Say it ain’t so! After 17 years on the air and seven seasons in the can, Adult Swim has axed animated comedy The Venture Bros., Deadline reports. Series creator Christopher McCulloch, who also lent his voice to titular character Hank Venture and several others, took to Twitter to confirm the show’s demise. McCulloch posted under “Jackson Publick,” the name of his pseudonymous Twitter account. Here’s what he had to say:

Unfortunately, it’s true: #VentureBros has been canceled. We got the highly disappointing news a few months ago, while we were writing what would have been season 8. We thank you, our amazing fans, for 17 years of your kind (and patient) attention. And, as always, We Love You.

The show made its debut on February 16th, 2003 and boasted a 14-episode first season. Besides McCulloch, James Urbaniak voiced Dr. Venture, Doc Hammer primarily portrayed Billy Quizboy, Michael Sinterniklaas played Dean Venture, and Patrick Warburton voiced Brock Samson. All of the above also lent their talents to several minor characters on the show. In addition to voiceover work, McCulloch and Hammer also wrote for The Venture Bros. 

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Urbaniak also voiced his dismay regarding the show’s cancellation on Twitter. 

So, as it must to all, cancellation has come for The Venture Bros. The pilot aired 17 years ago, which means the show was almost old enough to vote. It was one of the great gifts of my life & career. The fans were, quite simply, the best. Thank you, everybody. Go. Team. Venture!

Now, the series followed the escapades of scientist Dr. Rusty Venture, his high-strung bodyguard, and his two overly enthusiastic sons. It was heavily influenced by 1960s animated series Jonny Quest, which boasted the same premise. 

However, not all may be lost. The official Adult Swim Twitter account shared its desire to continue the cult favorite series: 

We also want more Venture Bros. and have been working with Jackson and Doc to find another way to continue the Venture Bros. story.

So, what does that exactly mean for the future of The Venture Bros.? Social media has proven to be an apt tool in reviving formerly defunct popular programs. Perhaps its supposed cancellation is the result of a lack of funds? One would think there would be less money involved in producing an animated series, especially since voice actors can contribute to their respective parts from home. Here’s hoping Adult Swim can figure out a way to bring back The Venture Bros. from the brink of extinction. 

 

 

Melody McCune
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