(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?
I would miss it terribly . One of the few shows left worth watching…
Maybe, the fact that they stick to the development of the story, instead of trying to shove the politics down peoples throats
I would definitely watch a third season. This was a great show and should never have been cancelled. Does anyone know how to start a petition?
I will sign any petition to get this show continued somehow! How do we get one going?
I love this show. Just heartbroken to hear this news.
I have been an avid watcher and am very upset that the show has been cancelled! I would watch it on any platform but tend to think that one of the HBOs would give it the wings to soar on that it deserves!!!
Love this show! Rethink your decision to cancel.
What? Unique premise, fantastic cast…cancel? C’mon, Fox. You can do better than that. Let’s hope another network or streamer picks this up before the cast takes on new projects. Terrible decision.
What is Fox doing? prodigal son is the best show on tv! You need to rethink this!
Unique show, great cast, hope its picked up….I will watch
I LOVE this show! So many people love this show! BIG mistake! I so hope another intelligent network picks up this show!!
Won’t be watching Fox anymore, my 2 favorite shows ( Prodigal Son and Last Man Standing) have been cancelled by them and there is no reason to watch what is on Fox anymore.
I am really disappointed that the prodigal son is cancelled I hope another streaming service picks it up I will be eagerly waiting I never missed an episode one of the best shows on tv
I’m so sad my favorite tv show is canceled. Please try to continue this show I loved all the cast and I’m always excited to watch it all the time.
Will miss this ready for season 3 anywhere its picked up
Heartbroken!!! One of the best written dramas in decades! Please rethink the decision!
Everytime I fall in love with a show it gets cancelled. Yet so many YUCKY shows go on and on and on and on….you get the picture.
Here’s hoping that a smart platform like HBO, Netflix, etc. will pick up this amazing story. PLEASE???!!!!