Prime Video has announced the cancellation of a popular adaptation of one of the most iconic fantasy sagas of all time after just three seasons.
Today (Friday, 23rd May), the streaming service confirmed The Wheel of Time, based on the books by Robert Jordan, will not be renewed for a fourth series, just over a month after its season finale in April.
Despite being the streaming platform’s most-watched premiere in 2021, the series’ viewership has dwindled and Deadline reports the reasons behind the cancellation are financial.
Fans who have stuck with the series, which stars Rosamund Pike, have been left disappointed as series three was widely considered a huge improvement over previous instalments.
Hundreds of viewers have already shared their frustration on social media, reports the Mirror US.
“Wdym Prime cancelled The Wheel of Time after the best season they ever had?” one viewer fumed on X (formerly Twitter).
“Rosamund Pike literally spent weeks in a desert for nothing?”
James Dyer of Empire raged: “No, I’m sorry @primevideouk, this WILL NOT STAND!
“Season 3 was f***ing fantastic and if you can afford to pour a billion dollars into [The Lord of the Rings] The Rings Of Power, you can throw some cash at this glorious show!”
To which someone else replied: “I thought it really found its feet with Series 3 as well. It felt more focused and the younger actors were starting to give Rosamund Pike a run for her money.
“Completely agree with you on The Rings of Power as well. It’s ok. But Wheel of Time was much better.”
The sentiment was echoed on Reddit, with one user remarking: “lmao of course they waited for the show to actually be well received by fans and critics to cancel it.”
Another weighed in: “I’m genuinely surprised by this… Seems like they had a lot of positive momentum after Season 3 and people were happy with the direction the show was going.”
And someone else simply stated: “I am so sad. I was really loving the last season.”
TV lovers can get 30 days’ free access to binge tantalising TV like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Rings of Power by signing up to Amazon Prime. Just remember to cancel at the end and you won’t be charged.
Yet, some watchers confessed they weren’t taken aback by the news, criticising The Wheel of Time as an inferior adaptation from the get-go that didn’t match the success of fantasy giants like Game of Thrones.
“They wanted the next Game of Thrones,” another commenter said.
“It just wasn’t the same kind of cultural phenomenon, no matter how good the last season was in comparison. This was bound to happen, they put a lot of money into it.”
Nevertheless, numerous supporters have already initiated petitions urging other streamers like Netflix to throw The Wheel of Time a lifeline. Could there still be a glimmer of hope for the series?
The Wheel of Time is available to stream on Prime Video.
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