Showtime cancels SMILF after two seasons amid misconduct investigation into Frankie Shaw

The Hollywood Reporter

SMILF's cancelation comes as producer ABC Studios, which had Shaw under an overall deal, revealed it has suspended that pact. "Frankie Shaw’s overall deal with ABC Studios has been suspended without pay while we review our options," said ABC Studios, which is currently investigating Shaw for on-set misconduct. Showtime said in a statement of canceling SMILF : "After weighing a variety of factors, Showtime has decided that SMILF will not move forward for a third season. The remainder of the second season will continue to air as scheduled on Showtime through its series finale on March 31. We remain extremely proud of the two seasons of SMILF, and thank Frankie Shaw for her singular voice and unique creation, as well as the dozens of writers, producers, actors, directors and crew members both in Los Angeles and on location in Boston, who contributed to this exceptional series." The cancelation comes three months after the publication of a Hollywood Reporter story in which numerous employees alleged inappropriately handled sex scenes. The accusations included actress Samara Weaving alleging that she was pressured to do a nude love scene with 40 minutes' notice despite having a no-nudity clause. Weaving opted to leave SMILF after this season. Following the story, several Massachusetts lawmakers wrote a letter urging the suspension of the show's tax credits pending the outcome of the ABC Studios investigation. Shaw first addressed the accusations in an interview with the Today show in January, citing her inexperience as a showrunner. In response to today's cancelation, Shaw said in a statement: “I can’t express how much I’ve loved making this show, how much I love the cast and crew and appreciate Showtime as creative partners."