ITV has cancelled its Jekyll and Hyde TV show, after just one season of ten episodes, leaving fans with no in-story closure. Today, creator Charlie Higson made the cancellation public on Twitter. Thus far, ITV has not commented publicly, on the status of Jekyll and Hyde.
Set in London, this 1930s period drama stars Tom Bateman as the grandson of the original Dr. Jekyll, as he tries to understand the awful legacy inherited from his grandfather. The cast also includes Donald Sumpter, Stephanie Hyam, Tom Rhys Harries, Natalie Gumede, Michael Karim, Richard E. Grant, Phil McKee, and Oliver Gilbert.
Here are some of Higson’s tweets regarding the cancellation of Jekyll and Hyde:
Sad day today as ITV announce they don’t want any more #JekyllandHyde Ah well, I tried. It was a grand adventure while it lasted.
— charlie higson (@monstroso) January 5, 2016
We had some great stories lined up for series 2 #JekyllandHyde
— charlie higson (@monstroso) January 5, 2016
Thanks for all the messages of support #JekyllandHyde I’m moving on to other things.
— charlie higson (@monstroso) January 5, 2016
if you want to watch and keep #JekyllandHyde for ever now you can. in glorious 5.1 sound https://t.co/VLKXJcBIZw
— charlie higson (@monstroso) January 5, 2016
When a fan expressed dismay, complaining the series did not get a proper ending, Higson provided grim, instant closure.
@sil_martinz well… they’re all dead.
— charlie higson (@monstroso) January 5, 2016
Another tweet from Higson strikes the bell we are always ringing, here — ratings:
@stuheritage You can’t argue with the figures. TX for your message, though
— charlie higson (@monstroso) January 5, 2016
Broadcast reports the production team has been told there will be no second series (season):
Broadcast understands that the production team on the 10-part ITV Studios show have been told that there will be no second series, despite some pre-production work being done in preperation [sic] for a recommission.
Charlie Higson’s reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic story made an explosive start in October, attracting 4.3m (18.9%) viewers and a blaze of publicity.
The first episode generated more than 800 complaints and a flurry of headlines for depicting violence and potentially disturbing scenes ahead of the 9pm watershed.
The programme remains under investigation from Ofcom and the media regulator is expected to make a ruling early this year.
But it appears that interest in the show waned and its consolidated ratings decreased to a low of 1.8m (7.6%) for its final episode on 27 December. Overall, Jekyll and Hyde averaged 2.6m (10.8%) viewers.
What do you think? Did you like the Jekyll and Hyde TV show? Do you think it should have been cancelled, or could the ratings problem have been fixed with a scheduling change? Would you have watched a second season?
ITV not renewing Jekyll and Hyde is pathetic, that station barely has anything worth watching on it as it is, so when something of great quality is made, they cancel it, all because of stupid ratings. It shouldn’t have been on ITV in the first place, it should have been made by the BBC or Netflix, at least they know a good show when they see it and give it a chance.
Well said I would rather watch Jekyll and Hyde than any other rubbish itv put on
I’ve never enjoyed any tv show like the the way i enjoyed watching jekyll and hyde i love it soo deeply and its crushing me to hear that there is no second season… and im not seeing any violence there
I’m in Canada and season 1 isn’t finished yet. It’s one of the best television shows I’ve seen. I am utterly shocked and extremely disappointed that the show hasn’t been renewed for season 2. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make season 2 and many more. It is such a refreshing version.
Definitely worth a second series – great to see something that was a bit different on the TV – such a great cast, really didn’t deserve to be cancelled; could easily have transferred to Encore if not on mainstream….grrr
I would ABSOLUTELY watch a second season. I thought the show ROCKED!!! Tom Bateman is a brilliant young actor and I just adore Richard E. Grant. The show had both great actors and a terrific story line. It had action, comedy, drama. It doesn’t get much better than that. I can’t believe the network doesn’t think it worthy of a season two. I most definitely thought it earned a second season.
My girlfriend broke down in tears today when she found out Jekyll and Hyde won’t have season 2, so a big F you to ITV
I can’t believe that there won’t be another season. .I thought it was one of the best shows I’ve seen in ages. .and as for the complaints. .well ..show it ona later time. .
I am very sorry that the show has ended. My husband and I just finished watching on catch up. This was the first show in ages that we both really loved. The Christmas period is very crowded and also many people are spending time with family and friends as we were. Given a regular time slot and a second series I think this would have become a real favourite. Shame on you ITV!!
I’m so disappointed. I just found out the show won’t have a season 2. I’m sure it must be because of the ratings,they didn’t get the numbers they wanted. I can’t believe it’s because of the 500 or so complaints that ‘s just ridiculous. If anything the complaints would make more people want to see what the fuss is about. If that’s the case change the view time for goodness sakes.
So utterly disappointed! I just found this show and couldn’t stop watching! I would hope Hulu, Netflix or Amazon or even Yahoo would pick up such a brilliant series. Saddened but looking forward to whatever Charlie Higson gets up next.
So utterly disappointing! I just found this show and couldn’t stop watching! I would hope Hulu, Netflix or Amazon or even yahoo would pick up such a brilliant series. Saddened but looking forward to whatever Charlie Higson gets into next.
Thanks for the article Cindy. For those who live outside UK and want to access iTV, you can use UnoTelly as I do to get around the geo block.
Jekyll and Hyde first series was amazing. Every Sunday I would watch it on the edge of my seat and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I was so excited for a series two because it was left on a cliffhanger but then itv cancelled it.give Jekyll and Hyde to another channel and let it continue. #bring Jekyll and Hyde back
Shocked that the “Powers that be” are not up for the attention this excellent show attracts. Well written, phenomenal cast and exciting content.
Very disappointed indeed!!
People who cancel shows without a proper ending should be jailed!!!!