Fans start desperate petition to save ‘Looking’

Fans of the American gay television comedy-drama Looking aren’t taking the shocking news that the show’s been cancelled lying down.

On Wednesday, HBO announced that the well-received series was simply not popular enough to earn a another season. On the bright side, the network revealed that it still plans to wrap up the storyline in a final once-off TV movie.

“After two years of following Patrick and his tight-knit group of friends as they explored San Francisco in search of love and lasting relationships, HBO will present the final chapter of their journey as a special,” HBO said in a statement. “We look forward to sharing this adventure with the show’s loyal fans.”

The 18-part series, starring Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alvarez and Murray Bartlett, has spanned two seasons. It was broadcast on DSTV in South Africa.

Looking’s been praised for its honest portrayal of gay life in America, dealing with issues like living with HIV and transgender homelessness, but it simply never took off in the ratings.

Fans of the show have now launched a desperate online petition urging HBO to reconsider, insisting that Looking should be saved because of its powerful impact on LGBT and mainstream culture.

“To some fans of the show, it is the truest representation of themselves on TV; for others, it is a rare opportunity to see characters that remind them of their friends, loved ones and fellow community-members,” say the fans.

“HBO has a history of taking risks for the sake of artistic expression and producers around the world look to HBO as a trendsetter,” they add.

We agree – it’s not time to let Looking go just yet. Sign the petition here.