Despite a certain level of cult fandom, HBO has just pulled on the plug on Laura Dern’s Enlightened after two seasons. The show was a critical gem that had established a pretty loyal following, but in the end 300,000 viewers a week does not cut it. Usually, shows like these are partnered with one of the premium network’s trademark dramas, but it was just that and Girls this winter as there was really nothing to help draw audiences to the channel Sunday night. Fans have every right to blame that, but the reality of the situation is that HBO wants to continue pumping out new originals so they needed to thin the heard a bit as painful as it may be.
“It was a very difficult decision. We’re proud of the show and we look forward to working with Mike White and Laura Dern in the future.” – HBO
Enlightened aired its final episode on Sunday, March 3.
HBO has done some significant maneuvering in their year-to-year schedule as the premium network has just announced the Girls and Enlightened will be paired together starting January 2013. Furthermore, this means that both shows will be bounced from their regular seasons (Enlightened in the Fall, Girls in the Spring) in order to make this happen. Hit the jump for the full press release from HBO. 
Fans of the HBO comedy Enlightened might be thrilled to hear that former Saturday Night Live cast member Molly Shannon is set to join Golden Globe-winner Laura Dern in the sophomore season of the series. 
HBO has cleaned house today as cancellation news was delivered to Bored to Death, How to Make it in America, and Hung. The premium network is not terribly well known for its half hour comedies in recent years and this was expected as the home of so many award winning series’ looks for a hit show beyond the one-hour drama. Enlightened survived the massacre which was largely a given as Freshman shows typically get a second season from HBO regardless of ratings. The Golden Globe nominations certainly did not hurt Enlightened’s cause.