El Rey Network Cancels Matador

The original action drama series, Matador, which launched on El Rey Network in July, will not return for a second season. The show was created by Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman, and ended its 13 episode run in October. Despite initial high hopes for the drama – the pilot of which was directed by network founder Robert Rodriguez – low international sales apparently played a significant part in the network’s decision not to renew. In a statement regarding the cancellation, El Rey Network explained its choice.

“Ultimately, it was a business decision but to be clear, we were very proud of the series on every level – creatively it hit the mark and we are gratified that it celebrated diversity in front of the cameras and behind the scenes. We want to thank everyone involved, from the extraordinarily talented cast and crew to the amazing production team. We appreciate all that they have done and look forward to the opportunity to work with them in the future.”

That “extraordinarily talented cast” comprised of Gabriel Luna (Bernie), Nicky Whelan (Hall Pass), Neil Hopkins (Detour) and Alfred Molina (The Normal Heart). Luna starred as Tony Bravo – a DEA Agent recruited by the CIA to spy on the corrupt owner of a Los Angeles soccer team.

El Rey Network began broadcasting in 2013, with the intention of airing content primarily based on the grindhouse style of entertainment, while targeting Latino audiences with English language programming. While the network continues to carry syndicated series, such as Starsky And Hutch, Core Culture, Dark Angel, Miami Vice, Texas Justice and The X Files, the cancellation of Matador leaves El Rey Network with only a single original scripted show on its schedule – From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series. That show, which expands upon Robert Rodriguez’s own movie, has already received an order for a full second season.