John Simm’s BBC America drama Intruders has been axed after just one series.

The programme starred John as a man who had escaped a dark and violent past to live a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, but after a poor performance for the BBC it has not been renewed for a second run.

Intruders
The cast of Intruders (BBC)

Intruders was based on Michael Marshall Smith’s book and was a co-production between BBC America and BBC Two, directed by Glen Morgan. Glen confirmed the bad news.

Author Michael wrote on his website: “It was never a given there would be more – though we did discuss ideas for future arcs – and for a variety of reasons the first season had to out-perform the norm in order to continue. Unfortunately it did not.

“Why? Well, they didn’t play it safe. The show was distinctive and unusual, narratively uncompromising and texturally bold. In a world where many viewers will bail after 20 minutes because something’s not just like everything else, it dared to ask people to care – to keep the faith and wait to see what happens next.

“They didn’t sell the book short: they did it proud. As a novelist that makes you feel very privileged, and grateful. A huge thanks to everyone who watched and supported the show – you made the whole thing fun, before and during, and are still doing so afterwards. I’m glad to know you.”