(BYUtv)
Extinct has gone the way of the woolly mammoth. BYUtv has cancelled its Extinct TV show after one season of ten episodes. In a refreshing turn of events, the non-profit network issued a statement acknowledging the Extinct cancellation, and didn’t try to reframe it as as a “limited event series” which was always intended to be a single season program.
A post-apocalyptic science fiction drama from creators Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston, Extinct stars Chad Michael Collins, Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Fryer, Jack Depew, Matthew Bellows, and Jake Stormoen. The BYUtv series kicks off with aliens regenerating the human race, 400 years after its extinction. Now that they’re back, those who have returned embark upon quest to understand what is going on and why they are here.
Here’s the Extinct cancellation announcement, from BYUtv:
The BYUtv original scripted sci-fi series, Extinct, will not be renewed for a second season
Dear Extinct viewers,
Since the season finale in November, many of you have inquired about a second season of Extinct. This is a decision we have carefully considered since this breakout series launched earlier last year. As with any program or series on BYUtv, decisions like this are difficult, and never made without considerable analysis. After much discussion and debate, we have decided to not renew Extinct for a second season.
We recognize many of you will be disappointed to hear this. Like you, we understand the feelings when a beloved show is canceled. Unfortunately, the approval and cancelation cycle is part of the ebb and flow of any television network. But we wanted you to understand why we reached this decision. Unlike most networks who make renewal decisions based solely on audience size and the resulting financial impact of those ratings, we as a non-profit, cause-based network have the luxury of using broader, more qualitative data points. For example, we weigh the content and message of the series itself, its resonance with fans, its uniqueness in the TV landscape, and ultimately its ability to live up to our strategic aims as a content source that connects with families.
To be sure, Extinct was a bold experiment into this genre for BYUtv. And we were proud to bring this series to you. We’re grateful to our talented production partners on Extinct including GoFilms, Taleswapper, Orson Scott Card, and the remarkable cast and tireless crew of the series. Most of all, we appreciate you—the passionate fans of the show. While the Extinct chapter may be ending, the good news is that BYUtv is more committed than ever to producing unique, innovative, and purposeful stories that families can watch together.
Thank you again for your loyalty and trust as a viewer. And please stay tuned as we pledge to bring you even more world-class television for families in 2018 and beyond.
What do you think? Did you watch the first season of the Extinct TV series? Should BYUtv have cancelled or renewed Extinct for a second season. Sound off, in the comments.
I just stumbled upon BYU and the show Extinct…I actually binge watched the entire season 1…I came here to find out about what’s next…I couldn’t be more disappointed with the decision to end production of the show. I’m deleting BYU from my streaming service…
Just joined byutv and Extent got me in the door. I know the show was 2017 but it was a new and thought provoking plot. I have not scanned through the library of shows but if byutv cannot see the value of closing out a series I’m concerned other productions could suffer the same fate and byutv will be no better than other commercial offerings. Dare to be different. Always finish what you start. I’ll look into the other programing. I’m a little disallusioned but I like there being a new outlet for family entertainment. Just don’t leave us hanging.… Read more »
This was a unique show in a landscape of regurgitated ideas it was fresh. I’m sad that it won’t be continued and think that at the very least they should do a special last episode that sort of rounds it out and gives some closure. I think it will be like Firefly in that a lot of people will find it late and then be sad that it just gets dropped. So make a last “movie” episode and give us that final glimpse of where it was going.
Extinct is a great series. It’s thought provoking, inventive in its plotline, and most of all can be enjoyed by the whole family! It explores the realms of science and what could be possible. It is a refreshing vacation from soap operas and cartoons which are nearly the limit of clean shows these days. Im extremely sorry to see it go!
Thanks Orson! Your imagine gets better and better. You are also getting better and better at getting people to consider religious foundation ideas without them even knowing that is what they are doing! I’m definitely a fan!
I think it’s a mistake not to film and release at least a season 2. Really a well-done series with a major cliff-hanger at the end. It was engaging and good on every level, as far as our family is concerned. Political? How? How is the messaging of this show a negative thing? And I agree with another comment that it’s a great adult story which is rather rare on BYU TV.
dear byu tv,
WHAT WHERE YOU THINKING? I can’t even facepalm enough. You’re ‘reasons’ for cutting the show boiled down to nothing. I’m pretty confident nearly all who watched it enjoyed it and would have watched the second series. I mean, come on. You cant end the first season like that and not continue.
We loved the show, each episode was intriguing and we couldn’t wait to see the next . Very creative and one of the best things it was Clean , ( impossible to find ) and more of an adult interest . A lot of shows on BYU are geared to a young audience . What about us mature audiences with a desire to not watch “ Reality “ Shows . Your reason to not continue sounds very “ Politically correct “ If you want to make shows for your all your audiences then listen to what we are asking for… Read more »