**Warning: Contains spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3.**
Amazon’s streaming platform, Prime Video, left fantasy enthusiasts in surprise as they unexpectedly ended the popular multi-layered series “The Wheel of Time” after just three seasons had aired.
After three installments, with no updates for weeks and doubts about a renewal, the news left fans of the fantasy series in shock. This surprise was intensified because the latest season received critical acclaim and high viewer ratings, even making it to the Nielsen Streaming Top 10 Chart by accumulating 534 million minutes of viewing time.
Similar to numerous fantasy series that have tragically been terminated during or before their peak, fans of The Wheel of Time have initiated a highly successful petition, rapidly collecting over 150,000 signatures. Their aim is to transfer the epic saga to alternative streaming platforms, much like how The Expanse was fortunately rescued by Amazon Prime Video.
Is this recent cancellation – following a series of diverse fantasy shows getting axed – an indication that we might be witnessing a significant change in the television industry landscape?
Currently, it’s quite challenging to be a fan of fantasy television series, given that many popular shows in this genre are frequently getting axed by major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, either shortly after their debut or when they start gaining momentum.
Beyond “The Wheel of Time,” there are other well-known and highly-rated series like “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance,” “The Acolyte,” “Lockwood & Co.,” “Kaos,” “Warrior Nuns,” “Willow,” “The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself” and, most significantly, “The OA.” This diversity in fantasy and young adult-focused shows has led viewers to be cautious about diving into a new one, fearing potential cancellations which could affect viewer counts.
Among various factors, it’s notable and troubling that many canceled series feature main casts with diversity and significant female roles.
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Beyond their genres, a common issue linking numerous shows that got axed is the presence of diverse ensembles and leading women characters.
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A recurring pattern across several series that were terminated is an emphasis on inclusive casts and prominent female personas.
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Among the shows that have been pulled from the air, there’s a striking trend – bothersome yet evident – of featuring diverse actors and strong female characters.
It’s challenging for any fantasy enthusiast, but it becomes particularly tough for women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ fans, as they often encounter prejudiced remarks, organized negative reviews, and intense pushback on social media platforms, due to the rise in misogyny and discrimination.
The exceptional acting performances of the main cast members from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, specifically Morfydd Clark, Sophia Nomvete, and Ismael Cruz Cordova, serve as a notable example.”
This version maintains the original meaning while using different words to achieve a more natural and easy-to-read flow.
Because some fans have been arguing about Galadriel’s extended storyline and a character actor of color portraying Arondir, an elf in a show set in a completely imagined fantasy realm populated by Balrogs, orcs, and sentient trees, the actors have unfortunately encountered ignorant and intolerable criticism from a particular segment of the fan community.
Additionally, the cast members of The Acolyte, much like some actors from the recent Star Wars movie trilogy, are not only the Rings of Power cast but also victims of a harsh wave of unfair treatment and discrimination.
Initially, the progression toward a wider range of gender representation in an area traditionally dominated by men was considered timely. However, it seems that some segments of the audience are resisting this change.
Conversely, what sets Robert Jordan’s universe and “The Wheel of Time” series apart is their unyielding portrayal of powerful women, accepting depictions of diverse sexual orientations, and a rich tapestry of various cultures as everyday occurrences. This fictional world, created by Jordan, presents a level of tolerance far beyond our own reality, offering a refreshing escape from prejudice and intolerance.
As a captivated observer of the world’s cinematic offerings, I must express my awe at the extraordinary exploration of gender roles in both the novel and its screen adaptation – a groundbreaking shift that has left an indelible mark in the realm of fantasy storytelling thus far. This transformation is intrinsically linked to the central concept of magic in this universe – the One Power, which serves as the bedrock upon which these narratives are built.
According to showrunner Rafe Judkins, these aspects are deeply ingrained and natural in the fantasy universe, featuring familiar dynamics and interactions. The narrative does not delve into conflict or negative emotions like backlash or hatred, making it even more immersive and enriching.
Without a doubt, the portrayal of Rosamund Pike and Sophie Okonedo as Moiraine and Siuan, with their deepening romantic bond that unfolded over significant periods of their characters’ lives, was incredibly touching and emotionally impactful within the series.
Moreover, the program was truly finding its rhythm, delivering what seemed to be its strongest season ever, earning acclaim not only from critics but also from enthusiastic viewers.
In the latest development, the third installment has achieved its peak rating on Rotten Tomatoes at 97%, while the exceptional fourth episode, titled “The Road to the Spear,” is swiftly climbing up as the highest-rated episode of the series on IMDb, earning a commendable 9.4 out of 10.
Star Rosamund Pike expressed her enthusiasm about the enhanced fan reception towards the third season in an interview with David Tennant on his podcast. She stated that “fans have a mix of likes and dislikes, but for this third season, they’re saying ‘This is our show,’ and that’s truly thrilling.
The third installment of the series has set up numerous plot points for continuation, given that Rand has ascended to the position of Car’a’carn, or “Chief of chiefs,” and his impending struggle against madness is starting to materialize. Furthermore, the unexpected twist involving the White Tower schism has profoundly impacted the Aes Sedai, and the ominous Last Battle between the Dragon Reborn and the Dark One remains on the horizon.
As the third season drew from Book Four, “The Shadow Rising,” there are a total of ten more books left in this epic tale, each brimming with significant incidents and storylines waiting to be explored.
It’s really disheartening to witness a progressive, inclusive fantasy series get cancelled. This seems to indicate a troubling pattern in the entertainment industry where studios are moving away from promoting diversity and open-minded perspectives, possibly due to changes in the political climate.
It would be nice if another streaming platform continues the series, considering Robert Jordan’s words, “no one knows the design the wheel follows, or even the pattern of an age. We can only observe, learn, and wish” – for the grand fantasy narrative indeed merits a complete retelling.
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2025-06-10 12:34