FOX has cancelled horror anthology The Exorcist after two seasons, the network confirmed today.
The Exorcist was a bit of a surprise renewal last season, as the show was never a ratings hit and didn’t generate much (mainstream) critical acclaim. However, it landed a streaming deal based on its brand name and found a steady, engaged cult audience that FOX thought it could both monetize and grow in a second season. Standing in the show’s path to renewal, though, were a heavy drop in the ratings this season and FOX’s pending rebrand that will focus the network more on sports, reality, and live entertainment.
Based on the William Peter Blatty novel of the same name and serving as a sequel to the film franchise, season two of The Exorcist focused on Andrew (John Cho), a former child psychologist who runs a group home for five at-risk foster children, one of whom finds themselves targeted by a powerful force.
In addition to Cho, season two of The Exorcist starred Alfonso Herrera (Sense8), Ben Daniels (Flesh and Bone), Zuleikha Robinson (Homeland), Li Jun Li (Quantico), Brianna Hildebrand (Deadpool), and Kurt Egyiawan (Skyfall).
The series finale of The Exorcist aired this past December on FOX.