'Outsiders' Canceled By WGN America Despite Being Highest Rated Show

"Outsiders" has been canceled after two seasons by WGN America — despite it being the cable network's highest-rated scripted original.

The drama, which focuses on a family living in Appalachian hill country, airs its second season finale on April 25. But producer Sony Pictures Television is planning on shopping the series to other networks and streaming services.

The cancellation is a surprise, since "Outsiders" was WGN America's most successful series, drawing an average of 2 million viewers and growing its audience. But a rather vague statement by the network indicated it is looking to move in a new direction with its future programming.

"In our next phase, we intend to expand our original and unique content to continue growing our relevance and appeal to the widest possible audience," Tribune Media president and CEO Peter Kern said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "To achieve this, we will be reallocating our resources to a more diverse programming strategy and to new structures, enabling us to expand both the quantity and breadth of content aired by WGN America. This move is designed to deliver even more value to our advertising and distribution partners."

"Outsiders" is the third series to be canceled by WGN America, after "Salem" and "Manhattan." That leaves acclaimed slave drama "Underground" as the network's only remaining original.

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