In a recent announcement, Hulu has revealed the cancellation of its original series 'This Fool' after a two-season run. The show, created by Chris Estrada, centered around the life of Julio Lopez, a 30-year-old who resides with his family and works at a gang rehabilitation center. Despite receiving positive reviews, 'This Fool' failed to capture a large enough audience to warrant a renewal for a third season.
'This Fool' received significant promotion from Hulu, but unfortunately, it did not generate the desired viewership. The series attracted attention for its portrayal of the Latino and Black community without relying on stereotypes and judgments. Estrada, who also starred in the show, aimed to depict the lives of working-class people, emphasizing class issues rather than solely focusing on identity.
The show was produced internally by Disney's ABC Signature, and it featured a talented ensemble cast that included Frankie Quiñones, Michael Imperioli, Michelle Ortiz, Laura Patalano, Julia Vera, Fabian Alomar, and Sandra Hernandez. The production team involved notable individuals such as showrunner Jonathan Groff ('Black-ish'), Fred Armisen, Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, and Jake Weisman.
Critics hailed 'This Fool' for its laid-back and humorous tone, earning both seasons a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Angie Han, a TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter, praised the show, stating that it successfully captured a unique and engaging perspective. However, despite the positive critical reception, the series struggled to attract a substantial fanbase.
The cancellation of 'This Fool' comes amidst an industrywide contraction following the burst of the Peak TV bubble last year. As streaming platforms reassess their programming slates, Hulu has made the decision to cancel several other series including 'The Great' and 'How I Met Your Father.'
While 'This Fool' may not continue to grace our screens, its two seasons will remain available on Hulu's platform. For fans of the show, this offers an opportunity to revisit the laid-back humor and cultural exploration that made 'This Fool' a beloved series.
Although the cancellation may disappoint many fans, it's important to remember that the television landscape is constantly evolving. As streaming platforms strive to find the right mix of content that resonates with their audiences, some shows may unfortunately fall by the wayside. However, this also leaves room for new and captivating series to emerge, providing viewers with fresh and engaging programming options.
While we bid farewell to 'This Fool,' let us anticipate the arrival of other exceptional shows that will entertain and inspire us in the future.