Mystery solved: NBC cancels ‘Deception’

There’s no longer a mystery surrounding NBC’s mystery drama “Deception.” It’s been canceled.

The series, which premiered in midseason, did not draw a large audience when it started and failed to engage enough viewers.

The show starred Meagan Good as Joanna Locasto, a San Francisco narcotics detective who investigates a murder that has been linked to the Bowers, a powerful and wealthy family that once employed Joanna’s mother as a maid.

“Deception” was one of only two network dramas that featured an African American female in a lead role. The other series, “Scandal” starring Kerry Washington, is a hit ABC drama.

But with “Deception,” producers appeared uneasy about spotlighting the racial aspects of the concept.

The show’s creator, Liz Heldens, said of the diverse makeup of the cast, “it is sort of dealing with race without having to talk about it.”

NBC declined comment.

ALSO:

TNT orders spy drama “Legends” starring Sean Bean

Amazon’s big TV push reflects reality of a changing business

TNT greenlights Michael Bay drama “The Last Ship”