(Cr: Phil Caruso/FOX)
The cast and crew of the Prodigal Son received some sad news this week. FOX cancelled the drama so there won’t be a third season. While they’ve already filmed the defacto series finale (it airs on May 18th), they still have plenty to say.
A crime thriller series, the Prodigal Son TV series stars Tom Payne, Lou Diamond Phillips, Aurora Perrineau, Frank Harts, Keiko Agena, Bellamy Young, Halston Sage, Michael Sheen, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Season two guest stars include Christian Borle and Michael Potts. In the story, Malcolm Bright (Payne) is an extraordinary criminal psychologist who knows how killers think and how their minds work. In the 1990s, his father, Dr. Martin Whitly (Sheen), was a notorious serial killer called “The Surgeon” who killed at least 23 people. Since murder is “the family business”, Malcolm uses his twisted genius for good, to help the NYPD solve crimes and stop killers. He works alongside his longtime mentor, Gil Arroyo (Phillips), and two detectives — no-nonsense Dani Powell (Perrineau) and JT Tarmel (Harts), a born-and-bred New Yorker who questions whether Bright is a psychopath himself. In season two, Malcolm must deal with the repercussions of the first season finale and his father seeks to deepen his relationship with his prodigal son.
Airing on Tuesday nights, the second season of Prodigal Son averages a 0.41 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 2.09 million viewers in the live+same day ratings. Compared to season one, that’s down by 45% in the demo and down by 38% in viewership. The ratings were reportedly a big factor in the cancellation.
It’s not known yet if the FOX show will be shopped to other outlets. The series is co-produced by Warner Bros. Television so HBO Max may be the most likely candidate.
Here are some thoughts from the cast and crew regarding the cancellation:
What a trip. Playing Malcolm has been a joy and a privilege. The best cast on network TV and the most unique show around. We did it in style. Love to everyone who enjoyed it all along with us. And check out the last two eps! THEY ARE AMAZING. 😘 #ProdigalSon
— Tom Payne (@justanactor) May 11, 2021
Wow. Gutted. Didn’t see that one coming. Might be taking a few days away from the platform #Prodigies. Just know that you have been the most wonderful, entertaining, brilliant fan base I have ever encountered. Much Love. #GilArroyo #ProdigalSon
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) May 11, 2021
Love you Dani. Thanks for the ride! Thanks to the crew, the cast , the fans, @FOXTV and @warnerbrostv for everything. Forever grateful for this experience pic.twitter.com/JIxzvC9iBf
— Aurora Perrineau (@AuroraPerrineau) May 10, 2021
Just wanted to pop on & say THANK YOU, wonderful #Prodigies , for sharing this adventure with us. I am, as you can imagine, heartbroken that we can't keep telling this story. We're gonna go out in STYLE tho- these last 2 eps are 🔥. Love each of you. So much. #ProdigalSon 💗❤️
— Bellamy Young (@BellamyYoung) May 11, 2021
#ProdigalSon From “Lil Edrisa” and me to all the #Prodigies out there. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xLB5u6SXGY
— Keiko Agena (@KeikoAgena) May 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/SarahSoWitty/status/1391897708521218050
“The show is…what now?” #TheSurgeonCanAlwaysMakeHouseVisits #ProdigalSon pic.twitter.com/QznN0JIDch
— michael sheen 💙 (@michaelsheen) May 11, 2021
What do you think? Will you miss the Prodigal Son TV show on FOX? Would you watch a third season if it landed on a streaming service? If so, which one?
During this pandemic,prodical son was one of the only shows that was really entertaining. So well written and Tom Payne and Cast were awesome.Do us a favor and sell it to HBO so we can see more into this twisted minds
No no no. Best show on fox right now. Save our show. Other than prodical son on tuesday nights. Rarely watch fox.
I think this show is phenomenal! One of the best shows on TV I’ve ever seen!! The actors and their portrayals of these eccentric characters, some of which are despicable, are brilliant. I am so sad at the outcome of this show. If HBO Max or any of the other streaming services are available, I’m in!!
Once again a BRILLIANT cast with a clever writing staff gets dumped. A streaming service definitely needs to pick up. HULU FIRST choice but any service that wants a totally “Bright” series !
the show had low ratings that’s y they cancelled the show My Dad loved the show but he is disappointed it was cancelled they will probably bring it back on streaming service
FOX wouldnt know a good show if it walked up to them and kicked them in the rear… that channel cancels anything that isnt 911 or animation. For the love of God did you not THINK before you put it on a Tuesday against CBS and their best night of TV….it didnt stand a chance. Move the show to a different night and I bet it does top three in the ratings that night.
Noooooooooooooooooooo 🙁
it is a great show. netflix with a third season
So disappointed over the cancellation, wonderful, unique entertainment. Catherine Zeta Jones as an excellent creepy addition. Was looking forward to season 3 and 4 and 5 etc!
one of a great show drama crime love it going to be missed after it complete over so good look forward every Tuesday night,
That just isn’t right!!! Me and my family love “Prodigal Son”!!! Why would Fox, of all networks, take this off? We want more of the “Whitley” family…bring it back on another network or stream it!!!
Very upset that this show is cancelled. How stupid FOX! Hope your new shows tank next year.
This cancellation is bull puckey. That is all.
Our favorite show! Hard to believe it’s been cancelled. Hope to see it picked up by some other outlet.
I would catch it on any streaming service it went to, even if I don’t already have it. It’s my favorite show besides The Expanse!