The Fantasy Island reboot at FOX will be coming to an end as the show has been cancelled after two seasons. The news does not come as a huge surprise seeing as the show was the second lowest-rated drama on the network based on the Scorecard I compiled in April and I have had it On the Bubble for some time. The second season premiere was delayed multiple times and once it did debut in January this year it was preempted frequently throughout the season. But it is produced under a low-cost model, so its threshold for success is lower than other shows airing on FOX. Plus, there were talks that it would move back to the Summer months where it got its start back in August 2021.
It is possible that the writers’ strike could have factored into the decision, but if the show had been shifted back to Summer it might not have experienced a delay due to production stoppage. It is also possible that the LGBT+ representation in the show did not sit well with executives at the conservative-leaning network even though that was toned down in the second year. I have not noted that this one developed much of a fanbase, but it is possible that there will be an effort to save the show and/or get it moved to a different venue. Fantasy Island is the first genre casualty of the week, and I expect more to follow as the networks solidify their schedules prior to the Upfronts planned for next week. The season finale for the show aired on Monday.
With this cancellation, that brings the total cancelled and ending sci fi and fantasy shows for the current season to 29 (35% of shows tracked) vs. 32 renewals (39%). You can see the detailed list of shows from the current season and keep up with the score throughout the week at our Cancellation Watch Page.
Fantasy Island follows Elena Roarke–a descendant of Mr. Roarke from the 1977 series–and her assistants who welcome people who come to the island to fulfil their fantasies. However, once the guests are there, they may learn that the island has some twists and turns in store for them. It stars Roselyn Sánchez, Kiara Barnes, John Gabriel Rodriquez, and Daniel Lugo and acts as a sequel of sorts to the original series.
More cancellations will be announced this week as the networks prepare to unveil their schedules to the sponsors next week. You can see the status of all the shows currently awaiting word on their fates at this link and cast your vote for which ones should return for another year in our season-end poll. And be sure to follow this site and the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site in the coming weeks for updates and breaking news.
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.
