“Heels” canceled after two seasons
(From left to right) Alexander Ludwig and Stephen Amell in “Heels”. Photo: Starz.
In line with a number of other networks and streaming services, Starz canceled some of its shows – and canceled another before it could even air on the channel.
The network announced that wrestling drama “Heels,” which stars Stephen Amell and just finished its second season, will join “Run The World” and “Blindspotting,” both of which also ran for two seasons facing bankruptcy.
Then we have the romance series “The Venery of Samantha Bird,” which was in production due to the strikes and had two episodes left to film. It is not aired on the channel at all now.
“Heels” boss Mike O’Malley on future plans
(Center) Mary McCormack in “Heels.” Photo: Starz.
“Heels” showrunner and head writer Mike O’Malley (who also plays Charlie Gully on the series) is eager to find the series a home elsewhere, he said Weekly entertainment:
“I really think it will have a life somewhere else. We did not and do not intend for the Season 2 finale to be the final episode of the series.”
O’Malley also addressed his colleague Amell’s comments about the recent strikes.
Related article: Heels’ Stephen Amell attacks SAG-AFTRA attack as a ‘reductive negotiation tactic’
What did Stephen Amell say about the actors’ strike?
Stephen Amell stars in Starz’ Heels.
You may recall that Heels star Stephen Amell spoke out against the strike at a convention appearance in August.
Here’s what he said, as reported by diversity:
“I support my union, that’s what I do. And I stand by her side. I’m not in favor of striking. I don’t. I think it’s a reductive negotiation tactic. I find the whole thing incredibly frustrating. I think the thinking around shows — like the show I was on that premiered last night (Starz’s wrestling series Heels, which started its second season) — I think is short-sighted.”
O’Malley has spoken out and talked about how he contacted Amell to make it clear to him that his comments were not helpful.
He had this to say to Entertainment Weekly:
“Well, I called Stephen and talked to him about it. What he wanted to talk about was that he loved the show and was incredibly proud of the show. We knew his comments would distract from the hard work that people are doing in both the WGA, of which I am a member, and SAG-AFTRA. And I knew that immediately because I had been on the picket line. When I heard it and called him, I said, “Stephen, man, we all need to stand together.” He got it right away. I just think it was an unfortunate moment. I really think he put his foot in his mouth. He felt bad about it. I think he basically meant what a lot of people said, which was that they were frustrated because they couldn’t work. But I know where his heart is, and his heart is behind his connection.”
(Left to right) Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig in “Heels.” Photo: Starz.
Stephen Amell films:
Buy Stephen Amell movies on Amazon
Click the video player below to watch our interviews with the cast of Heels.