2014’s Constantine delivered an excellent adaptation of the DC Comics character, but it did not have the support of its network and it was cancelled too soon.
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What Is It?
This series–based on the DC comic book Hellblazer–focuses on John Constantine, a master of the occult who aids people facing supernatural crises. In addition, he has been tasked with warding off the ‘Rising Darkness” that is making evil magic more powerful in the world.
Aired: NBC, 2014-15, 1 Season Totaling 13 Episodes
Developed By: Daniel Cerone, David S. Goyer
Starring: Matt Ryan, Angélica Celaya, Charles Halford, Harold Perrineau
Why Was It Cancelled?
This show arrived on NBC’s schedule with high expectations and pretty quickly lived up to them with its good writing and strong performances, particularly from Matt Ryan in the lead role (though he also had a stand-up supporting cast with Angélica Celaya, Charles Halford, Harold Perrineau, and more). Critics and fans both applauded the show, though unfortunately that did not translate into strong ratings, likely because it was too dark and edgy for the broadcast networks. It didn’t help that it aired in the Friday 10 PM EST timeslot, but it had Grimm as its lead-in which had performed well for NBC the prior three seasons. That one saw a drop in its ratings in its fourth year, though, and it did not manage to attract many viewers to the new show.
Constantine averaged lower ratings in the overnights than Dracula had in the same timeslot the prior year, and that show had already been cancelled. NBC announced that they were suspending production on Constantine at thirteen episodes, though claimed that they were still considering the possibility of a second season. However, the writing seemed to be on the wall, and when it returned from its mid-season break (inexplicably moved to the Friday family-friendly 8 PM EST hour) the numbers dropped further.
NBC did give the producers the chance to pitch a second season prior to the network setting their 2015-16 schedule, but likely they were just going through the motions. They officially cancelled the show before the end of the season, though Warner Bros. indicated that they would shop it around to other venues. Nothing came from this, and in early June series showrunner Daniel Cerone announced “that the show is over” and the actors were released from their contracts. Ultimately, Constantine‘s darker tone would have been a much better fit on one of the cable networks or streaming services, but apparently interest had waned (or the price tag was too high) by the time that the WB had shopped it around.
The John Constantine character would go on to find new life on The CW when he was brought into the Arrow-verse shows, a move that makes sense considering he is also a DC character. He first appeared on Arrow in the fourth season episode “Haunted” and then recurred on Legends of Tomorrow in its third season before becoming a regular character on that show starting with its fourth season. Matt Ryan also voiced the character in the animated adventure Constantine: The City of Demons which first streamed on CWSeed then was released on Blu-ray and DVD.
Can the Show Be Revived?
While Constantine was part of the Legends of Tomorrow crew, there was hope that he would eventually star in his own show again. And under The CW’s previous regime, it was possible that could happen. But that network is now under new management and it has jettisoned all of the Arrow-verse shows in favor of inexpensive acquisitions. Meanwhile, over at Warner Bros. Discovery, a reboot of the DC Universe is in the works and there is not much interest in revisiting previous incarnations of the characters. In fact, the company refused to continue Legends of Tomorrow after it was cancelled by The CW despite a raucous campaign by fans. And interestingly enough, despite an aversion to revisiting prior DC films and shows, WB currently has plans to bring back the version of the Constantine character played by Keanu Reeves in the 2005 film.
So I would say that any chance of the Matt Ryan Constantine returning for his own show is slim at best. Perhaps he could voice the character again in an animated film or two, but I don’t see him returning for the live-action version (unless briefly if the new DC Universe does some sort of Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover). If fans want more of Matt Ryan as the animated Constantine, they should start buying up the Blu-rays and DVDs of Constantine: The City of Demons and also purchasing it VOD while getting it trending on social media. Warner Bros. Discovery may be willing to revisit that version of the character in animation if they see enough support for his return.
Where Can You Watch It?
All thirteen episodes of the series have been released on DVD and Blu-ray, and you can also purchase them VOD. The show is not currently streaming on any of the major services. Constantine: The City of Demons is available on Blu-ray and DVD and you can purchase it VOD.
Did you watch Constantine and would you support fan efforts to bring the character back in some form? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments below.
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