USA Network has canceled two of its major scripted series based on film franchises – “The Purge” and the ‘Bourne’-inspired “Treadstone” – as part of a larger shift in strategy.
Hailing from Universal Content Productions, both were costly series that were critical flops and failed to pull in audience numbers – even with a streaming deal at Amazon. “Purge” ends its run with two seasons, “Treadstone” with just one.
This follows on from USA cancelling “Dare Me” after a single season. This leaves “Queen of the South,” “Briarpatch” and “The Sinner” and while ‘Queen’ has been renewed the other two are awaiting to hear their fate.
USA, which was once famed for its ‘blue sky’ shows like “Burn Notice,” “White Collar” and “Suits,” is moving away from ongoing scripted shows in favor of WWE programming and unscripted shows.
When it does go into scripting, its opting more for event series programming ala Bravo acquisition “Dirty John” or the Milo Ventimiglia-led “Evel Knievel” mini-series.
Source: Deadline
