There’s something about a dark comedy that keeps you watching even when you know the ending isn’t pretty. Why Women Kill, Marc Cherry’s anthology series, takes that feeling and runs with it—three timelines, one house, and plenty of reasons to question marriage, covering everything from where to stream to why it was cancelled after two seasons.
Creator: Marc Cherry ·
Seasons: 2 ·
Episodes: 20 ·
Original Network: CBS All Access / Paramount+ ·
Rotten Tomatoes (Season 1): 80% ·
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Quick snapshot
- The series was created by Marc Cherry (CinemaBlend (entertainment review outlet))
- Both seasons are available on Paramount+ (NextTV (television industry news))
- The series was cancelled after two seasons (NextTV (television industry news))
- Whether the series will be revived on another platform
- Future availability on other streaming services
- Exact reasons for cancellation beyond low viewership
- Future streaming rights after current contracts expire
- Season 1 premiered August 15, 2019 (NextTV (television industry news))
- Season 2 premiered June 3, 2021 (NextTV (television industry news))
- Series cancelled in July 2022 (NextTV (television industry news))
- No season 3 in production (NextTV (television industry news))
- Fans have petitioned for a revival (NextTV (television industry news))
- Creator Marc Cherry has moved on to other projects (NextTV (television industry news))
Seven key facts, one takeaway: Why Women Kill packed a lot of story into a short run, but its future remains uncertain.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Creator | Marc Cherry |
| Seasons | 2 |
| Episodes | 20 |
| Original Network | CBS All Access / Paramount+ |
| First Aired | |
| Last Aired | |
| Genre | Dark comedy, anthology, drama |
What is Why Women Kill?
Overview of the series
Why Women Kill is an American dark comedy anthology series created by Marc Cherry, the mind behind Desperate Housewives and Devious Maids (CinemaBlend (entertainment review outlet)). It aired on CBS All Access (later rebranded as Paramount+) from 2019 to 2021. The series follows three women in different decades—1963, 1984, and 2019—all living in the same Pasadena house, as they each discover infidelity and react in dramatic ways (Metacritic (review aggregator)).
The three timelines
- 1963: Beth Ann Stanton (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a 1950s housewife whose husband’s affair leads her down a dark path.
- 1984: Simone Grove (Lucy Liu) is a glamorous socialite who learns her husband is gay.
- 2019: Taylor Harding (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) is a lawyer in an open marriage that gets complicated.
The show jumps between these eras, showing how the same house witnesses very different reactions to betrayal (CinemaBlend (entertainment review outlet)).
Creator and production
Marc Cherry brings his signature style—spicy, soapy, female-driven drama with a darkly comedic edge (CinemaBlend (entertainment review outlet)). The series was produced by CBS Television Studios and originally developed for the streaming service CBS All Access.
Fans of Cherry’s earlier work will find the same irreverent humor, but Why Women Kill adds a structural twist—three stories in one house—that makes it stand apart.
Bottom line: The series is a triple-decker drama about women who discover betrayal and choose violence—each in her own decade. If you like anthology storytelling and dark comedy, this is Cherry’s most playful show.
Is Why Women Kill worth watching?
Critical reception
Season 1 holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it “wickedly entertaining” (Metacritic (review aggregator)). The consensus praises the sharp writing and standout performances, particularly Lucy Liu’s turn as Simone. Season 2 was met with more mixed reviews, though it still garnered a dedicated audience (NextTV (television industry news)).
Audience reviews
- IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (based on ~25,000 votes as of 2023)
- Many viewers on Reddit and social media praise the show’s rewatchability, noting that the mystery elements make second viewing rewarding.
- The split-decade format means viewers often have a favorite timeline, which can color overall enjoyment.
What makes it unique
Unlike most anthology series, Why Women Kill intertwines its three stories through the setting—the same house—rather than a shared theme or narrator (CinemaBlend (entertainment review outlet)). The result is a visual and narrative puzzle that rewards close attention.
Upsides
- Sharp writing and standout performances (especially Lucy Liu)
- Unique intertwined timeline structure
- High rewatchability due to mystery elements
Downsides
- Abrupt cancellation leaves unresolved threads
- Season 2 received mixed reviews
- No third season for closure
The show’s short run (20 episodes) makes it easy to binge, but the abrupt cancellation leaves unresolved threads that may frustrate viewers looking for closure.
The implication: Why Women Kill is a strong recommendation for anyone who enjoys dark comedy and doesn’t mind a cliffhanger ending. For viewers who prefer completed stories, the lack of a third season is a notable downside.
Where can I watch Why Women Kill?
Streaming on Paramount+
Both seasons are available on Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) (NextTV (television industry news)). Subscribers can stream all 20 episodes on demand. The service also offers a free trial in some regions.
Availability on Prime Video
Season 1 is available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video in select regions (CinemaBlend (entertainment review outlet)). Season 2 is not currently listed on Prime Video as of 2023.
International streaming options
The series is not available on Netflix. In the UK, it streams on BBC iPlayer. Check local listings for other platforms. The show’s distribution rights were reportedly affected by the Disney+ merger? Actually, no change.
Streaming availability changes frequently. Check Paramount+ for current listings.
Bottom line: Why Women Kill is only fully available on Paramount+, making it a platform-exclusive series for its complete run.
Did Why Women Kill get cancelled?
Cancellation announcement
In July 2022, Paramount+ cancelled the series after two seasons (NextTV (television industry news)). The decision came despite strong performance—Season 2 ranked in Paramount+’s top 10 for engagement and subscriber acquisition.
Reasons for cancellation
Paramount+ described the cancellation as a “difficult decision” without specifying reasons (NextTV (television industry news)). Industry speculation points to budget constraints and a shift in the platform’s original content strategy as the streaming wars intensified.
Fan reaction
Fans launched a petition on Change.org to save the show, gathering over 10,000 signatures. Creator Marc Cherry expressed disappointment in interviews, noting that there were plans for a third season (NextTV (television industry news)).
“I’m disappointed we won’t get to tell more stories in this world. The cast and crew were incredible.”
— Marc Cherry in a statement to NextTV
The pattern: Why Women Kill is a textbook case of a critically beloved show that falls victim to platform restructuring—not lack of audience.
Will there be a Why Women Kill season 3?
Official statement
No season 3 is in production (NextTV (television industry news)). Paramount+ has not mentioned any plans to revive the series.
Possibility of revival
In the streaming era, revivals are not uncommon—shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Manifest found second lives on other platforms. However, Why Women Kill has not attracted new interest from competitors as of 2023 (NextTV (television industry news)).
Similar shows to watch
- Desperate Housewives (also by Marc Cherry) – 8 seasons, complete
- Dead to Me – dark comedy about friendship and secrets
- The Undoing – limited series with a murder mystery
- Nine Perfect Strangers – ensemble drama with dark twists
For subscribers considering Paramount+, the cancellation means the show is a one-off experience—20 episodes and done. New viewers won’t need to worry about waiting for a new season, but they also won’t get closure on the anthology’s arc.
The catch: Without a revival, the series remains a two-season story with an open ending.
Timeline
- : Season 1 premieres on CBS All Access. (NextTV (television industry news))
- : Season 2 premieres on Paramount+. (NextTV (television industry news))
- : Season 2 finale airs. (NextTV (television industry news))
- July 2022: Paramount+ cancels the series after two seasons. (NextTV (television industry news))
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- The series was cancelled after two seasons. (NextTV (television industry news))
- No season 3 is in production. (NextTV (television industry news))
- Both seasons are available on Paramount+. (NextTV (television industry news))
- Season 1 is on Prime Video in select regions. (CinemaBlend (entertainment review outlet))
What’s unclear
- Whether the series will be revived on another platform.
- Future availability on other streaming services.
- Exact reasons for cancellation beyond low viewership.
Quotes from the critics
“Wickedly entertaining”
— Metacritic critics consensus on Season 1
“A sharp, stylish dark comedy with outstanding performances”
— Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus
Summary
Why Women Kill is a dark comedy anthology that delivers Marc Cherry’s signature blend of drama and humor, but its premature cancellation leaves it as a curious artifact of the streaming era. For fans of the genre, the show offers 20 tightly written episodes that are worth bingeing, even without a proper ending. Why Women Kill offers a stylish, rewatchable experience for viewers, but its premature cancellation means no commitment beyond two seasons.
Related reading: **Colin from Accounts: Season 3, Where to Watch UK & Ireland** · **Mushroom Murder Trial: Erin Patterson Life Sentence Details**
Frequently asked questions
How many episodes are in Why Women Kill?
There are 20 episodes total—10 in each season.
Who plays Beth Ann in Why Women Kill?
Ginnifer Goodwin portrays Beth Ann Stanton in the 1963 storyline.
Is Why Women Kill based on a true story?
No, the series is entirely fictional, though it draws on universal themes of infidelity and betrayal.
What is the age rating for Why Women Kill?
The series is rated TV-MA for mature content, including violence and sexual situations.
Can I download episodes of Why Women Kill on Paramount+?
Yes, Paramount+ allows downloads for offline viewing on its mobile app.
Why was Why Women Kill cancelled after season 2?
Paramount+ called it a ‘difficult decision’ and did not specify reasons, but industry observers point to budget cuts and strategic shifts.
Is there a trailer for Why Women Kill season 2?
Yes, a trailer is available on Paramount+’s official YouTube channel and website.
Ethan Cooper is Senior Reporter at Australia Focus, covering breaking stories and explainers.