Paramount+ cancels Halo after two seasons
David Farnor | On 22, Jul 2024
Halo has been cancelled by Paramount+ after two seasons.
The series, which is based on Xbox franchise of the same name, was a long time coming to screens, after originally beginning as a film as far back as 2005. More than a decade later, it became one of the flagship titles of Paramount’s new streaming service, Paramount+.
The expensive series debuted in 2022, starring Pablo Schreiber as UNSC Spartan Master Chief, alongside Natascha McElhone as Dr Halsey, Jen Taylor as Cortana, Bokeem Woodbine, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac, Olive Gray, Yerin Ha, Bentley Kalu, Kate Kennedy, Charlie Murphy and Danny Sapani.
Set during a 26th-century conflict between humanity and an alien threat called the Covenant, the show returned for a second season in February this year. Now, Paramount has confirmed that the programme will not return again.
The move comes after a slew of cancellations by Paramount in the past year, including Star Trek: Prodigy, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, The Game and Queen of the Universe. It also pulled a raft of original programmes from its platform in an apparent bid to cut costs, including The Burning Girls, One Night, The Doll Factory and The Serial Killer’s Wife.
“Paramount+ can confirm that ‘Halo’ will not move forward with a third season on the service,” said Paramount in a statement to Variety. “We are extremely proud of this ambitious series and would like to thank our partners at Xbox, 343 Industries and Amblin Television, along with showrunner and executive producer David Wiener, his fellow executive producers, the entire cast led by Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief and the amazing crew for all their outstanding work. We wish everyone the best going forward.”
Halo series renewed for Season 2
16th February 2022
Halo has been renewed for Season 2 by Paramount, before the first season has even premiered.
The series is based on the Xbox franchise of the same name. The series is set during a 26th-century conflict between humanity and an alien threat called the Covenant. It stars Pablo Schreiber as UNSC Spartan Master Chief, alongside Natascha McElhone as Dr Halsey, Jen Taylor as Cortana, Bokeem Woodbine, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac, Olive Gray, Yerin Ha, Bentley Kalu, Kate Kennedy, Charlie Murphy and Danny Sapani.
US audiences can see them in action when the series premieres on Paramount+ on 24th March. Before then, though, Paramount has already greenlit a second season, with Fear the Walking Dead’s David Wiener to serve as showrunner. He replaces Steve Kane in the role, who will exit after season 1 – and who, in turn, replaced Kyle Kinnen, after they departed the project in 2018.
In the UK, meanwhile, fans will be able to see the series when Paramount’s streaming service launches this summer. Previously known as CBS All-Access, the subscription platform will arrive in the UK and Ireland this summer. It will be available on Sky platforms as part of a multi-year distribution agreement, but will also be available as a standalone app for iOS, Android and other devices.
The studio has a growing number of original titles already announced, including series such as Fatal Attraction, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Rabbit Hole and – launching in the US this April – The Offer. Super Pumped has also been renewed for Season 2 and Billions has been renewed for Season 7.
For more information about Paramount+’s UK launch, click here.