Upon its debut on Amazon Prime Video in 2022, The Peripheral quickly garnered acclaim from both critics and audiences during its eight-episode inaugural season. This series draws inspiration from the influential 2014 science-fiction novel by William Gibson, the mind behind the upcoming adaptation of Neuromancer for Apple TV+. Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, well-known for her role in Kick-Ass, the show follows Flynne Fisher, a skilled gamer who catches the attention of a tech company eager for her to test their groundbreaking virtual reality platform.
Marking itself as an exhilarating addition to the thriving science-fiction genre in the streaming landscape, Amazon granted The Peripheral a substantial budget that contributed to its success. The series not only performed well but also cultivated a dedicated fanbase. However, its first season concluded with numerous unresolved storylines, setting high expectations for a potential second season — an outcome that appeared inevitable given its popularity. Unfortunately, Amazon Prime Video decided to cancel the show before the anticipated follow-up could be developed.
The Cancellation of The Peripheral: Impact of the SAG and WGA Strikes
Second Season Initially Greenlit Before Cancellation
Following the positive reception and success of The Peripheral, Amazon Prime Video announced a second season just two months after the first season concluded. However, in an unexpected twist, the platform retracted its decision six months later, leaving fans stunned and the storyline hanging in uncertainty.
The abrupt cancellation caught the fanbase off guard, with industry reports from Deadline indicating that the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes heavily influenced Amazon’s decision. Although there were hopes for a 2024 release for season two, the combination of substantial production costs and delays ultimately led to the show’s untimely demise.
Future Prospects: Insights from The Peripheral Producers
I would love to have season 2 and season 3 and all the seasons in the world to explore this amazing, amazing novel… I know we’ve already started brainstorming about season two in the hopes that we get a season two, and the world only gets more vast and complicated. But the thing that really appeals to me about it is how much deeper we are able to dive into each of the characters’ lives, and personal lives and ambitions and motivations. To me, that is where it gets really exciting.
Despite the cancellation, there remains a glimmer of hope for The Peripheral. Industry insiders suggest that another streaming service may consider picking up the series. Notably, Netflix has a track record for reviving canceled shows, while Apple TV+, already engaged in adapting Gibson’s Neuromancer, might also see value in continuing the story. However, given the high production costs and the passage of time since its debut, the realization of a second season could be increasingly unlikely, much to the disappointment of its devoted fans.