Why was Will Smith’s Roku series canceled?

WILL Smith’s comedy series This Joka premiered in March 2022 but will not make it past the first season.

On May 3, 2022, it was revealed that the show would not be returning to Roku, a decision that reportedly is not linked to the actor’s controversial Oscars appearance.

GettyWill Smith’s Roku project has been axed[/caption]

Why was Will Smith’s Roku series canceled?

Just one month after it was revealed that companies had stopped fighting over the rights to turn Smith’s life into a film, another one of his projects was axed.

Deadline first reported that This Joka would not be returning but stated that it has nothing to do with Smith’s altercation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscar Awards.

Roku reportedly did not have the option to renew the series, which Smith executively produced.

The article later went on to explain that the option to renew the series lapsed before Roku launched the show.

What was the plot of This Joka?

This Joka gave fans a unique twist on comedy specials and featured a diverse line-up of new and established comedians.

“Will Smith invites a lineup of comics to explore comedy and its ability to bring people together,” the show’s description reads.

It featured not only comedy sketches but also one-on-one conversations and intimate interviews.

“This isn’t a competition, this is an opportunity to laugh,” Smith said in the trailer.

While the show might not be returning for a second season, fans can still watch all 16 episodes of season one exclusively on Roku.

RokuThis Joka will not return for a second season[/caption]

Where was This Joka filmed and who was in it?

Smith’s comedy series was filmed in multiple venues across the Las Vegas area.

It featured a number of comedians including Baron Vaughn, Megan Gailey, Punkie Johnson, Sean Patton, Rosebud Baker, Shane Torres, and Clayton English.

There were also special appearances by George Wallace, Demi Adejuyigbe, and Shawn Wasabi.