Regardless of optimistic opinions, bankable star Lisa Kudrow as a important character and much-loved supply materials, Apple TV+ opted to tug the plug on its fantasy journey sequence Time Bandits after only one season, based on a brand new report.
Based mostly on Terry Gilliam’s cult basic 1981 movie, the present’s 10-episode first season, now streaming on Apple TV+, must stand alone.
Apple TV+ cancels Time Bandits after 1 season
Apple’s determination to not renew the sequence comes a few month after the primary season’s 10-episode run ended, based on Deadline. So all 10 episodes can be found to stream, however no extra will comply with.
Powerhouse trio Taika Waititi (Our Flag Means Loss of life, Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok), Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords, What We Do within the Shadows) and Iain Morris (The Inbetweeners) created the sequence, which stars Lisa Kudrow of Associates fame. The present generated appreciable buzz resulting from its connection to the beloved 1981 movie by Gilliam. However regardless of garnering largely optimistic opinions — with a 78% essential approval score on Rotten Tomatoes (however solely a 48% viewers score) — and pulling in an viewers, Time Bandits didn’t seize a big sufficient viewers to justify its continuation.
Trade insiders counsel that whereas the present carried out effectively in the UK — each the unique film’s dwelling nation and the setting for the sequence — it struggled to make a major affect within the broader streaming panorama. Notably, the sequence was unable to interrupt into Nielsen’s High 10 streaming rankings, a key success metric.
Streaming paradigm: No extra progress in any respect prices
The downfall of “Time Bandits” appears to mirror a shifting paradigm within the streaming wars. As main platforms like Apple TV+ transition from a growth-at-all-costs mentality to a extra profit-oriented method, high-budget scripted sequence face rising stress to ship substantial viewership numbers to warrant renewal.
This growth brings to a detailed a challenge that had been within the works for over six years. Apple TV+ had initially acquired the rights to adapt Gilliam’s movie again in 2018, with manufacturing assist from Paramount Tv Studios (now defunct), Nameless Content material’s AC Studios,and MRC.
Time-traveling thieves
The sequence centered round Kevin (Kal-El Tuck), an 11-year-old historical past fanatic who discovers a time portal in his wardrobe. This gateway introduces him to a bunch of time-traveling thieves, led by Kudrow’s character, Penelope. Collectively, they embark on a sequence of adventures via totally different historic intervals, going through varied challenges and adversaries alongside the way in which.
Along with its star-studded artistic crew and Kudrow, Time Bandits boasted an ensemble forged together with Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte, Charlyne Yi and Rachel Home. The primary season additionally featured particular visitor appearances by creators Waititi and Clement.
An unforgiving panorama
Whereas the sequence could not have achieved the viewership numbers Apple TV+ had hoped for, it represented an bold try and deliver Gilliam’s distinctive imaginative and prescient to a brand new era of viewers. The cancellation serves as a reminder of the more and more aggressive and unforgiving nature of the streaming panorama, the place even initiatives with robust pedigrees and optimistic essential reception can wrestle to seek out their footing.
For now, followers of Time Bandits must content material themselves with Gilliam’s unique or the one season on Apple TV+.
Watch Time Bandits season 1 on Apple TV+
Even with not second season within the works, you might nonetheless binge Time Bandits season 1. Apple TV+ is obtainable by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can too get it through any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. For a restricted time, clients who buy and activate a brand new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod contact can take pleasure in three months of Apple TV+ without spending a dime.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 471 wins and 2,090 award nominations and counting,” the service mentioned.
Along with award-winning films and TV reveals (together with breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso), Apple TV+ affords a wide range of documentaries, dramas, comedies, youngsters reveals and extra.