My Lady JaneandThe Acolyteare just two late TV appearance on a long list that have been unceremoniously ( and below the belt ) scratch after just a exclusive , eight - episode season .
If you’ve read any of my work on BuzzFeed, then chances are you’re aware that I eat, sleep, and breathe TV. Whether it’s popularmust-watch showslikeSuccessionandThe Last of Usor more underrated ones likeWynonna EarpandA League of Their Own, I’m a fan of every genre, and I just love TV.
Lately, though, I’ve been a little down when it comes to starting new TV shows. Don’t get me wrong; nothing will replace the rush I feel when I start hyper-fixating on a new show. I mean, I will throw myself into learning everything about the characters, the actors, the story, etc., but I’ve now hit a point where I don’t see the point because there is a high likelihood that it might get canceled after just one season.
In 2023, the major streaming platforms — Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max,Disney+, Paramount+, and Apple TV+ —canceledover 50 TV shows, with more than 20 of them being canceled after just one season.
One-and-done TV shows are not new, but they seem to occur more frequently in the streaming era.My So-Called LifeandFreaks and Geekshave been talked about for years as shows that were canceled way too soon, and they existed before streaming was even a thing.
In recent years, fans have continuously called out the unfair cancellations of TV shows after just one season. They’vestarted petitionsto get shows renewed. They’ve cried out that it’s not fair. And listen, I am standing right beside everyone shouting, “YES! GIVE A SHOW A CHANCE TO FIND ITS AUDIENCE!”
According to a YouGov Survey,as reported by GLAAD, “Over a quarter of viewers wait for the finale before watching a series, and will not watch if there is an unresolved ending.” This means a typical streaming TV viewer might not watch a show weekly or even the first weekend it all drops.
Recently,My Lady JaneandThe Acolytewere canceled back to back. These are two brand-new shows with passionate fanbases who just want more of the show they love. These are two of just a handful of recent shows that have been canceled after just one season, adding fuel to the fire of TV viewers being upset and disheartened. Why should they put time and effort into a show that’s likely not going to be renewed?!
As soon as the news broke that both shows were not being renewed, conversations started online about what a show has to do to survive past Season 1 and why can’t we let original and diverse stories have time to find their fanbases. Instead, they have 10 episodes (or less) to find as many fans as shows likeBridgerton, or else they are done for.
It ’s a generally bleak time for television ; not just because of The Acolyte . Everything gets cancelled . Nothing gets a chance to witness its basis like before . caller wonder why no one ’s watching and it ’s because no one want to get adorn in an inevitable unfinished account .
there ’s something so sorry about fall in love with a show as dependable as my noblewoman jane only for it to be unceremoniously canceled without even a chance to continue to shine.UGH.https://t.co/JXqIiAC5CG
It ’s my job to view TV , so I often see show before or correct as they premier . However , the average TV lover has other things going on . They might not get to a show for a few month , and now they come to find out it ’s cancel , so why would they bother look out it at all ?
Inherently, not every show is going to have the same massive fanbase as shows likeBridgertonorStranger Things.Some should be allowed to exist in a little silo where the fans are passionate and will tune in week after week. I swear, we will love and support a network or streamer showing that these stories matter. The fanbases matter. We aren’t giving people enough time to spread their love for a show via word of mouth.
Think about this. When I recommendParks and RecandSchitt’s Creekto a friend who hasn’t seen them, I often follow it up with the suggestion: “It gets even betterAFTERSeason 1.” AFTER 👏 SEASON 👏 1.
Not every single show is phenomenal out of the gate. Some shows need time to grow and find their footing and even introduce new characters who become iconic.
Also, Season 1 cancellations have become even worse in the streaming era because, often, the first season only consists of 10 (or fewer) episodes. That is another reason that 22-episode seasons should make a comeback, IMO.
It’s time we get back to shows not taking two-plus year breaks between seasons, too, but I could give an entire Ted Talk on that subject alone. All I’m saying is, in a world where there is so much TV to consume, why are we giving people such a short amount of time to discover their new favorite show? And WHY are we giving them only 10 episodes to spend with their beloved characters? I understand a lot of it comes down tofinancial situations, but it’s a detriment to viewers who want to consume the content.
I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. We are holding shows, especially diverse ones, to such a high (and often unattainable standard) that it is just alienating a very passionate TV fanbase that loves these types of stories and celebrates them. Even if they make it past Season 1, it likely won’t last much longer after even that.
warrior nun being canceled is so dissatisfactory . i detest that it ’s not surprising at this point too . LGBTQ+ , BIPOC , and even female person - led show are ostensibly defend to a in high spirits ( and plainly unattainable ) standard . this same audience should not have to live through this every 👏 time
Basically, something needs to change. I would love to see shows likeMy Lady JaneandThe Acolyteget at least a chance for a Season 2. I miss watching a show that is truly so special and not having the absolute fear I will have to fight for a second season.
