Now That 'Loudermilk' Is a Netflix Hit, It May Actually Get Seasons 4 & 5
Loudermilk fans, we need to talk more about the show. Maybe the hype will allow it to be renewed for new seasons!
Summary
- In January, Netflix added the comedy-drama Loudermilk to its library after buying distribution rights from Amazon.
- Unfortunately, the streaming service does not currently have a license to develop future seasons.
- However, given the show's growing popularity on Netflix, the showrunner believes new seasons could be on the way in the near future.
Before landing on Netflix, the show had a long run on broadcast television and other streaming services, and unfortunately, it still hasn't found a permanent home to invest in renewing the story.
That said, Loudermilk boasts an incredibly talented cast and crew, and the plot is a poignant satire steeped in the realistic experience of recovering from substance addiction. The highlight is the wry title character, reminiscent of both Dylan Moran's Bernard Black and David Duchovny's Hank Moody, played by the incomparable Ron Livingston. All this has sent the show's ratings skyrocketing and, according to its showrunner, gives it exciting potential for renewal.
A Series from the Co-creator of Dumb and Dumber
Loudermilk was developed by Bobby Mort (Scorched Earth) and Peter Farrelly, one of the Farrelly brothers who rose to fame with comedies like Dumb and Dumber, There's Something About Mary, and Me, Myself & Irene. Peter also distinguished himself as a great drama filmmaker in 2018 with the Oscar-winning Green Book, starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali.
The show follows Sam Loudermilk (Ron Livingston), a once devoted husband and respected music critic whose alcohol abuse has destroyed his entire life. Now he is a substance abuse counselor that many people would rather not go to because Sam is a moody-type guy who copes by making acid-tongued comments about others. However, even the most venomous of his remarks always strike a chord and provide helpful insight.
The High Level of Popularity of the Series on Netflix
Loudermilk was released on Netflix at the beginning of January and became one of the most watched shows on the service almost immediately. With a total of 1,700,000 views from January 15 through January 21, Loudermilk was ranked the tenth most-watched English-language series.
The show has an impressive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for all three seasons. Users have commented that the series does a great job of conveying the experience of AA meetings and substance addiction. But while the show is as sardonic as the main character himself, the material is profound and packed with relatable humor.
All three seasons of the show were produced under the umbrella of pay-TV network Audience (owned by AT&T, as you may have heard at the time) until the network's termination in May, 2020. Distribution rights were subsequently acquired by Amazon Prime Video, which first aired the third season. Then, the rights to stream the show were transferred to Netflix. However, the show still doesn't have a sponsor behind it to produce Season 4.
High Ratings Mean High Renewal Potential
And now, with the current rediscovery of the series after its introduction to Netflix users, he's especially confident that Loudermilk still has a future. In a conversation with a viewer of the show who noted the importance of its ideas, Farrelly said he was hopeful about producing new seasons.
'Thanks, Adam. I'm very hopeful we're going to have a Season 4 and 5. Lots more story to tell. I'll be rooting for you and your sobriety. Quitting isn't all doom and gloom. There's a lot of light on the other side. Good luck!'
He also mentioned that as soon as the series finds a new permanent home, production will begin immediately as he has already outlined plots for the upcoming seasons.
'Seasons 4 and 5 are already mapped out and ready to shoot! Just have to find the right home for it — hopefully Netflix. Can't wait to tell the whole story!'
Now all we have to do is help Farrelly realize our shared dream by giving the show a platform through active social media discussions and by attracting new viewers. Who knows, maybe Netflix will even greenlight future seasons.