HBO ends 'Luck' after equine deaths
All future production on the drama has been stopped
Nick Nolte and a "Luck" co-star
Credit: HBO
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In one of the most bizarre (and sad) endings in TV history, HBO has opted to end its racing drama "Luck" after a single season beset by equine tragedy.
In a statement released on Wednesday (March 14) afternoon, HBO says, "It is with heartbreak that executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann together with HBO have decided to cease all future production on the series 'Luck.'
Safety is always of paramount concern. We maintained the highest safety standards throughout production, higher in fact than any protocols existing in horseracing anywhere with many fewer incidents than occur in racing or than befall horses normally in barns at night or pastures. While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won’t in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision.
We are immensely proud of this series, the writing, the acting, the filmmaking, the celebration of the culture of horses, and everyone involved in its creation."
The announcement came just two days after the death of a third horse during production on the HBO series. At the time, it was announced that "Luck" would merely be suspending work involving horses, pursuant to a full investigation by the American Humane Association.
"Luck" premiered on HBO to mixed-to-positive reviews in January. From writer-producer David Milch and director-producer Michael Mann, the series starred Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte and a large ensemble, encompassing the world of horse-racing set around Santa Anita. Despite less-than-blockbuster ratings, "Luck" was renewed after its first airing and had been early in production on its second season.
In the HBO statement, Mann and Milch say, "The two of us loved this series, loved the cast, crew and writers. This has been a tremendous collaboration and one that we plan to continue in the future."
A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupHans Gruber Jr.
March 14, 2012 at 7:45PM EST Reply to CommentYou just know the HBO Executives are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Say what you will, but this series has been an expensive misfire (though not a debacle on par with John From Cincinnati) that subscribers are ignoring en masse. Too many egos to serve and not enough results.
Jorge I think you're right. Horse deaths aren't good obviously, but I think HBO used the situation to cancel an expensive show that wasn't bringing in high ratings. If three horses died in the filming of Game of Thrones season 2, it wouldn't get the axe.
March 14, 2012 at 8:18PM ESTMr.Santoro
March 14, 2012 at 7:57PM EST Reply to CommentThey did not shut production on GI Joe 2 when a human died but they do when horses die.Come on they butcher horses for food in central Asia
Jonnybon But it wasn't likely that another human would die, was it.
March 14, 2012 at 8:24PM ESTalynch
March 14, 2012 at 8:05PM EST Reply to CommentDavid Simon, things might be looking up. HBO now has a huge schedule hole and a bunch of extra money.
odessasteps
March 14, 2012 at 8:21PM EST Reply to CommentWeirdly coincidental timing, since 3 horses have been put down this week at teh Cheltenham Festival in England.
Darren
March 14, 2012 at 8:48PM EST Reply to CommentI'm reminded of Tony Soprano and Ralph Cifaretto's last conversation.
w
March 14, 2012 at 8:51PM EST Reply to Commentit's time for horse racing as a laughable "sport" to stop as well. this type of deaths happen all the time, the most senseless torture of horses.
Sareeta I agree. It's absurd that HBO even agreed to make this series. The sport is disgusting, and it is sad that it took 3 deaths before HBO decided to close it down.
March 14, 2012 at 8:57PM ESTSir Ingenious
March 14, 2012 at 11:16PM EST Reply to CommentSpartacus died but hey, the show is currently in its second season! It appears that even a horse is worth more than that of a slave...
Underemployed
March 14, 2012 at 11:26PM EST Reply to CommentThey shoot HBO shows, don't they?