Peacock is clearing the court. The NBCUniversal streamer has officially canceled Mr. Throwback and Based on a True Story, marking the end of the road for both comedies.
Mr. Throwback, which debuted in August 2024, starred Adam Pally as Danny Grossman, a down-on-his-luck sports memorabilia dealer seeking a comeback by reconnecting with his former sixth-grade basketball teammate—none other than NBA icon Steph Curry, who played himself in the series. The mockumentary-style comedy also featured Ego Nwodim and Ayden Mayeri, with Tracy Letts, Layla Scalisi, Tien Tran, and Rich Sommer appearing in recurring roles.
The six-episode series was created by Happy Endings alum David Caspe alongside writing duo Matthew and Daniel Libman. Pally, Curry, and Caspe all served as executive producers, with Curry producing through his Unanimous Media banner alongside Erick Peyton. David Wain directed and executive produced every episode. Despite strong creative talent both in front of and behind the camera, the show will not return for a second season.
Meanwhile, Based on a True Story, a satire of America’s obsession with true crime, has also been canceled after two seasons. The series followed Ava and Nathan Bartlett—played by Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina—an underwhelmed couple who launch a podcast that suspiciously centers around their plumber, who may or may not be a serial killer. The show blended comedy, suspense, and commentary on the true crime craze, with Tom Bateman, Liana Liberato, and Priscilla Quintana rounding out the cast.
Season 1 premiered in 2023, with Season 2 arriving in November 2024. Craig Rosenberg created the series and served as showrunner for the first season before handing the reins to Annie Weisman for the second. Both Cuoco and Messina executive produced alongside Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan via Aggregate Films. Alex Buono directed multiple episodes and served as an executive producer as well. The series was produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Peacock doesn’t regularly share viewership metrics, so it’s unclear how either show performed numerically. However, both projects were met with positive critical reception upon their debuts. Their cancellations suggest the streamer is retooling its scripted slate ahead of several high-profile releases, including Long Bright River with Amanda Seyfried, Poker Face Season 2, Twisted Metal Season 2, the Office follow-up, and a series adaptation of The Burbs starring Keke Palmer.
As Peacock sharpens its focus on upcoming flagship titles, it’s lights out for two comedies that brought inventive concepts and big names—but ultimately didn’t make the cut.