In a surprising turn of events, Amazon has decided to cancel “The Peripheral,” despite having renewed the series for a second season earlier this year. The show, which is based on the William Gibson novel of the same name, debuted on Amazon’s Prime Video on October 21, 2022. The cancellation news has left fans and the industry in shock, especially considering the anticipation surrounding the upcoming season.
Starring Chloë Grace Moretz in the lead role, “The Peripheral” was developed by Scott B. Smith for television and revolved around Flynne Fisher, a woman trying to hold her family together in a futuristic and fragmented America. The series promised a blend of intrigue, science fiction, and family drama, making it an anticipated addition to Amazon’s lineup.
However, the decision to cancel the show stems from the ongoing writers and actors strikes, according to sources familiar with the situation. The strikes have heavily impacted the production landscape, rendering the possibility of a timely release for Season 2 nearly impossible. Even if production were to resume soon, the season wouldn’t likely be available until 2025 or later, an unfeasible timeline for the streaming platform.
“The Peripheral” marked the first project to emerge from the creative collaboration between Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, who hold an overall deal with Amazon reportedly valued at $150 million. The series’ cancellation comes as a setback not only for the duo but also for fans who were eagerly looking forward to further explorations of the captivating narrative.
In addition to Chloë Grace Moretz, the first season boasted an ensemble cast including Jack Reynor, Gary Carr, Eli Goree, and more, contributing to the show’s layered performances and immersive storytelling. The premise of a woman’s unexpected plunge into a future filled with mysteries and challenges had intrigued audiences, making the show’s abrupt cancellation all the more disappointing.
As the streaming industry continues to navigate challenges brought about by external factors such as strikes, “The Peripheral” serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of production timelines and the impact they can have on the fate of a series. Despite the creative talent and compelling narrative, external circumstances sometimes wield the power to disrupt even the most promising projects.
Although “The Peripheral” won’t be returning for a second season, fans of the genre can still look forward to Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan’s other projects in the pipeline, including an adaptation of the “Fallout” video game franchise. While the disappointment of the show’s cancellation lingers, the entertainment landscape remains rich with possibilities, awaiting the next captivating story to capture our imaginations.