The First Lady will not be back for a second season following a vote of no confidence from its network Showtime.
‘Showtime can confirm that the anthology series The First Lady will not be moving forward with another season,’ a spokesperson for the network shared with Deadline on Monday.
The series — which stars Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson as famous wives of American presidents — incited controversy during its brief tenure for Davis’ portrayal of , which some viewers found to be ‘insulting’ and over-the-top.
No second term: Showtime has canceled its historical drama series The First Lady after just one season; (L-R) stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Viola Davis and Gillian Anderson pictured
‘We would like to applaud the artistry and commitment of our showrunner Cathy Schulman, director Susanne Bier, their fellow executive producers, our amazing cast — led by executive producer Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson — and зфильм-хд our studio partner Lionsgate for their dedicated work in telling the unique stories of three remarkable leaders,’ the statement concluded.
In addition to Davis playing Obama, Pfeiffer starred on the anthology series as Betty Ford, while Anderson played Eleanor Roosevelt.
The series wasn’t a hit with critics, and it currently has a 41 percent rotten rating from reviewers surveyed by .
The first season was spread between the three leading ladies, and future seasons were expected to show the trials and tribulations of other famous First Ladies.
Too much: The series incited controversy during its brief tenure for Davis’ portrayal of Michelle Obama, which some viewers found to be ‘insulting’ and over-the-top
True to life: Pfeiffer appeared on the 10-episode season as Betty Ford
During a TCA event in February, Schulman and Bier expressed interest in charting the lives of Rosalynn Carter, Hillary Clinton, Dolly Madison, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and even Melania Trump in future seasons, though those plans appear to be on ice now.
The first episode of the series premiered on April 17, and it instantly stirred up controversy thanks to Davis’ performance, which was featured in the episode.
Part of the complaints were inspired by the Oscar-winning actress’ habit of pursing her lips repeatedly.
Although Michelle Obama was known to affect the expression from time to time, some viewers thought Davis went overboard with the tic, which made the first lady appear comical.
No more: Gillian Anderson played Eleanor Roosevelt. The creators considered other figures including Hillary Clinton, Melania Trump and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for future seasons
‘So Viola Davis is gonna do that “something smells funny” face as Michelle Obama through the whole movie?’ mused one viewer on social media.
‘I feel like, they could’ve just found someone who looks more like Michelle rather than have Viola Davis contort her face like this,’ wrote another person.
Davis may have had a hint as to how her portrayal would be received, as she admitted on Jimmy Kimmel Live shortly before the premiere that she was riddled with ‘anxiety’ and ‘stress’ over the show.
‘I’m glad it’s over!’ she admitted. ‘I mean, the stress. Because everybody likes — loves — Michelle Obama. They know what she sounds like, they know what she looks like.
‘And I’m like, “I don’t want Michelle Obama calling me, cussing me out,”‘ she joked.