FX, the cable outlet renewed a second season of the drama The Old Man starring Jeff Bridges, a former CIA operative who is pulled back into the world of espionage. The renewal comes three episodes into the show’s seven-episode first season, which has scored strong viewing so far.
The spy thriller based on the novel by Thomas Perry, The Old Man follows Dan Chase (Bridges), who left the CIA decades ago and has been living off the grid. When an assassin finds and tries to take Chase out, he is drawn back into the life he left behind. The series is produced by FX’s Disney sibling 20th Television along with The Littlefield Company (Fargo, The Handmaid’s Tale).
Eric Schrier, FX Entertainment president said “[Executive producers] Jonathan E. Steinberg, Dan Shotz and Warren Littlefield have done a fantastic job with The Old Man, which delivers on the powerful intrigue and breathtaking action of Thomas Perry’s book”, “The stellar cast led by Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, Amy Brenneman and Alia Shawkat is really connecting with audiences and we are excited to get to work on season two with our colleagues at 20th Television and this fantastic team.”
Karey Burke 20th TV president said “This terrific series has had a long journey to the air, which makes the reaction from critics and audiences these past few weeks all the sweeter. But the truth is, no one who has worked on it these past three years is surprised it’s resonating so deeply. From the brilliant creative execution by Jon, Dan and Warren to the spectacular star turns from Jeff, John, Amy and Alia, this heart racing series delivers and we thank FX for the incredible support.”
The show on its initial airing debut on June 16 delivered 975,000 viewers, is strong in a rating climate where in a handful of scripted cable shows break 1 million viewers. FX says that including three days of delayed viewing, The Old Man is the most watched cable series premiere since the start of 2021. It was also the top FX series on Hulu during its opening weekend.
E.J. Bonilla and Gbenga Akinnagbe also star in the series. Steinberg and Robert Levine are credited as creators; Steinberg also executive produces with Littlefield, Shotz, Levine, Bridges, David Schiff and Jon Watts, who directed the first two episodes.
