BBC Cancels Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency After 2 Seasons

After 2 seasons of discovering that “everything is connected,” fans of BBC’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency are now left with a series of disconnected joints. BBC has canceled the quirky, detective show after the season 2 finale aired on Saturday night. But it was more than just a detective show. It was a blend of science fiction, supernatural, fantasy, and mystery all jam-packed into one genre. Max Landis helped bring Douglas Adam’s novel–the show’s source material–to life in a way that the late author would’ve been ecstatic to be involved with. That’s why it’s sad to see it end so abruptly with so many unanswered questions.

If you’re a fan of the Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, and you’re all caught up, then you’re aware that the second season ended on a cliffhanger, more so for some of the supporting characters. For example, Bart was transported to a much different Blackwing with her old friend, Ken, in charge. Both of those characters went through some serious changes during the course of the season, yet now you’ll never know what was to come of it. Sergeant Friedkin was left red-eyed in the backstage of reality, potentially becoming a much more important character come season 3. But, again, you’re left to wonder.

The show’s finale left you with a multitude of questions, so many that you could’ve assumed that there was going to be a third season. So what was it that made BBC cancel Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency? There wasn’t a specific reason given by BBC as to why they canceled the series, but many sources are betting that the low ratings had something to do with it. With an average of under 250,000 viewers per episode, you can see that there weren’t a lot of interested parties. Obviously except for those who enjoy the kind of stuff that Dirk Gently was on about: alternate dimensions, time travel, giant scissor-wielding knights, pain vampires, and so much more. Unfortunately, I am one of those (and you probably are too if you’re reading this).

I understand the ratings were low, but Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency did such an amazing job in combining all of these unique themes and elements, so much so that it is puzzling as to how the ratings were so low. With so many different characters reigning from various backgrounds, it appeared that the show would appeal to more than 250,000 viewers an episode. It’s as if Doctor Who and Sherlock got together in a locked cabin hidden away in the mountains of Scotland and brainstormed until coming up with their own TV show together.

Deadline released a report containing a statement made by BBC to commemorate those involved with the series. It reads:

We are beyond proud of this brilliant original series and so appreciative of the outstanding team behind it including Max Landis, Samuel Barnett, Elijah Wood, and many many others. It was a privilege to work with this talented and passionate group of writers, producers and actors on these two seasons of Dirk. Thanks also to the passionate fans who embraced this fantastically novel world.

A novel world that’ll be truly missed by fans everywhere. Hopefully, BBC sees the outcry of fans and continues on with the show–or at least makes an extended special to end it on a proper note.

Joel Schanke

Most of the time he spends writing, reading (anything from comics to classic literature), playing video games, and wondering when the next Elder Scrolls title will be released. Hopefully soon…