Channel 4’s series ‘The Gathering’ has been cancelled after just one season due to changes in leadership priorities.
- The show, produced by World Productions, was set in Merseyside and revolved around a violent attack on a teenage girl during a rave.
- Despite achieving significant viewership numbers, with 3.2 million over 28 days and a strong premiere night, the series will not continue.
- The decision follows a management shake-up at Channel 4, including the departure of head of drama Caroline Hollick and 240 other roles.
- Vinette Robinson’s performance, alongside rising talents Eva Morgan and Sadie Soverall, marked the show’s standout acting.
Channel 4’s bold drama series, ‘The Gathering’, has been discontinued after its inaugural season despite exceeding the broadcaster’s expectations with impressive viewership. The decision to axe the show has been attributed to shifts in the broadcaster’s leadership and strategic priorities.
‘The Gathering’, produced by the acclaimed World Productions, known for hits like ‘Line of Duty’, centred on a harrowing storyline involving a violent attack on a teenage girl in Merseyside. This gripping narrative attracted a significant audience, garnering a 3.2 million viewership over the span of 28 days, with an initial 1 million viewers tuning in on premiere night, surpassing typical ratings for its time slot.
Simon Heath of World Productions remarked on the series’ performance, noting that the show “performed very well for Channel 4”. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the station’s evolving directives, stating that “there are new people in charge and new priorities, meaning ‘The Gathering’ won’t be coming back.”
The cancellation comes in the wake of major organisational changes within Channel 4. In March, the company underwent a redundancy consultation, affecting 240 positions, including the high-profile exit of Caroline Hollick, the former head of drama. These changes coincided with Ollie Madden’s appointment to a dual role overseeing both Film4 and Channel 4 drama.
The series featured standout performances from its cast, including Vinette Robinson and emerging actors Eva Morgan and Sadie Soverall, who brought depth to the complex characters of this intense drama. Despite its cancellation, the series leaves a lasting impression with its powerful storytelling.
The cancellation of ‘The Gathering’ highlights the impact of strategic changes within Channel 4, despite the show’s notable success.
