Amazon Prime Video has delivered a double dose of disappointment to its subscribers. The platform has officially canceled the much-anticipated second seasons of both A League of Their Own and The Peripheral, despite previously granting renewal orders.
Premiering in 2022, the cancellations arrive just shy of the one-year mark since their debut seasons. The decision comes as a surprise, considering the prior announcements of second-season renewals for both shows.
A League of Their Own, inspired by the 1992 film of the same name, received the green light for a second season as part of Amazon’s renewal wave in March. However, the series was already slated to end after just four episodes.
Reports reveal that all four episodes were penned before the onset of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers’ strike in early May. Sony Pictures Television, the production company behind the show, is now reportedly seeking an alternative platform to continue the series beyond its initial run.
Meanwhile, The Peripheral, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, achieved viewer acclaim shortly after its autumn release. The series secured a second season renewal in February. However, this high-budget show—totaling around $140 million for its eight episodes—was set to undergo a reduction in its episode count for the upcoming season, with only six episodes planned. Despite its success, the increased expenses and ongoing strikes played a role in the show’s cancellation.
These cancellations have been attributed to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, according to Deadline. Production on the second seasons would be impeded until 2024, with filming and post-production pushing the release date to 2025—a potential gap of more than two years between seasons. Amazon is reportedly facing a packed content slate for 2025, leading to the decision to pull the plug on both shows due to scheduling conflicts.
REELated:
These cancellations could potentially signal a trend of streamers and networks reconsidering previously renewed series due to the ongoing strike challenges. As the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA continue negotiations with AMPTP, the industry may witness more show cancellations and delays in the coming months. This situation has already affected Apple TV+ and network TV shows, and speculation is growing about the potential return dates of major network TV shows given the prolonged strike situation.
Fans of A League of Their Own and The Peripheral are left to hope for potential new platforms or solutions that could breathe new life into these stories, while the entertainment industry grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by the strikes.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
