BBC Axes 'The Hour' After 2 Seasons

9:48 AM PST 2/12/2013 by Michael O'Connell

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The Emmy and BAFTA nominee, which aired stateside on BBC America, was not renewed because of low ratings.

BBC America

Time is up on The Hour.

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The BBC period drama about a 1950s news desk was canceled Tuesday after two seasons. Premiering in 2011 in the U.K., The Hour originally pulled in 2.9 million viewers on BBC 2. Its second run in 2012 returned with just 1.3 million viewers.

News of The Hour's demise comes after BBC commissioned three new scripted series Monday and renewed several others -- including Call the Midwife. “We loved the show but have to make hard choices to bring new shows through,” a BBC spokesperson said of The Hour's cancellation.

Nominated for four BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globes and an Emmy, The Hour was co-produced by BBC America in its second season. The Hour was created by Abi Morgan and starred Ben Whishaw, Romola Garai and Dominic West.