The Donovans Cancellation & Everything We Know About The Ray Donovan Spinoff
In a shocking move, Showtime has announced the cancellation of The Donovans, the spinoff series of the popular drama series Ray Donovan. The show, which was announced in 2019, was intended to explore the backstories of Ray Donovan’s (Jon Voight) family members, particularly his father, Edwin "Papa" Donovan, played by Eddie Marsan. As fans mourn the loss of The Donovans, here’s everything we know about the cancelled series and what’s next for the Ray Donovan franchise.
Why was The Donovans Cancelled?
Showtime hasn’t officially stated the reason for the cancellation, but according to reports, the network was concerned about the show’s storytelling and pacing. The Donovans was a prequel that aimed to explore the early life of Papa Donovan, but critics and audiences didn’t quite respond to the show’s slow-burning narrative.
Storyline and Casting
The Donovans was set in the 1950s and 1960s, following Papa Donovan’s journey as a boxing trainer and mob enforcer. The show also featured other characters, including Ray’s mother, Bernadette (Lily Rabe), and his uncle, Terry (Chris St. John). The story was meant to be a deep dive into the Donovan family’s dark past, exploring their connections to organized crime and the early days of the boxing world.
What’s Next for the Ray Donovan Franchise?
While The Donovans is no more, the Ray Donovan franchise won’t be disappearing entirely. The original series, which ran from 2013-2017, concluded on its fifth season. Creator Ann Biderman has stated that she has an idea for a potential feature film, which would wrap up the story of Ray Donovan and his family. No details on the film’s plot or production timeline have been announced.
Jon Voight’s Future Projects
Jon Voight, who played the iconic role of Ray Donovan, is working on several projects, including a limited series for Amazon, "National Parks," and a new TV series for CBS, "The Essex Wives." Voight has expressed his gratitude to fans for their support and emphasized his commitment to creating more exciting projects.
Conclusion
The cancellation of The Donovans leaves a void in the lives of fans who were eager to explore the rich history of the Donovan family. Although the spinoff’s prospects seemed promising, Showtime’s concerns about storytelling and pacing ultimately led to the decision. While the Ray Donovan franchise may have seemed to go quiet, the door remains open for a potential feature film to conclude the story. In the meantime, fans can look forward to new projects from Jon Voight and the creator of Ray Donovan, Ann Biderman.
We’re rooting for Jon Voight and the team to deliver a thrilling finale for the beloved character.