The Newsroom Overhauls Writing Staff
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The Newsroom has been renewed for Season 2, but many behind the scenes will not be penning a Will McAvoy monologue next summer.
That's because HBO has let go of many series writers. Though the numbers vary based on reports, the network released a statement defending this decision as anything but a reaction to many harsh reviews.
“Every year each show reassesses the needs of its writing staffs,” HBO said. “This process is nothing out of the ordinary.”
After a strong premiere, many critics - including yours truly - have taken The Newsroom to task for its depiction of women, its uneven relationships and its over-reliance on hindsight as a technique for media criticism.
But viewers have clearly been responding in the positive. The Newsroom averages approximately two million households per week, with last Sunday's episode its highest-rated to date.
Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.