HBO cancels Jagger-Scorsese music drama series ‘Vinyl’

They previously renewed the show for a second season with new showrunner Scott Z. Burns (replacing co-creator, executive producer and showrunner Terence Winter), but has decided not to move forward.

Deadline reports that HBO has reversed its decision to renew the 1970’s rock drama series VINYL for a second season, and has instead cancelled the show which is executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger. But the program – about the music industry in the 1970s – then exhibited signs of discord, with showrunner Winter opting to leave at the end of the first year over what were described as creative differences.

In a statement, HBO said the decision wasn’t an easy one and expressed “enormous respect” for those involved in making the series and its cast.

The action also comes after a management change at the network, with the departure of entertainment president Michael Lombardo. His replacement Casey Bloys must have different standards for his schedule…

Network bosses initially gave it a speedy renewal for a second cycle, but that has now been sensationally reversed.

Nevertheless, there have been instances where HBO has subsequently rescinded those extensions. Fronted by Boardwalk Empire alum Bobby Cannavale as struggling record exec Richie Finestra, the show received soft ratings and mixed-to-positive reviews from critics in spite of its bona fides. The two-hour Vinyl opener is said to have cost about $30 million and the first season $100 million.