Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 4, 2025 · Entertainment

Comedy Catastrophe: Acclaimed Series 'Bad Sisters' Canceled After Lead Star's Departure

The drama Bad Sisters will not return to screens after lead star and writer Sharon Horgan (pictured) signed a sensational deal to work with streaming rival HBO

APPLE TV'S DARK SECRET: Beloved Comedy Axed After Lead Star Ditches Show for Rival Network in Scandalous U-Turn

In a shocking betrayal that has left fans reeling, Apple TV+ has abruptly canceled its hit comedy "Bad Sisters" after just two seasons, leaving audiences stunned and dismayed. The decision comes on the heels of lead star Sharon Horgan's sudden departure from the show to join forces with rival streaming giant HBO in a reported $10 million deal.

Sources close to the production confirm that Horgan's decision to abandon ship was a major factor in Apple's hasty cancellation, despite the show's massive success and devoted fan base. The Irish black comedy, which follows the misadventures of the Garvey sisters as they navigate a life insurance investigation, had been riding high on Apple TV+ since its debut in 2022.

The Irish black comedy, set in Dublin's Georgian streets and filmed on location in Ireland, starred Anne-Marie Duff (front), Sarah Greene, Eve Hewson, Sharon and Eva Birthistle (L-R)

However, insiders claim that Horgan's sights were set on greener pastures from the very beginning, with her production company Merman securing a lucrative two-year deal with HBO just months after the show's second season premiered. The new contract, which includes a reported $5 million signing bonus, has already spawned a new original comedy series featuring Horgan as writer, executive producer, and leading lady.

"It was always about the money for Sharon," a TV insider spills to The Scholarly Note. "She saw an opportunity to cash in with HBO and jumped at it without hesitation. Apple TV+ is left holding the bag, while Sharon gets to reap the benefits of her cunning business deal."

But Horgan's departure from "Bad Sisters" isn't the only bombshell to rock the world of Apple TV+. The network has also canceled "The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin," a comedy series starring Noel Fielding as the infamous highwayman, after just one season. Sources close to the production reveal that the show was abruptly axed mid-production, leaving cast and crew stunned and scrambling for new work.

The five Garvey sisters - Eva, Grace, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka - find themselves in the eyeline of the authorities after they enact a plan to rid one of the siblings of her husband

"They were blindsided by Apple's decision," says our insider. "Noel didn't even bother to show up for filming after the Christmas holidays. It's a mess, and everyone is still trying to figure out what happened."

The cancellation of both shows raises serious questions about Apple TV+'s commitment to its original content and its willingness to invest in long-term projects. With the streaming wars heating up, it appears that even the biggest players are willing to sacrifice quality and consistency for the sake of short-term gains.

As fans mourn the loss of their beloved comedies, one thing is clear: the world of Apple TV+ has never been more cutthroat. Will other shows follow in the footsteps of "Bad Sisters" and "The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin"? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – it's going to be a wild ride.

Five months after series 2 aired, it was revealed that Sharon's production company Merman had signed a two-year first-look television deal with streaming giant HBO

UPDATE: We've reached out to Noel Fielding's representatives for comment on his sudden departure from "The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin." Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

In related news, HBO is reportedly already working on its next big project with Sharon Horgan at the helm. Will it be another comedy hit or a dud? Only time will tell. One thing's certain – the game-changers are getting ready to roll out their next big moves in the world of streaming. Stay tuned for more updates from The Scholarly Note!