Silicon Valley Drama ‘The Audacity’ Confirmed for Season 2 by AMC Before TV and SXSW Releases
AMC Renews ‘The Audacity’ for Season 2 Ahead of Premiere
AMC has confirmed an early renewal for its anticipated Silicon Valley drama, The Audacity, ahead of its premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival on March 14. The series, which is helmed by Jonathan Glatzer and features a star-studded cast including Billy Magnussen, Sarah Goldberg, Zach Galifianakis, and Rob Corddry, is also set to debut on AMC and AMC+ on April 12. Preliminary casting for Season 2 is already underway, with both seasons consisting of eight episodes.
AMC has a rich history of producing award-winning dramas, including Mad Men and Breaking Bad, both of which received multiple Outstanding Drama Series Emmys. The network has continued to build on its legacy with Better Call Saul and has cultivated a broader audience through genre franchises. However, competing with larger streaming services has posed challenges. AMC previously pursued Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan’s new series, Pluribus, but was ultimately outbid by Apple TV.
In the context of its competitive landscape, AMC has found a potential standout with The Audacity, one of three high-profile Silicon Valley dramas announced for 2024 that are set to reach audiences. The second project, Cupertino, created by Robert and Michelle King, is scheduled for the 2026-27 broadcast season, while the third, Netflix’s Thumblite, is facing delays due to multiple showrunner changes.
“From the start, The Audacity exists because Kristin Dolan, Dan McDermott, and AMC Networks decided that ‘playing it safe’ is vastly overrated,” Glatzer said. “They’ve enabled me and our fearless cast to dive headfirst into the deep recesses of some beautifully flawed characters… And now, with this second season pick-up, AMC Networks has stood by their conviction with this wholly original satire. I could not be more grateful, but also as a fan of original and slightly dangerous stories, I am ecstatic.”
The Audacity is set within Silicon Valley and explores the ambitious dreams, ethical dilemmas, and extravagant personalities of its tech-driven culture. Magnussen leads as a data-mining CEO striving for success in a world filled with billionaires, guru-psychiatrists, and disillusioned youths. The drama tackles pressing themes of reality, privacy, and societal delusions.
The production features a cast that includes Magnussen, Goldberg, Galifianakis, Lucy Punch, Simon Helberg, and others, and is overseen by executive producer Gina Mingacci, while the initial episodes are directed by Lucy Forbes.
“Jonathan is one of the smartest, most talented, insightful and human showrunners we’ve ever worked with,” said McDermott, Chief Content Officer of AMC Networks. “He has created a series that is smart, witty and nuanced, with dynamic characters, and something to say about our world… Season one is fantastic, season two can’t come soon enough.”
Last week, The Audacity received acclaim from former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, who praised its realistic portrayal of Silicon Valley. The series will have its world premiere at SXSW, featuring a two-episode screening followed by a panel discussion with Glatzer and the cast, moderated by journalist Kara Swisher.
Here is a trailer:
