Jeff Bridges’ espionage drama The Old Man has come to an end, with FX deciding not to renew the series after its second season. The show, which premiered to strong acclaim in 2022, followed Bridges as a retired CIA operative thrust back into action. It earned praise for its gripping storytelling, securing two Emmy nominations in its debut season for Bridges’ performance and its cinematography.
The second—and now final—season aired its finale in late October, concluding a nearly two-year gap since the first season due to production halts caused by dual labor strikes. While such delays are common for streaming shows, they can be a significant hurdle for linear TV programs like The Old Man.
FX declined to comment on the cancellation.
Despite its end, The Old Man remains in contention for three Critics Choice Awards in January 2024: best drama series, best actor in a drama for Bridges, and best supporting actor in a drama for John Lithgow.
Season two featured a stellar cast alongside Bridges and Lithgow, including Alia Shawkat, Amy Brenneman, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Navid Negahban, and Jacqueline Antaramian.
Based on Thomas Perry’s novel of the same name, The Old Man was produced by 20th Television and The Littlefield Company. The series was created by Jonathan Steinberg and Robert Levine, who also served as executive producers alongside Warren Littlefield, Dan Shotz, Jeff Bridges, David Schiff, and Jon Watts.
Though its run has been cut short, The Old Man left its mark with a compelling mix of action and character-driven drama, fueled by Bridges’ standout performance. Fans and critics alike will now look to the Critics Choice Awards as one final recognition of the series’ achievements.