natasha Rothwell’s “How to Die Alone” Canceled After One Season on Hulu
Natasha Rothwell’s critically acclaimed comedy series, How to Die Alone, has been canceled by Hulu after just one season.The show, wich premiered in September 2024, was created by and starred Rothwell, who expressed her disappointment in a statement to Variety. “I am shocked,heartbroken and frankly,baffled,” she said,reacting to the decision by Hulu and the onyx Collective,the disney content brand behind the series.
The cancellation comes despite the show’s critical success. How to Die Alone earned a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Variety praising it as “skillfully crafted” and Rothwell’s performance as “flawless.” The series also won the Independent Spirit Award for ensemble cast in a new scripted series and has three pending NAACP Image Award nominations. Though, a source close to the studio cited insufficient viewership as the reason for the cancellation.Rothwell, however, remains hopeful. In her statement, she revealed that she is actively shopping the series to other platforms. “Portrayal isn’t just about visibility — it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence and our cultural contributions are not erased,” she wrote.
The series, produced by Onyx Collective, which focuses on projects from creators of color and underrepresented communities, followed the story of Mel, a broke, fat, Black JFK Airport employee who embarks on a transformative journey after an accidental brush with death.The ensemble cast included Conrad Ricamora, Jocko Sims, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones, with Rothwell and Vera Santamaria serving as executive producers.Rothwell, best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Belinda in HBO’s The White Lotus, has a diverse career that includes writing and directing for HBO’s Insecure and writing for Saturday Night Live. she is set to reprise her role in The White Lotus Season 3, premiering February 16.
| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Series | How to Die Alone |
| Platform | Hulu |
| Creator/Star | Natasha Rothwell |
| Premiere Date | September 2024 |
| Cancellation reason | Insufficient viewership |
| Critical Reception | 91% on Rotten Tomatoes |
| Awards | independent Spirit Award for ensemble cast |
| Future Plans | Rothwell shopping the series to other platforms |
As fans of How to Die Alone await news of its potential revival, Rothwell’s commitment to storytelling and representation continues to resonate. Her work, both on and off-screen, remains a testament to the importance of diverse voices in entertainment.Onyx Collective, known for its groundbreaking projects like The 1619 Project and Reasonable Doubt, has made headlines again—but this time, for a surprising cancellation. The critically acclaimed series How to Die Alone will not return for a second season, leaving its creator, natasha Rothwell, and fans in disbelief.
In a heartfelt statement, Rothwell expressed her shock and disappointment. “I am shocked, heartbroken and frankly, baffled that Onyx has decided not to move forward with a second season of How to Die Alone,” she said. “This is a tough reality to accept because the show is an undeniable critical, creative, and award-winning success.”
The series, which took Rothwell eight years to develop, has been praised for its unique storytelling and representation. Despite the setback, Rothwell remains resilient. “I’m not giving up. My team and I are committed to finding How to Die Alone a new home as stories like this matter,” she emphasized.Rothwell also highlighted the importance of diverse voices in television. “Now more than ever,television that amplifies previously unheard voices,and that prioritizes hiring and casting decisions that accurately reflect the diversity of the world,is essential,” she said.“Representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence, and our cultural contributions are not erased.”
Quoting Maya Angelou, Rothwell added, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
Onyx Collective continues to expand its portfolio with upcoming projects like the comedy series Deli Boys and the documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius). Previously, the brand has delivered hits such as The Other black Girl and UnPrisoned.
Below is a summary of Onyx Collective’s recent and upcoming projects:
| Project | Type | status |
|———————————-|——————|———————|
| How to Die Alone | Series | Cancelled |
| The 1619 Project | Documentary | Released |
| Reasonable Doubt | Series | Released |
| Deli Boys | Comedy Series | Upcoming |
| Sly Lives! | Documentary | Upcoming |
| The Other Black Girl | Series | Released |
| UnPrisoned | Series | Released |
Rothwell’s determination to find a new platform for How to die Alone underscores the show’s significance. “We are rising. And we are not done,” she declared.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the push for authentic representation remains a priority. Rothwell’s journey with How to Die Alone serves as a reminder of the resilience required to bring diverse stories to the forefront.
An Insightful Conversation with Natasha Rothwell on How to Die Alone and Depiction in TV
Editor: Natasha, your series How to Die Alone has garnered critical acclaim, yet it was recently canceled by Onyx Collective.Can you share your initial reaction to this news?
Natasha Rothwell: I was shocked,heartbroken,and frankly,baffled. This show was an undeniable critical, creative, and award-winning success. It took me eight years to develop, so hearing it wouldn’t return for a second season was a tough reality to accept. But I’m not giving up.My team and I are committed to finding it a new home because stories like this matter.
Editor: The series has been praised for its unique storytelling and representation. Why do you think these elements are so important in television today?
Natasha rothwell: Representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence, and our cultural contributions are not erased. Television that amplifies previously unheard voices and prioritizes hiring and casting decisions that reflect the diversity of the world is essential. Now more than ever, these stories need to be told, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done with How to Die Alone.
Editor: The show follows Mel, a broke, fat, Black JFK Airport employee, on a transformative journey. What inspired you to tell this story?
natasha Rothwell: I wanted to create a character who felt real and relatable. Mel’s story is about resilience and self-discovery, wich are worldwide themes. Yet,it’s also a story that’s deeply rooted in her identity as a Black woman. It’s a reflection of the world I see, one that’s frequently enough underrepresented in mainstream media.
Editor: You’ve had a diverse career, from your Emmy-nominated role in the White Lotus to writing for Insecure and Saturday night Live. how has your journey shaped your approach to storytelling?
natasha Rothwell: my journey has taught me the importance of resilience. Whether it’s writing, acting, or directing, I’ve learned that setbacks are part of the process. As Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Each experience has deepened my commitment to telling stories that resonate and inspire.
Editor: Onyx Collective is known for groundbreaking projects like The 1619 project and Reasonable Doubt. How do you feel about being part of their portfolio, despite the cancellation?
Natasha Rothwell: Onyx Collective has been a powerful platform for diverse voices, and I’m grateful to have been part of their mission. While I’m disappointed about the cancellation, I remain hopeful that How to Die Alone will find a new home.We are rising, and we are not done.
Editor: What’s next for you? Are ther any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Natasha Rothwell: I’m excited to reprise my role in The White Lotus Season 3,which premieres on February 16. I’m also focused on finding a new platform for How to Die Alone. Additionally, I’m exploring new opportunities to continue telling stories that matter and amplify diverse voices in the industry.
Editor: what message would you like to send to the fans of How to Die Alone?
Natasha Rothwell: Thank you for your unwavering support. Your love for the show fuels my determination to keep fighting for its future. Stay tuned—this isn’t the end of Mel’s journey, or mine. We will rise.
Conclusion
Natasha Rothwell’s journey with How to Die Alone is a testament to the resilience required to bring diverse stories to the forefront. Despite its cancellation, Rothwell’s commitment to authentic representation and storytelling continues to inspire. As she navigates this setback, her determination to find a new home for the series underscores the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices in entertainment.
