The Nevers only managed to air six episodes before HBO cancelled it after one season, but a strong push from the fans might interest another venue in picking it up for a second year.
What Is It?
This Joss Whedon-created series takes place in Victorian-era London and focuses on a group of people, mostly consisting of women, who received mysterious supernatural abilities after a strange event occurs, and they become known as “The Touched”. Led by the charismatic and powerful Amalia True–who has the ability to see glimpses of the future–they separate from normal society in an effort to protect themselves from those who would hurt or exploit them while also trying to find the true meaning of their powers.
Aired: HBO, 2021, 1 Season Totaling 12 Episodes (Only 6 Aired on HBO)
Starring: Laura Donnelly, Ann Skelly, Olivia Williams, James Norton, Tom Riley, Pip Torrens
Created By: Joss Whedon
Why Was It Cancelled?
This odd little series that combined steampunk with sci fi and fantasy, as well as a dose of sociopolitical commentary, arrived on HBO in April 2021 with high expectations because Joss Whedon’s name was attached to it (that was right before he fell out of favor due to allegations of abusive behavior). The premiere delivered impressive numbers across all platforms, but the numbers slipped some in subsequent weeks. Only the first half of the first season was aired at that point because the second half was delayed due to COVID-related production shutdowns. The remaining six episodes were supposed to air later in 2021 or early in 2022, but months passed by with no announcement of the show’s return. Whedon also stepped away from the production allegedly for personal reasons, but likely related to the claims against him. Philippa Goslett stepped in as showrunner for the final six episodes and production did continue for the back half of the season.
HBO seemed to be getting closer to announcing a return date for the show in late 2023 when suddenly they decided to cancel it and also yank it from streaming on HBO Max. A specific reason was not given, but all indications are that the cancellation was related to the cost-cutting going on at Warner Bros. Discovery following the merger. The Nevers was expensive to produce and apparently HBO execs were underwhelmed by the viewership numbers from the first six episodes. The show ended up getting the ax along with other high-profile shows like Westworld, though the final six episodes were released for free streaming on Tubi TV and the Roku Channel (more on that below).
Can It Be Saved?
Prior to the cancellation announcement, there was still hope for a second season if the latter half of the first season pulled in good viewership. But HBO did not even give it that chance, never airing those final episodes. The show established a very interesting premise (while also throwing in a big twist midway) while also presenting a strong cast, and it had plenty of potential to carry its story for mutlple seasons. It did develop somewhat of a following, but the fans have not made much of an attempt to save it since the cancellation. That may have been due to a loss of momentum because of the long hiatus after the first six episodes aired.
An online petition was put up, but it has not garnered many signatures yet. The show was costly, so it will be difficult to convince another venue to pick it up, especially since it did not count as a hit out of the gate. It is also unclear where the rights for the property lay with HBO shuffling it off to the free streaming platforms. But if fans were to make some noise in support of the show, that might help drum up interest. They could bring it some attention on social media and also stage watch parties, though the latter will be a challenge due to the live streaming of the episodes (see below).
It is certainly a long shot at this point for The Nevers to get a second season, but never say never. It would take a strong showing of support from the fans and maybe getting the showrunner along with others involved in the show to participate in the campaign. If they can generate enough attention, it is not impossible that another venue might show an interest in picking it up. But with the writer’s strike looming, the window of opportunity may close rather quickly.
Where Can You Watch It?
HBO Max pulled the show from their streaming inventory, but all twelve episodes have since streamed on Tubi TV and the Roku Channel. For the former, it is on WB TV Watchlist and for the latter it is on one of the Warner Bros.-branded linear channels. Those are live-streaming channels so you just have to watch the schedule to see when they are available. Hopefully, at some point, all of the episodes will be also available On Demand.
Did you watch The Nevers and will you support fan efforts to save the show?
CancelledSciFi.com: Keep up with the status updates of all the airing, returning, and upcoming sci fi and fantasy shows for the current season with our Cancellation Watch posts. And be sure to follow the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site for breaking news and updates.
SciFiTVSite.com: Follow our Sci Fi TV Schedule for all the currently airing and upcoming sci fi and fantasy television shows, and you can see the premieres for all the upcoming genre entries at this link.