Our ongoing look back at sci fi / fantasy TV shows that were cancelled way too soon or pilots that never made it to series.
Back in October of last year, a sci fi TV series by the name of Extinct debuted to very little fanfare. Of course, it had its bow on a network where few would be expecting a science fiction show to be airing, BYUtv. But it landed there not because it was delivering a pro-LDS message, but due to the fact that it was co-created by the first Mormon of sci fi Orson Scott Card. He, along with Aaron Johnston, had created an interesting little show that takes place in a distant future after the human race has been wiped out by an alien invasion. A mysterious obelisk and its drones revive a group of humans using their “brain states” that were captured before they died in the invasion. Now these humans must build a new world in a hostile environment with unexpected enemies.
Viewers that tuned in found Extinct to be an interesting show despite its limited budget and sometimes rather stilted acting (and did they raid a Renaissance Fare overstock shop for the wardrobe?). At times it seemed like a throw-back to the 70’s post-apocalyptic shows like Genesis II/Planet Earth, Logan’s Run (TV Series), and Ark II, though without the society of the week format. It also had the Lost-style mysteries-upon-mysteries we have come to expect from a sci fi entry these days. But despite getting some good buzz from the people that did tune in, this show never managed to develop much of an audience. Aaron Johnston encouraged viewers to contact BYUtv and ask for a second season of the show, but that did not generate enough support and the show was cancelled.
In a post addressing the cancellation (see below), the network claimed that the show was not cancelled due to the ratings (though they did not share the numbers), but apparently because they believed it did not register well with their audience compared to their other programming. It was an odd fit for the network, but it might have developed more of an audience given a chance, especially since it had already started to develop some buzz. Fortunately, the first season wrapped up with some degree of resolution, though it left room for plenty more story to come. I don’t know if Card and Johnston tried to shop it around to other networks, but if they did apparently there was not much interest. Though Aaron Johnston has said that they plan to carry on the story with a series of novels, so fans have that to look forward to. And for those who did not catch the show, it is still available for streaming at BYUtv.org and it is definitely worth checking out.
Aired: 2017, One Season Totaling 10 Episodes
Created By: Orson Scott Card, Aaron Johnston
Starring: Chad Michael Collins, Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Frye
Statement from BYUtv:
The BYUtv original scripted sci-fi series, Extinct, will not be renewed for a second season
Dear Extinct viewers,
Since the season finale in November, many of you have inquired about a second season of Extinct. This is a decision we have carefully considered since this breakout series launched earlier last year. As with any program or series on BYUtv, decisions like this are difficult, and never made without considerable analysis. After much discussion and debate, we have decided to not renew Extinct for a second season.
We recognize many of you will be disappointed to hear this. Like you, we understand the feelings when a beloved show is canceled. Unfortunately, the approval and cancelation cycle is part of the ebb and flow of any television network. But we wanted you to understand why we reached this decision. Unlike most networks who make renewal decisions based solely on audience size and the resulting financial impact of those ratings, we as a non-profit, cause-based network have the luxury of using broader, more qualitative data points. For example, we weigh the content and message of the series itself, its resonance with fans, its uniqueness in the TV landscape, and ultimately its ability to live up to our strategic aims as a content source that connects with families.
To be sure, Extinct was a bold experiment into this genre for BYUtv. And we were proud to bring this series to you. We’re grateful to our talented production partners on Extinct including GoFilms, Taleswapper, Orson Scott Card, and the remarkable cast and tireless crew of the series. Most of all, we appreciate you—the passionate fans of the show. While the Extinct chapter may be ending, the good news is that BYUtv is more committed than ever to producing unique, innovative, and purposeful stories that families can watch together.
Thank you again for your loyalty and trust as a viewer. And please stay tuned as we pledge to bring you even more world-class television for families in 2018 and beyond.
Original Link: https://www.byutv.org/post/edfcbacf-4054-4e76-b094-4aaff8284d47/the-extinct-chapter-comes-to-a-close
