HBO - CARNIVALE AXED AFTER TWO SERIES

EMMY-winning TV show CARNIVALE has been ditched by American network HBO after just two series.

The critically acclaimed drama - which centres on a circus in Great Depression-era America - failed to increase its viewing figures during its recent second season, which ended in March (05), prompting HBO bosses to axe it.

The prospects for the show were already looking bleak - series creator/executive producer DANIEL KNAUF had signed on to produce a series for the rival SHOWTIME cable channel before news of Carnivale's future was known.

HBO president of entertainment CAROLYN STRAUSS says, "We have decided not to renew Carnivale. We feel the two seasons we had on the air told the story very well, and we are proud of what everyone associated with the show has accomplished."