Amazon cancels The Wheel Of Time after stellar season ratings
- Amazon Prime Video has decided to cancel The Wheel Of Time after its third season despite receiving a 97% critic score.
- Declining viewership numbers and high production costs were significant factors in the cancellation decision.
- Fans expressed dissatisfaction over the cancellation, feeling that the series was finally finding its stride and deserved more seasons.
In recent events, Amazon Prime Video announced the cancellation of The Wheel Of Time series, which was poised to conclude with its third season, as of the latest reports. Despite a remarkable critic score of 97%, which marked a significant improvement over previous seasons, the show faced declining viewership numbers that influenced the decision. The first season had an 81% score, and the second reached 86%, indicating a trajectory of improvement that fans were beginning to notice. Nonetheless, as the viewership declined, it created a challenging situation for the show's future. The show showcased a variety of notable talents and impressive visuals, demonstrating the potential for long-form fantasy storytelling. However, despite its artistic merits and positive critical reception, Amazon had to weigh the costly production against dwindling viewer engagement. Reports indicated that the first two seasons alone cost around $260 million, with potential estimates for season three exceeding $390 million. This mounting expenditure alongside diminishing audience interest likely prompted executives to pull the plug on further seasons. The series, based on Robert Jordan's novels, underwent criticism for its deviations from the source material; however, the third season finally captured the essence of the story in a manner that resonated with audiences. Fans expressed disappointment regarding the cancellation, as many had recently developed a stronger affinity for the characters and plot, particularly with the growth evident in the actors and the storytelling quality. This led to significant frustration within the fanbase, who felt that they were not given the conclusion they deserved. In light of these developments, many have begun to question Amazon's commitment to fantasy adaptations, especially given that it has chosen to renew the much-maligned The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power instead. The contrasting decisions have sparked debates about the streaming service's strategy and the perceived value of different fantasy properties. The cancellation of The Wheel Of Time has left a void for fans who were eager to see the story continue on-screen and has raised discussions on the merits of live-action adaptations versus animated interpretations that may better adhere to the original stories.