AMC is continuing to cut down their content with the cancelation of another upcoming series, Demascus.
Despite giving the new series a straight-to-series order in February 2022 and completing production AMC has decided to not air the upcoming science-fiction comedy series.
Demascus which comes from playwright Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm and AMC studios stars Okieriete Onaodowan, Janet Hubert, Caleb Eberhardt, and Shakira Ja’nai Paye as series regulars with Martin Lawrence recurring.
The six-episode series centers on the life of an ordinary 33-year-old Black man in America named Demascus. It follows as he goes on a journey of self-discovery using an innovative technology that allows him to experience different versions of his own life. The series follows him through vivid psychological explorations and his primary reality.
It joins a growing list of shows that were cancelled due to the cost cutting measures announced by AMC in December 2022.
READ: All The Shows Canceled or Ended in 2022
The cutbacks are a part of a “strategic programming assessments.” AMC said it would make write-downs on its inventory of content up to $475 million; $400 million would go toward the programming assessments and $75 million for “organizational restructuring costs, per an SEC filing.
However that came right after AMC Networks CEO Christina Spade abruptly departed the company after less than three months in the role. James L. Dolan was then named interim executive chairman by the board of directors shortly thereafter. Dolan is slated to remain in his new role until March 6, 2023 or until the board finds a new CEO, whichever comes first.
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Moonhaven, 61st Street and Invitation to a Bonfire have been axed. 61st Street show season 2 and Invitation to a Bonfire shot 4 episodes of its first season at the time AMC decided to not move forward with them.
Demascus showrunner Kirk A. Moore tweeted his response to the cancelation stating that these tax write-off are happening a lot more in the industry, “Welcome to the business. This sucks. But it’s happening EVERYWHERE.”
He also added, “It’s wild that no one gets to see all the very good work everyone has put into this project because of finances and issues beyond our control.”
While Demascus will no longer air on AMC, it, like the other aforementioned shows may be able to be picked up on another streamer because AMC stated in the SEC filing “The Company may realize some future licensing and other revenue associated with some of the owned titles.”
Demascus is executive produced by former Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul EP Mark Johnson, via his Gran Via Productions banner. Kirk Moore (American Crime, For Life) and Chisholm serve as co-showrunners. Myki Bajaj of Gran Via is also a producer.