The Newsroom has been renewed for Season 2, but many behind the scenes will not be penning a Will McAvoy monologue next summer.

That's because HBO has let go of many series writers. Though the numbers vary based on reports, the network released a statement defending this decision as anything but a reaction to many harsh reviews.

“Every year each show reassesses the needs of its writing staffs,” HBO said. “This process is nothing out of the ordinary.”

After a strong premiere, many critics - including yours truly - have taken The Newsroom to task for its depiction of women, its uneven relationships and its over-reliance on hindsight as a technique for media criticism.

But viewers have clearly been responding in the positive. The Newsroom averages approximately two million households per week, with last Sunday's episode its highest-rated to date.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.