John Legend is far from pleased with WGN America’s cancellation of “ Underground.”
Following Tuesday’s announcement that the series is among several the network will cancel, Legend ― who served as the show’s executive producer during its two seasons ― encouraged his 9 million-plus followers on Twitter to rally in an effort to find a new network home.
The drama series, which starred Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge and Aisha Hinds, chronicled the lives of a group of slaves who attempted to escape from a Georgia plantation through the Underground Railroad. Legend starred as Frederick Douglass during a special “Whiteface” episode.
The network’s decision to sever ties from the show comes as a result of Sinclair Media Group’s recent acquisition of WGN’s parent company, Tribune Media. Earlier this month, Some questioned the future of “Underground” after Sinclair CEO, Chris Ripley cited WGN’s business strategy shifting away from original scripted programming.
On Tuesday, Tribune Media President and CEO Peter Kern thanked Legend and the show’s creators and cast for their contributions to the series’ success.
“We are tremendously proud of this landmark series that captured the zeitgeist and made an impact on television in a way never before seen on the medium,” Kern said. “We thank the incomparable creators Misha Green and Joe Pokaski and the great John Legend, along with the talented creative team and cast who brought the unsung American heroes of the Underground Railroad to life.”
“We are grateful to the loyal fans of Underground and our partners at Sony Pictures Television. It is our hope that this remarkable show finds another home and continues its stories of courage, determination and freedom,” he added.