In an exclusive obtained by Variety today, Natasha Rothwell’s How to Die Alone has been canceled. The Hulu series, created by and starring Rothwell, premiered last September to solid reviews.
How to Die Alone followed Mel, a fat Black woman working at JFK Airport. After a near-death experience, she decides to finally live life on her terms. Over eight episodes, viewers watched Mel transform from a wallflower afraid to board a plane to a woman bold enough to crash her ex’s wedding.
Rothwell’s portrayal of Mel was fresh, funny, and necessary. The former SNL writer, best known for playing Kelli on Insecure, is also set to reprise her role as Belinda on The White Lotus on February 16.
Onyx Collective, a Disney brand, ordered How to Die Alone in 2022.
In a statement to Variety, Rothwell said:
“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. 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.”
An unnamed source cited low viewership as the reason for cancellation. Still, the series won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Ensemble Cast and earned three NAACP Award nominations, including Outstanding Actress and Outstanding Comedy Series.
In recent years, we’ve lost Grand Crew, Southside, and Rap Sh!t. Black comedy series are necessary, and Abbott Elementary isn’t enough.
Rothwell also shared with the press:
“Representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence, and our cultural contributions are not erased.”
How to Die Alone deserved more time to find its audience. Its cancellation is disappointing, but Rothwell’s commitment to finding it a new home gives fans hope. Now, it’s up to networks and streamers to recognize the value of Black-led comedy and give it the space it deserves.
