by Thinus Ferreira

The American medical drama series New Amsterdam, seen on M-Net (DStv 101) and filmed in New York has been cancelled and will end with a shortened 13-episode 5th season.

In January 2020 during its second season New Amsterdam was renewed for three additional seasons taking it to its 5th season but its American TV ratings started to decline. 

The series follows Dr Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) as die medical director of one of America’s oldest public hospitals, battling bureaucracy and apathy to transform the medical care offered to patients and performing medical miracles in cases.

Dr Eric Manheimer, a former medical director at New York’s Bellevue Hospital is a producer of the series and the author of Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital which inspired the series.

“The story of Max Goodwin, and his never-ending commitment to patients at New Amsterdam, has been inspiring,” says Lisa Katz, president of scripted programming for NBCUniversal Television & Streaming.

“We’re so grateful to creator David Schulner, executive producer Peter Horton, and our cast and crew for their incredible dedication, talent and collaboration.”

Erin Underhill, Universal Television president, says “When I first read the pilot script for New Amsterdam, I knew we had a winner. We cheered Max’s disruption of the status quo and applauded when he asked his patients the simple yet profound question, ‘How can I help?’”.

“Over the last four seasons, David, Peter and our incredible cast have tackled important and thought-provoking stories that have touched on the human condition, but also made us laugh and imbued hope. We’re so proud of this series and are indebted to everyone involved in bringing New Amsterdam to life. Bravo!”