‘Manhunt: Unabomber’, the crime anthology series was cancelled by Discovery shortly after the first season itself, but fans have no idea why!
One of the most intense crime drama series out there, ‘Manhunt‘ paints a fictional picture of two devastatingly real events. Originally scripted by Discovery channel, the series notably starred Sam Worthington and Paul Bettany, as Officer Jim Fitzgerald and Ted Kaczynski. It was suspenseful, and an interesting perspective into the inner sanctums of dangerous criminals and FBI profilers. Viewers saw our protagonist, Officer Jim, develop newer forms of forensic linguistics to discover the perpetrators and bring him to justice. It is an in-depth look at the case which has often been deemed as the FBI’s most expensive investigation ever.
Highlights —
- Why Discovery cancelled the series after ‘Manhunt: Unabomber’
- ‘Manhunt’ is based on a true story
- A cast of season 1 and 2 of ‘Manhunt’
The battle of wits in the first season is unmissable, as Paul Bettany shines with his performance of the Unabomber aka Ted Kazincsky. He’s a complex character, ominous, manipulative as well as highly intelligent, and it’s incredible to experience. Unfortunately, shortly after the first season titled ‘Manhunt: Unabomber’ premiered, Discovery cancelled the show. Fans were extremely disappointed with the network’s decision, but that’s before Charter Communications saved the day!
Why Discovery cancelled the series after ‘Manhunt: Unabomber’
Back in 2018, “The Hollywood Reporter” broke the news. Charter Communications was reported to be in an advanced negotiation stage with Lionsgate to renew the series for two more seasons. ‘Manhunt’ would continue to detail law enforcement’s search for notorious criminals, and one season, in the form of ‘Manhunt: Deadly Games’ has already premiered!
At the time when its first season premiered on Discovery Channel, ‘Manhunt: Unabomber’ averaged over a million viewers and pulled mostly positive reviews. Fans expected that season two was a given, considering the predecessor’s success, but this wasn’t the case. Discovery Channel was unable to go ahead with the series after a change in their programming strategy rendered it impossible.
The network chose to focus on their unscripted business for the year, and thus had to walk away from ‘Manhunt’. Luckily, Charter Communications ensured the second season premiered on Spectrum, and as online reports share, are bound by contract to work on a third. Since season two premiered earlier this year, we can expect to hear about a third sometime in 2021.
‘Manhunt’ is based on a true story
The true-crime series, albeit exaggerated, is a real account of two terrifying criminal stories. The first season followed the FBI’s most expensive investigation and focused on an FBI agent who brought the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski to justice after a nearly 20-year manhunt.
It provided insight into the criminal and the case, but also the agents whose lives took a toll while tracking down the criminals. Forced to live inside the darkest minds in the world, they were struggling to fight their own demons as well. The second season, ‘Manhunt: Deadly Games‘, chronicled one of the largest and most complex manhunts on U.S. soil. It followed the search for the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Park Bomber. It also shined a light on the media firestorm that consumed the life of security guard Richard Jewell in its wake. Although the show can be really intense, it’s a gripping account of the lives of real-life terrorists and the officers who discovered them.
Cast of season 1 and 2 of ‘Manhunt’
Since it is an anthology series with different stories entirely, the cast changes from season to season. The first season, ‘Manhunt: Unabomber’ followed MCU alum Paul Bettany and ‘Avatar’ actor Sam Worthington (Officer Jim) who brings him to justice. Supporting cast members included ‘True Blood’ fame Keisha Castle-Hughes, Jeremy Bobb, Elizabeth Reaser, Lynn Collins, and others.
Season two, which followed deadly criminal Eric Rudolph, saw Jack Huston as the terrorist and Cameron Britton as Richard Jewell. Other cast members included Arliss Howard, Earl Embry, and Gethin Anthony among others.
Since the network hasn’t shared an update on season three, viewers aren’t sure about what the new cast will be like. If the previous seasons can be taken into consideration, we’re sure we can expect to see familiar faces!
Are you a fan of ‘Manhunt’? Which season would you consider to be your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
