HBO Max Cancels Duster After One Season

HBO Max has canceled the 1970s-set crime drama Duster after just one season, despite strong critical and audience reviews, including a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 83% audience approval. The series, co-created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan and starring Josh Holloway and Rachel Hilson, struggled to attract significant viewership, failing to enter the Nielsen Top 10 for streaming originals and only barely making Luminate's Top 50 list. Both HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television expressed pride in the show and disappointment at its cancellation. The season finale left unresolved storylines that will remain unaddressed, as the finale now serves as the series conclusion. Duster's cancellation also puts J.J. Abrams' ongoing collaboration with Warner Bros. under scrutiny, despite his high-profile deal. The case highlights the difficulties new streaming shows face in achieving success, even when critically acclaimed.