HBO’s 12-Part Steampunk Series Deserved So Much Better

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HBO is well-known for its high-quality dramas, consistently delivering shows with strong writing and performances. However, it hasn’t been as successful with science fiction and fantasy. While many top sci-fi and fantasy series have thrived on other platforms, HBO lost a promising show in 2021. The Nevers, created by Joss Whedon, uniquely blended historical drama with science fiction and fantasy, telling the story of women who suddenly develop supernatural abilities, but was canceled after only one season.

Steampunk, which mixes Victorian aesthetics with science fiction, can be tricky to pull off successfully. While many steampunk shows focus more on appearance than a good story, The Nevers received positive reviews for its acting, compelling plot, and unique approach – blending elements of shows like The X-Men into a historical drama. It currently has an 82% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite being somewhat complex and its unfortunate cancellation, The Nevers is a rewarding show to revisit, and it’s a shame it didn’t get the chance to fully develop its potential.

The Nevers’ Controversial Cancellation & Fate Explained

Although viewers enjoyed The Nevers, its release was unfortunately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The show was originally planned for ten episodes, and five had already been filmed when production stopped. While filming eventually resumed and the first season was finished, the schedule became complicated. The season was expanded to twelve episodes, divided into two parts. The first six episodes aired in 2021, but the remaining episodes weren’t released until 2023.

The show faced a major disruption when it was canceled in 2022 and taken off HBO Max. When the final episodes finally aired over a year later, they appeared on Tubi instead of HBO, which meant many original fans might not have even known they were available. This frustrated viewers, and kept The Nevers from reaching a wider audience and gaining the recognition it deserved. Adding to the difficulties, the show also experienced internal problems, including the exit of creator Joss Whedon, who has since faced numerous allegations of misconduct.

Among all the baffling cancellations of fantasy TV shows, The Nevers stands out. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, there were ways the show could have reached more viewers. Sadly, a renewal seems unlikely, as it didn’t receive strong reviews – currently holding a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – and ultimately didn’t quite live up to its interesting premise.

The Nevers Is Must-Watch For Steampunk Fans

Lots of forgotten fantasy shows stick to familiar storylines, but steampunk often does things differently. This can make a steampunk show really exciting and unique, though sometimes it can also make it confusing if the story focuses too much on the world itself before we get to know the characters. However, The Nevers is a great choice for steampunk fans because it perfectly embodies the genre while also adding new elements, like science fiction concepts such as aliens, all within a historical setting.

Although other shows have explored steampunk, The Nevers stood out by focusing on its characters’ stories rather than just the visual style. The show’s detailed design created a believable world, but it was the compelling characters, and especially the strong bonds between the women, that truly made it special – something you don’t often see in sci-fi or fantasy. Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, The Nevers deserved a better fate given how original and engaging it was.

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2026-05-03 01:38