(Photo by: Laura Magruder/ FOX)
The mysterious island resort has been closed by FOX. The network has cancelled its Fantasy Island series, so it’s not returning for a third season. The de facto series finale aired last night.
A drama series, the Fantasy Island TV show is based on the 1977-84 series of the same name. This incarnation stars Roselyn Sánchez, Kiara Barnes, and John Gabriel Rodriquez, with Alexa Mansour recurring. The story is set at a luxury resort, where any fantasy guests request is fulfilled, although they rarely turn out as expected. Different people arrive at the resort with dreams and desires and depart enlightened and transformed through the magical realism of Fantasy Island. Elena Roarke (Sanchez) is the steward of this mysterious island and is a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke. Assisting Elena is Ruby Okoro (Barnes), a young woman with an old soul who arrives with a terminal illness and is given a new lease on life there. There’s also pilot Javier (Rodriquez), the head of island transportation and a jack of all trades, and Helene (Mansour), a young woman who comes to the island looking for her biological father. Guest stars in the second season include Frankie J. Alvarez, James Denton, Izzy Diaz, Rachael Harris, Teri Hatcher, Cheryl Hines, Marie Osmond, Kyla Pratt, Jason Priestley, Andy Richter; Jai Rodriguez, and Lynn Whitfield.
Airing on Monday nights, the second season of Fantasy Island averages a 0.20 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 1.77 million viewers. Compared to season one, that’s down by 32% in the demo and up by 4% in viewership in the live+same day ratings (includes DVR playback through 3:00 AM). In the live+7 day ratings, episodes pick up over 50% more viewers.
The ratings for the show’s first season weren’t very good, and a significant decline in the demo numbers this season likely hurt its chances of survival. Even though the series was produced economically, with such low ratings, the network likely decided to roll the dice and make way for a new show.
“We were very pleased with Fantasy Island’s fun and escapist creative, which we had hoped would gain strong traction among viewers,” according to a network statement. “Sony Pictures Television is an important partner of ours, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on Accused, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, Doc, and the upcoming animated series Universal Basic Guys/Hoagie Bros. We’d also like to thank Fantasy Island’s cast, led by Roselyn Sánchez, Kiara Barnes and John Gabriel Rodriquez, crew and executive producers Liz Craft, Sarah Fain and Anne Clements for their partnership on the series.”
What do you think? Have you enjoyed watching the Fantasy Island TV series on FOX? Are you sorry to know that it’s not been renewed for a third season? Did you expect it to be cancelled?
I just read that they were cancelling this and am very upset by this. I was a big fan of the original one and this was different and quite interesting. I thought the characters were very well played and I’d love for them to reconsider and give us season 3….
I’m very sorry and sad to hear that Fantasy Island has been canceled. I don’t usually like and watch rebooted shows of those I previously watched, especially when they drastically change the main characters, but I decided to give this one a chance and really enjoyed watching it both seasons. I was looking forward to next season as well and now you’re telling me that won’t happen. Very disappointing.
I’m really upset at Fox for canceling the show. why don’t they cancel stupid crime shows
Mad that another show we looked forward to has been cancelled with no real ending. I’m getting tired of investing time in shows like this and especially the Resident only to have it dropped with out warning!
So sorry to hear about the cancellation of Fantasy Island; it was so much fun to watch; and very good chemistry and acting among the actors. Sure hope another network picks them up!
I am so mad that Fox has canceled Fantasy Island. I love the show and all the characters. Everytime Fox has a great show, they cancel it and put a terrible show in its place. Please uncancel Fantasy Island. We need more seasons of it.
Ty I been waking this end
These network suck
Completely shocked and disappointed that this series was canceled. Each episode had a message and it was great to watch something non violent! Sad.
oh man. i loved this show. was really hoping to see more of it. BUT, final episode was both a really sweet ending for the season and pretty good way to end the series.
I am beyond disappointed and in disbelief! First they cancelled 911 and now this. It was my favorite show. There is still great potential in the storyline (an example is Ruby’s story). I am sick of police and medical shows and this was different because it blended lessons and or positive messages with mystery (again future story like potential) and comedy. The casting was spot on.
I’m sick of violence, blood and guts, people being mean or rude to each other and most of all the weird reality shows of people meeting/dating. Our society needed this show!
Dang another good, different kind of show other than police and medical ( which I do like just change if pace.
I loved this show. So sad they have canceled Fantasy Island. It was one of the best shows on Fox.
I liked Fantasy Island. I HATE most of the reality shows. Dump them.
ALERT is a stupid show. They should’ve cancelled that and kept fantasy island.
Love this show!!! Watched the original and was so excited for the remake! Yet again another show you get wrapped up in and it’s being cancelled!! Soon there will be nothing decent to watch anymore!
Fox has clearly dropped the ball – I loved watching Fantasy Island – it was much deeper than its predecessor, which I liked also. I also liked Timeless, but that was taken off as well. All the good ones go by the wayside – very sad. Don’t think I’ll be patronizing Fox anymore.
They known for this.