Paramount+ announced today that it is canceling some of its original streaming content, including Star Trek: Prodigy, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Queen of the Universe, and The Game, per Deadline. The streamer also announced that it is taking the content off its platform, becoming the latest media company to take a content write-down.
According to Deadline, “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies has been canceled after one season, Star Trek: Prodigy will not be going forth with its previously announced second season, The Game has been canceled after two seasons, and Graham Norton-hosted reality series Queen of the Universe has been axed after two seasons.”
As of now, all of the titles will be removed from the Paramount+ streaming platform. However, the studio is planning to shop some of the programs to rival broadcasters and streamers.
Star Trek: Prodigy looking for new docking bay
Developed by Emmy Award winners Kevin and Dan Hageman (Trollhunters, Ninjago), the CG-animated series Star Trek: Prodigy was the first Star Trek series aimed at younger audiences. The show follows a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search of a better future. The six young outcasts commandeer the U.S.S. Protostar, a ship they know nothing about – a first in the history of the Star Trek franchise – but over the course of their adventures together, they have been introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.
Premiering on Paramount+ in October 2021 with its first batch of ten episodes, which later aired on Nickerlon, the second batch of season one’s 20 total episodes streamed between October and December 2022. The show was such a success that it was renewed for a second season in November 2022.
Deadline reported that the second season “will complete post-production,” and the studio “will be looking for a new home” for the series. That was confirmed to The Beat by Star Trek: Prodigy‘s executive producer Aaron J. Waltke, who said, “Yes, we are actively finishing season two and currently shopping to new homes.”
The Star Trek: Prodigy voice cast includes Kate Mulgrew (Hologram Kathryn Janeway), Brett Gray (Dal), Ella Purnell (Gwyn), Rylee Alazraqui (Rok-Tahk), Angus Imrie (Zero), Jason Mantzoukas (Jankom Pog), Dee Bradley Baker (Murf), John Noble (The Diviner), and Jimmi Simpson (Drednok).
It’s Bjo Trimble time
Bjo Trimble is famously known as “the woman who saved Star Trek.” If you’re a longtime Trekkie, then you surely know the story. If you’re a younger fan who found the franchise with Star Trek: Prodigy, then it’s time to learn the story. When NBC was on the verge of canceling Star Trek: The Original Series after a low-rated second season (a much different situation than canceling a high-rated series for a tax break), Bjo and her husband John Trimble started a grassroots letter writing campaign that saved the series and resulted in a third season.
Ultimately, Star Trek: The Original Series was cancelled after the third season. However, with three seasons, enough episodes had been shot for the show to enter syndication and, in syndication, Star Trek emerged as the phenomenon we know today.
Want some tips from Bjo on how to write a “Save Star Trek: Prodigy” letter? Well, just click this link!
I’m either confused or naive as to why one would spend money on a second season and then cancel the show before airing it? Do they not have room for it in the schedule or perhaps have more money than they know what to do with? Please enlighten me. Thanks.
The Comic Beat is the best comic blog/website going currently, and I plan to re-patreanize myself again soon.
Thanks for the great work, rick
It strikes a tone that will be unfamiliar to longtime fans. But it’s also good enough in its own right and worthy of the same leeway to accomplish what DS9 did so many years ago — mark its own place within the Star Trek universe.
Hi Rick, I’ve read that the studio is getting a tax cut for removing the show from Paramount+ (a similar situation to content that’s been removed from other streaming services lately). Paramount is meant to be shopping the series around so hopefully, we will at least get to see season 2. Ultimately, Paramount must have decided Prodigy would make more money for them if they went this route. I personally think this is vastly underestimating the potential of the show.
Alex, you nailed it all around. Sometimes I forget that Vic Fontaine wasn’t even introduced until near the end of DS9’s penultimate season. Imagine what Prodigy could be delivering half a decade into its run! The show deserves room to grow.
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