Queer Favorite 'Our Flag Means Death' Sunk by Max

The bloodletting by streaming services continues as Max takes the axe to Taika Waititi's high-seas comedy about pirates. The half-hour comedy, which comprises 18 episodes across two seasons, will not set sail for a third year, The Hollywood Reporter relayed.

"David Jenkins created the pirate comedy that starred Rhys Darby and exec producer Taika Waititi," THR said. "The decision to wrap the series comes after 'Reservation Dogs,' co-created by Waititi, wrapped its run in 2023 and as the prolific producer, actor and director's other FX comedy, 'What We Do in the Shadows,' will conclude later this year with its sixth season."

But Waititi will be back with a new project, the article added: "Apple's redo of 'Time Bandits,' starring Lisa Kudrow."

"Set in the early 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy, the series follows the misadventures of gentleman-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and his crew aboard the Revenge as they try to make a name for themselves as pirates and cross paths with famed pirate captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi)," Wikipedia details.

At that point, according to Deadline, "To their surprise, the wildly different Stede and Blackbeard found more than friendship on the high seas ... they found love."

Added Deadline: "During its run, the series was nominated and won awards including Outstanding New Series at the GLAAD Media Awards, as well as recognition for production design and period hair styling."

THR also took note of the show's queer content, writing that "Our Flag Means Death" was "[p]raised for its queer storylines," and "has an impressive 94 percent score among critics and 93 percent rating with viewers on Rotten Tomatoes."

Jenkins took to Instagram to share the news and give kudos to its creatives, its fans, and even execs who had championed it, writing that the show's "second season was made possible by the enthusiasm of one of the most likable fan communities in the history of this medium."

"Your voices made a difference, your art made a difference, your viewership made a difference in securing more OUR FLAG," Jenkins went on to say in the post. "Getting to share this show with you and watching you make it yours has been a dream come true."

Max has canceled a number of shows and also removed titles of series that had completed their runs from its service after merging with Discovery+. The trims come at a time when streamers are cutting back on spending and focusing on becoming profitable. One early casualty at Max was another queer favorite, "Genera+ion," which had already been axed but which, in the wake of the merger, vanished from the show's on-demand offerings.