Spectrum Originals To Be Shut Down As Charter Exits Scripted Programming

Charter is phasing out Spectrum Originals as the cable company exits the original scripted series space, Variety has confirmed.

The move comes after it was announced that Spectrum Originals executive Katherine Pope would be leaving the company to take over Sony Pictures Television from Jeff Frost. Pope is due to begin his new role in the coming weeks, at which time Charter will begin phasing out the Originals division.

Spectrum Originals first launched in 2018 with the acquisition of "Bad Boys" spin-off "LA's Finest" starring Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union after the show was not picked up as a series on NBC. Since then, Spectrum Originals has aired shows like the revival of "Mad About You", "Joe Pickett", "The Bite" and "Paradise Lost".

The shutdown will be a gradual process, sources say, as there are still several shows in the works on the platform. These include the Lena Headey-Stephan James sci-fi thriller series "Beacon 23," which Spectrum renewed for a second season before the first season aired.

It was announced in March that Spectrum had ordered the comedy-drama "Panhandle" starring "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's" Luke Kirby and Tiana Okoye. Spectrum was also set to air the "George & Tammy" miniseries starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon as Tammy Wynette and George Jones respectively. This show is also slated to air on Paramount Network and Paramount+.

What will happen to these and other shows still on Spectrum's books has yet to be fully decided. Some may still be released on Spectrum while others may return to producers, who will then be free to purchase them from other outlets.

Deadline first signaled the discontinuation of Spectrum Originals.

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