"Looking" was praised for its writing, direction, the performances of the ensemble and its fresh take on an LGBT-centric narrative. Despite its critical success, its ratings did not meet network expectations, with an average viewership of only 1.5 to 2 million viewers, which led the show's cancellation after its second season. HBO ordered a one-time special to serve as the series' finale. The finale special aired on July 23, 2016, in the U.S. on HBO and on August 2, 2016, in the UK on Sky Atlantic. In 2019, "The Guardian" ranked "Looking" among the "100 Greatest TV shows of the 21st century".