HBO Max axes ‘Pennyworth’ & HBO orders Jerrod Carmichael comedy docuseries

Pennyworth

Warner Bros. Discovery streamer HBO Max has cancelled action series Pennyworth.

The move comes following James Gunn and Peter Safran announcing a new slate and long-term plan for DC Comics content on the streamer this week.

The series, also known as Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler, was picked up by HBO Max following two seasons on Epix. Set in 1960s London, it starred Jack Bannon as Alfred Pennyworth, a former soldier who will eventually become the man to raise Bruce Wayne (aka Batman).

DC shows Titans and Doom Patrol were also recently axed, with newly announced titles including Creature Commandos and Lanterns to kick off a new inter-connected slate of comic book shows for the streamer.

In related news, HBO has ordered a new comedy docuseries starring and exec produced by US stand-up Jerrod Carmichael and based around his life.

The show will follow the comedian, who has an overall deal with HBO, through encounters with friends, family, and strangers, all in his quest for love, sex, and connection.

Ari Katcher directs and also exec produces, alongside Eli Despres, as well Susie Fox for Range Media Partners and Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg for Edgeline Films.

Nina Rosenstein, EVP of programming for HBO, said Carmichael’s “honesty and vulnerability are a perfect fit for this original format.”