Natasha Rothwell “Shocked, Heartbroken, and Baffled” as Hulu Cancels How to Die Alone After One Season

Natasha Rothwell’s comedy series, How to Die Alone, has been canceled by Hulu and Onyx Collective after just one season, a decision that the actress and creator says has left her “shocked, heartbroken, and frankly, baffled.” The show, which premiered in September 2024, was praised for its sharp writing, representation, and standout performances, earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series, with three pending NAACP Image Award nominations.

Despite its critical success, a source close to the studio indicated that the show’s viewership numbers weren’t strong enough to warrant a second season. Rothwell, however, disagrees, calling How to Die Alone an “undeniable critical, creative, and award-winning success.”

The series followed Mel, a broke, fat, Black JFK Airport employee who’s never been in love and forgotten how to dream—until an accidental brush with death forces her to start truly living. The cast also included Conrad Ricamora, Jocko Sims, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones, with Rothwell serving as creator, executive producer, and star.

In a statement to Variety, Rothwell emphasized that she’s not giving up on the show and is already looking for a new platform to continue its story. “Now more than ever, television that amplifies previously unheard voices is essential. Representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence, and our cultural contributions are not erased.”

While Hulu and Onyx Collective—which has backed projects like The 1619 Project and Reasonable Doubt—are moving forward with new content, Rothwell is determined to fight for How to Die Alone to find a new home. She closed her statement with a powerful quote from Maya Angelou, declaring, “We are rising. And we are not done.”