Natasha Rothwell responds to “How to Die Alone” cancellation: 'Shocked, heartbroken, and frankly, baffled'

Hulu will not book How to Die Alone, the airport workplace comedy from creator and star Natasha Rothwell, for a returning flight.

The series has been canceled after one season, Entertainment Weekly can confirm. In a statement obtained by EW, Rothwell said she was "shocked, heartbroken, and frankly, baffled" that Onyx, the Disney-owned content brand behind the dramedy, has decided not to move forward with a second season.

Related: Meet Your Maker: How When Harry Met Sally influenced Natasha Rothwell’s comedy How to Die Alone

"This is a tough reality to accept because the show is an undeniable critical, creative, and award-winning success," said Rothwell of the comedy, which won Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series at the Independent Spirit Awards and the Producer Award at the Critics Choice Awards.

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Rothwell said she intends to shop the title around at different platforms. "This show took me eight years to bring to life, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in that time, it’s resilience," she said. "I’m not giving up. My team and I are committed to finding How to Die Alone a new home because stories like this matter."

She added, "Now more than ever, television that amplifies previously unheard voices, and that prioritizes hiring and casting decisions that accurately reflect the diversity of the world is essential. Representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence, and our cultural contributions are not erased."

The 8-episode debut season introduced Rothwell's Mel, a JFK airport employee whose fear of living her life to the fullest nearly rivals her fear of — ironically — flying. A near-death experience emboldens her to take flight and find the courage to live, love, and be loved. Conrad Ricamora, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Jocko Sims, and Michelle McLeod round out the cast as fellow airport colleagues.

“It’s the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve put into the world," Rothwell previously told EW of the dramedy, which she described as an exploration of the "nuanced difference between being alone and being lonely.” She added, "I really didn't pull any punches."

Related: Natasha Rothwell reveals how Belinda returns to The White Lotus for season 3 (exclusive)

In the meantime, Rothwell can next be seen in the upcoming season 3 of The White Lotus, reprising her role as Belinda in the Thailand-set season. Premiering Feb. 16, the season 1 staple will be joined by series newcomers Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, Blackpink singer Lisa, and Jason Isaacs, among other notable names.

Variety was the first to report on the cancellation.

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