WhenThe Peripheraldebuted in 2022, it drew instant acclaim for a number of reasons - from its intricate web of overlapping narratives and mind-bending tech concepts to the captivating central performance of Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne Fisher. Blending high-concept science fiction with personal drama, the series immediately carved out a devoted fanbase.
Despite its success - evidenced by an admirable 79%Rotten Tomatoesscore -The Peripheralwas canceled in 2023 amidthe WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The announcement was a blow to fans who had just seen season 1 ramp up its stakes, with the finale hinting at an expansive multi-season narrative that could have rivaled the most ambitious sci-fi stories on television.
Amazon Prime Video’sdecision to axeThe Peripheralwas, unfortunately, just the latest example of a growing problem. In recent years, countless promising sci-fi and fantasy shows have been cut short before they could fulfill their potential.The Peripheraldeserved far better - and it’s another reminder that this trend isn’t slowing down.
The Peripheral Was A Promising Prime Video Sci-Fi Show
Season 1 Of The Peripheral Ended With Massive Potential For Future Storytelling
Based on William Gibson’s novel,The Peripheralfollowed Flynne Fisher, a young woman in a near-future America who becomes entangled in a reality-bending conspiracy after using a VR-like headset to inhabit an alternate future. As Flynne navigated dangerous alliances and shadowy enemies, the show skillfully blended speculative technology with grounded, emotional stakes.
While the premise was intriguing from episode one, it wasThe Peripheral’s season 1 finale that truly set the stage for greatness. Without spoiling every twist, the ending expanded the scope of the conflict, promising higher stakes, broader worldbuilding, and more morally complex battles between its key factions.
The Peripheralcharacters likeBurton Fisher (Jack Reynor), Wilf Netherton (Gary Carr), and Inspector Ainsley Lowbeer (Alexandra Billings) were positioned for deeper arcs, while the multiple timelines teased storylines that could have unraveled over years. The setup wasn’t just good - it was the kind of foundation that could support an epic, layered narrative.
The frustrating part? Viewers never got to see the payoff. With the cancellation, all the intricate seeds planted in season 1 will now remain unresolved, a rare case of a sci-fi show ending not because of creative decline, but in spite of creative momentum.
The Peripheral’s Premature Cancelation Continued A Streaming Problem
Streaming Services Keep Cutting Shows Off Before Their Stories Can Truly Unfold
One of the mostfrustrating aspects of modern TVis the premature cancellation trend among streaming services.The Peripheraljoins a growing list of shows - includingWarrior Nun,1883, andOuter Range- that were axed right as their stories were hitting their stride.
These aren’t cases of series limping to the finish line. Many of them, likeThe Peripheral, were in the midst of building strong momentum. This makes the decision sting more, because fans had invested in the world, the characters, and the layered mysteries - only for the narrative to stop mid-build.
InThe Peripheral’s case, it’s even more disappointing because its ending clearly demonstrated there was a bigger story worth telling. Canceling it mid-rise not only frustrated fans but also contributed to the growing perception that investing in new streaming shows is a gamble with little payoff.
Sci-Fi And Fantasy Shows Should Be Given More Time To Find An Audience
Genre Shows Often Need Multiple Seasons To Reach Their Full Potential
All TV genres benefit from time to grow, butsci-fi and fantasy need it the most. Their complex worlds, elaborate lore, and often high-budget visuals require a longer runway to hook audiences.The Peripheralis a perfect example of a show that was just starting to come into its own before being cut short.
This is why long-running hits likeThe Expanse,Stranger Things, andGame of Thronesbecame so beloved - they were given the breathing room to evolve. Season 1 wasn’t their peak; it was their launchpad. Audiences need time to invest, understand the rules of the world, and form emotional connections with the characters.
Canceling sci-fi shows too soon wastes that potential.The Peripheralcould have builta layered, multi-timeline epic with impactful character arcs, social commentary, and thrilling twists. Instead, its premature ending is a case study in how this genre is uniquely disadvantaged in the current streaming landscape.
Given the right conditions,The Peripheralcould have been one of Prime Video’s flagship shows. Instead, it’s now another name on the growing list of genre series that never got the chance to become the classics they could have been.
