Last weekend brought the surprising news that Paramount+ had cancelled its animated series Star Trek: Prodigy as part of a cost-cutting effort (and it has already been pulled from streaming). But studio and network execs will apparently never learn that a cancellation of a show in the Trek franchise is sure to lead to a fight. And as expected, the fans are already coming out to support the show, with some big names lending their voices as well.
The cancellation was part of a cost-saving write-down (a disturbing new trend in the industry) as the streaming services are reaping the consequences of overspending on original programming, but this show seems like a odd one for Paramount+ to target. It is actually one of the most popular of the new Trek shows on the streaming service, and likely not one of the more expensive entries. It skews to a younger audience, but older Trek fans have enjoyed it, so it has broad appeal. Perhaps network execs felt like it was the better choice for cancellation because they believed it was more of a fringe entry compared to the other current shows. But these execs have long failed to understand their audience, especially those who tune into the sci fi shows.
Prodigy had previously already been renewed for a second season, and production on that was mostly completed at the time of the cancellation. The good news is that the second season will still go forward and the show is getting shopped around to other venues. Nickelodeon seemed like a good landing place because that is where it was previously airing in encore runs. But I have not heard it mentioned, and the fact is that the cable channels have been shying away from original content of late. That means that one of the competing streaming services will more likely provide an opportunity for a new home, and I would think that quite a few would be interested.
Support for the show is already evident from the online poll that was put up just a few days ago and is already approaching 25K signatures as of this writing. Series star Kate Mulgrew has spoken out in support of the show, thanking the cast, crew, and fans and saying that “we still have only just begun”. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds star Anson Mount retweeted a comment saying that all of the Trek shows should be in one place. And another indication of the popularity of Prodigy is the fact that the Blu-ray and DVD sets Season 1 Part 1 are selling out across retailers.
But support for the show has only just begun, and we know that Trek fans are quite diligent in their efforts. The letter campaign that assured the third season of the original series is legendary, and fans of Enterprise went all the way to Congress to get them to intervene on the show’s behalf (sadly, the politicians did not care). The online petition for Prodigy is the first step, and I expect we will see plenty more support in the coming weeks and months.
The good news is that Paramount wants to find a new home for the show and, as I said above, there should be plenty of interest. I believe fans should focus their attention on Amazon, Max, Hulu, and perhaps even Netflix. The show should bring a guaranteed subscription boost, especially when the second season is available. And the first season is available to move over right away since Paramount+ has already booted it from streaming. Whether additional seasons beyond the second are possible remains to be seen, but a large outpouring of support could improve those chances.
The initial groundwork has already been laid, now it is just a matter of how much more energy fans will put into the campaign. Star Trek: Prodigy is not done yet, and with a strong Call to Action, it might stick around for several more years.
Have you been watching Star Trek: Prodigy and will you lend your support to fan efforts to save the show?
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Paramount+ is also raising prices, probably tied to this story (along with its ‘pairing’ with Showtime), and we’re consequently canceling after SNW’s current season wraps.
They never learn.