HBO has cancelled Laura Dern's dramedy 'Enlightened' after just two seasons. Though critics loved the series, it failed to pull in large audience numbers and - as we're now well aware - that won't cut it in the ruthless world of American television. "It was a very difficult decision," a rep for HBO told E! Online in a statement. "We've decided not to continue Enlightened for a third season. We're proud of the show and we look forward to working with Mike White and Laura Dern in the future."

In fairness, Enlightened was expected to get the chop during HBO's bloody cull last year when Hung, How To Make It In America and Zach Galifianakis' Bored To Death were all cancelled. As mentioned, the show was a big hit with critics and Dern - one of America's finest television actresses - won the Golden Globe for Best Actress In A Comedy Series for the first season. The show was also nominated for Best Comedy Series that same year.

The show followed the story of Amy Jellicoe (Dern), a self-destructive executive who tries to get her life back together after the implosion of her professional life and a subsequent philosophical awakening in rehabilitation. She moved  back in with her mother (played by her real-life mom Diane Ladd) and reconnects with her ex-husband Levi (played by Luke Wilson) who is also struggling with his own demons and addictions. 

Laura DernLaura Dern With The Golden Globe She Won For 'Enlightened', Cancelled By HBO This Week