in 2024, and fans quickly picked up on its sharp humor thanks to Rothwell’s standout performance. It won Best Ensemble Cast at the Independent Spirit Awards, and it also earned a Producer Award at the Critics Choice Awards, adding to its credibility as a strong addition to Hulu’s original content lineup.
"Shocked, heartbroken, and frankly, baffled"Natasha Rothwell
Given how well the show was doing, it came as a shock to many to learn that the show wouldn’t continue. Rothwell responded publicly to the news, saying she was “shocked, heartbroken, and frankly, baffled” by Hulu’s choice. She also made it clear that she wasn’t giving up on the series, stating her hope to find a new home for it on another platform. Given its critical acclaim and awards recognition, there is a possibility that another network or streaming service may pick it up.
While Hulu has not officially released a statement explaining the cancellation, industry speculation suggests that viewership numbers played a significant role. Streaming platforms rely heavily on engagement metrics to determine which shows to continue and which to cancel. Despite strong reviews and a loyal fan base, the series may not have had the audience numbers Hulu was hoping for.
In the past few years, several critically praised shows across various platforms have faced a similar fate after just one season, including Netflix’s 1899 and HBO Max’s Minx. The endings of these shows suggest that streaming services focus more on shows that can bring in large audiences quickly over series that may build an audience over time. This can be frustrating for both creators and fans, especially when a show like How to Die Alone is cut before it has the chance to grow fully.
The ultimate guide to streaming on Hulu: Everything you need to know
Since the news of the cancelation arrived, fans have been expressing their disappointment across social media, with many calling for a revival or continuation elsewhere. Whether the show finds a second life or remains a one-season gem, its impact has already been felt by those who connected with its themes and characters.
Follow Huluatcher for all of the latest news about your favorite shows