HBO backtracks on decision to renew 'The Brink,' cancels show

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- HBO has announced the cancellation of comedy series The Brink starring Tim Robbins and Jack Black, despite renewing it in July.

As a result of an unclear series of events, the network decided not to renew the second season of the dark show, which follows three government officials played by Robbins, Black and Pablo Schreiber as they work to prevent another World War.

"After evaluating our schedule and our programming needs, we unfortunately decided we cannot give The Brink the attention it deserves for a second season," HBO said in a statement to the press. "We are proud of the first season and wish everyone involved in the show the very best."

The Brink, created by Kim and Roberto Benabib and directed by Jay Roach, debuted on HBO in June alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Ballers. The Hollywood Reporter observes the sudden decision to cancel comes soon after the death of executive producer Jerry Weintraub, who helped sell the script to HBO.