The latest TV series to be based on the classic comic strip Flash Gordon has gone where many sci-fi series have gone before – the cancellation galaxy. It turns out that Flash’s greatest nemesis this time around wasn’t Ming the Merciless but a lack of viewers.
The series debuted on August 10, 2007 on Sci Fi. It was the latest series based on the intergalactic hero’s exploits and stars Eric Johnson (Smallville) and Gina Holden (Blood Ties). Though many science fiction fans were looking forward to the series, most reviews were pretty negative. The producers took the criticisms to heart and worked on improving storylines and adding more Mongo action.
The premiere attracted approximately 2.1 million viewers (one of Sci Fi’s best-rated series premieres of the year) but fell as the season progressed. Flash Gordon’s first season finished airing on February 8, 2008 with the episode entitled “Revolution, part two.”
Sci Fi has been quiet on the subject of the show’s fate though, based on the show’s ratings, a second season hasn’t realistically been expected. As time’s gone on, it’s become apparent that Flash won’t be back to save the world next fall.
At Sci Fi’s recent upfront presentation, Sci Fi president David Howe briefly talked about Flash Gordon. He spoke about it in the past-tense and coupled it with previously cancelled series like The Dresden Files and Painkiller Jane. He feels that the series wasn’t developed enough and said that Sci Fi may try again in a few years – with a fresh take and a bigger budget.
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Gina Holden, the actress who plays Flash’s girlfriend Dale Arden, was recently interviewed on The Doctor and Mrs Who show. Though the series does have its fans, the actress doesn’t hold out much hope for a resurrection campaign being effective. She said, “I think every effort that people make is great but really, unfortunately, it comes down to studio. And I think once they make their mind up, that’s it. That doesn’t mean that I’m not believing but, it’s a tough call. I would just say, enjoy the moment, enjoy what we did do.” Stay tuned! 
Related links
Flash Gordon on DVD || Flash Gordon books || Flash Gordon music
More about:
Flash Gordon (2007),
Painkiller Jane,
The Dresden Files
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You know, I think these Networks go on the basis of how many viewers that actually sit and watch these shows on their home TV’s.I know I don’t have the time to watch my favorite shows when they are on TV. I Tibo or download them to my PSP and watch them when I can..Too many good shows are being cancled for this reason.I knew of a lot of people that watched this show, however; No one watched it at the time it was on. Everyone either Tiboed it or watched it on a portable device and the networks don’t take this into account for their ratings..
I love Flash Gordon and it is good. I am upset that they have been canceling so many good shows too. Shows like Mutant X Team Knight Rider and others. Team Knight RIder would of made it if they did another Season. At the end of the first season Michael Knight was coming in at the End. If they would of done one more season or even episode they would of gotten it going. Another good one was canceled back in like 95 or 96 or later not sure. Mortal Kombat Conquest. It was good and the ending was stupid. They canceled it with a good ending meaning how it ended but terrible meaning the time. If they would of done a few more episodes or another season it would of made it but they had to cancel it. If they are going to cancel something then cancel it after you explain the ending if it is not understandable. Otherwise don’t put the show on in ther first place. I am sick and tired of shows being canceled at the wrong time. I know this if they cancel Knight Rider the new series I will be angry and send them a nice letter a complaint letter. they cancelded to many good shows as is. If I were Rich I would of made my own sci fi show and shows these shows they cancel a few times.
But, Don’t mind me. I am a die hard Sci Fi fan and all my favorite shows are being canceled.
I don’t mean to be the bearer of complaints. I just am sick of this.
and yes Dresden Files was a good series. so were so many others and they are all being canceled.
So bad that as much as I like the new Knight Rider I am not going to get to thrilled about a second season until they do one.
Flash Gordon was the ONLY show I watched on sci-fi, now I won’t tune in. It disappointed me to see it cancel. I loved that show. If it weren’t for Flash Gordon, I would’ve never tried new shows. I usually hate sci-fi. But because of Flash Gordon, it was a reason to open my mind to new shows like that one. If it came back I would be happy. It should have never been cancelled. Eric Johnson played an awesome Flash Gordon. They should at least close up the finale or it will leave us hanging. Turn it into a movie or something, but close it up. Come on, we need more Flash Gordon!
In my opinion the studios that decide to cancel all these excellent shows like Dresden Files, Flash Gordon, Painkiller Jane, and others must be on CRACK, METH, LSD, COCAINE or something. Either that or they are just plain MORONS!!!
The Sci Fi channel has a problem sticking with its shows, they cancel EVERYTHING. It makes me reluctant to get involved with anything they put out, because you know they will cancel it very soon. I think it would be in their interest to bring back old shows. I know networks don’t do that, but they need to build back trust with their viewers before they have no viewers. They do very little to advertise, they don’t keep to a regular schedule, and sometimes they push a show on viewers that people don’t like. I remember seeing Painkiller jane on every time I turned them on, and I simply don’t like that show. On the other hand, Dresden Files, and Flash were great shows and needed more direct advertising, and more then a week of playtime. You just don’t treat customers like that. Flash didn’t need a different concept or more budget. It was good.
I did enjoy what they did do. It sucks that it’s canceled. I was just waiting for so long until I just now searched and found this page stating that was canceled. Bummer.
I walked away from the new Flash Gordon after the pilot, which I hated with a white-hot passion on every level. They took one of the primal sci-fi adventurers and turned him into a mopey jock with daddy issues? And yes, I understand that Ming can’t be Fu Manchu in space anymore, but we deserve better than making him JUST SOME GUY who rules with the power of WATER RIGHTS. It’s like making Darth Vader into some fey douche in a turtleneck, and the Dark Side of the Force into a supernatural understanding of zoning laws.
And yes, this is an entirely unfair evaluation based on one episode, but if anything had actually HAPPENED in the pilot, I may have changed my mind. All I remember of it is a lot of walking, a lot of standing around, and a Stargate ripoff. It just felt like the most misguided thing they tried that season.
No, I never gave this series even the slightest chance. So I guess that makes ME the bad guy.
I liked the series.I hope something can be done and fast.
Get the reality crap off TV put back on the series and movies. LIFE sucks enough not to have reality on every channel reminds me of the movie Running Man what is TV really becoming and what of our society. People turn off the reality crap and maybe some real TV of Action, Adventure, Comedy, and Fantasy will be back.
This show was getting so good towards the season finale. I was counting very much on seeing the second season. I’ve seen forums and blog that have discussed this show and other like this it — they’re always so hostile — criticising every insignificant little detail. It’s no wonder why the producers lose interest.
I hope they do pick this show up again, I’d like too what would’ve happened next.
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