‘Underground’ Renewed For Second Season

By Sameer Rao Apr 25, 2016

WGN America execs announced today (April 25) that the acclaimed escape-from-slavery series "Underground" will return for a second season.

The series, which premiered in March, stars Aldis Hodge ("Straight Outta Compton") and Jurnee Smollett-Bell ("True Blood") as slaves planning a risky escape from their Georgia plantation via the Underground Railroad. The White House screened the series as part of a Black History Month event in February.

"It is an honor to have ‘Underground’ on our air and we look forward to how the story will unfold in what is sure to be a stellar sophomore season," WGN America president Matt Cherniss said in a statement emailed to Colorlines. 

"This show does so much more than entertain, it inspires us to reflect on our past and learn from those mistakes to make a brighter future for our children," said musician John Legend, who is an executive producer on the show. "We look forward to a spectacular season two."

"Underground’s" season finale will air at 10 p.m. EST on May 11, following a marathon replay of the first season.