
Inside the Minds of Robert and Michelle King: From ‘Evil’ Cancellation to New Beginnings
2025-06-04
Author: Wei
Emmy Buzz and Award Season Expectations
The Emmy Awards are looming, and the dynamic husband-and-wife team of Robert and Michelle King find themselves in a delightful predicament: three of their shows are primed for recognition. Having created hits like Elsbeth, Evil, and Happy Face, these prolific producers are no strangers to juggling multiple projects at once—something Robert notes was challenging even in the days of The Good Fight and Evil.
The Pain of Canceled Potential
However, it’s not the workload that keeps Robert up at night—it’s the shocking cancellation of their beloved show, Evil. "I still can’t understand why it was canceled," he expresses, referring to the horror-drama that captivated audiences before transitioning from CBS to Paramount+. He attributes the decision to the changing streaming landscape. "The mantra seems to be, ‘We have enough content; your show doesn't fit anymore.’” He bluntly calls the situation "stupid," echoing the sentiments of many fans.
Evil's Legacy Lives On
Despite its abrupt end in August, Evil garnered a massive following and even landed in Netflix’s top ten most-watched shows during its final stretch. Yet, despite critical acclaim—including nominations from the Critics Choice and Writers Guild—an Emmy nod remains elusive. Robert believes that Evil’s visual storytelling and rich character dynamics deserve more attention, describing it as a "dynamic visual masterpiece."
From The Good Wife to Elsbeth
The King’s character Elsbeth Tascioni has proven to be another gem in their portfolio. Originally appearing on The Good Wife, Elsbeth has thrived in her own spin-off, capturing audiences anew in her partnership with the NYPD. With a third season already greenlit, Robert credits Carrie Preston’s portrayal for breathing life into the character, suggesting that her comedic timing elevates the role, allowing audiences to underestimate her brilliance.
The Kings' Fascination with Complexity
The duo also shares a fondness for nuanced narratives—particularly those revolving around crime. While Robert joked that he’d prefer to write for a show about a dog like Lassie, Michelle emphasizes their interest in morally complex stories. This fascination is evident in their latest project, Happy Face.
Unfolding the Dark Story of Happy Face
Happy Face takes inspiration from Melissa Moore’s 2018 podcast and her gripping autobiography about growing up as the daughter of a serial killer. The show has been thoughtfully crafted by showrunner Jennifer Cacicio, whose similar background made her a fitting choice for the project. Michelle explains that they aimed to respect the real-life victims by fictionalizing certain details.
Navigating the Changing Landscape of Television
Amidst conversations of evolving industry dynamics, Robert voices concerns over the loss of traditional writers' rooms, stressing how essential collaboration is for nurturing new talent. He fears that with fewer ensemble-written shows, up-and-coming writers may miss vital opportunities.
Cautious Storytelling in Happy Face
As for Happy Face, the Kings have taken great care in its narrative. By portraying the infamous serial killer Keith Jesperson through the lens of Melissa Reed, played by Annaleigh Ashford, they aim to highlight the complexities without glamorizing the violence. Robert notes the importance of representation in storytelling, allowing viewers to critically engage with the subject matter.
A Collaborative Spirit with CBS
Since 2009, the Kings have enjoyed a robust partnership with CBS Studios, where they produce their shows under King Size Productions. Michelle appreciates the open and honest communication they've built with CBS, emphasizing the level of trust that allows them to take creative risks.
The Power of Partnership
Both Robert and Michelle credit their working relationship as key to their longevity in Hollywood. "I don’t know how anyone does this job without a partner," Michelle states, reflecting on how sharing responsibilities enhances both their enjoyment and productivity.
In a landscape that increasingly favors business over creativity, Robert is grateful for the partnership that keeps their passion for storytelling alive—allowing them to navigate the industry's ups and downs collectively.