'Hell on Wheels' on Hold as AMC Searches for New Showrunner

Chris Large/AMC

"Hell on Wheels"

AMC's third-season renewal for Hell on Wheels is on hold.

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Mere days after the Western starring Anson Mount and Common was picked up for a 10-episode third season with John Shiban at its helm, the new showrunner has departed the series, citing personal reasons.

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"John Shiban has informed AMC, Entertainment One and Endemol that while he was fully on board when the network informed him about their intent to pick-up Hell on Wheels, he has since made the personal decision that he will be unable to return as showrunner," AMC said in a statement on behalf of co-producers Endemol and Entertainment One. "He has asked the production partners to seek a replacement showrunner. Like all of our shows, network pick-ups are always conditioned on an approved showrunner. We are confident that eOne and Endemol will satisfy that obligation in the near future."

Shiban (Breaking Bad, The X-Files), who has been with the series since its first season, was set to take over for creators/showrunners Joe and Tony Gayton, who exited the drama after their contract was not picked up. The brothers will continue to consult on the series when and if a new showrunner is found.

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"I'm very proud of our work on Hell on Wheels and was thrilled to hear the show would have a season three. I have since made the difficult decision that the time has come for me to leave," Shiban said in a statement. "I care deeply about the series and will do whatever I can to aid in the transition to ensure the continued success of the show. I truly value all the time I have spent with this wonderful group of very talented people."

AMC renewed the series, from Endemol, Entertainment One and Nomadic Pictures, on Monday. The period drama's second season was down 2 million total viewers after losing ratings juggernaut The Walking Dead as a lead-in. Season two's 2.4 million viewers are down considerably from the 3 million the series averaged during its freshman run. Season two concluded its run Oct. 7.

For AMC, the move marks the latest in a string of behind-the-scenes showrunner drama among its original fare. The network fired Frank Darabont from The Walking Dead ahead of its second season, and Rubicon creator/EP Jason Horwitch exited during its lone season.

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