(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?
Fox always does this. Same thing happened with the following. It’s no wonder people are moving to streaming services.
So sorry that this very interesting, different show with a great cast, especially Michael Sheen, is canceled. Back to the same old pap on T.V. No one likes to break the mould and be innovative!!!
Every time I find a show worth watching they cancel it.
Please some streaming service or station pick up this show!! The actors are brilliant and the writing superior!! I am tired of being invested in a show only for it to be cancelled. If CBS can renew B positive, surely someone can pick up Prodigal Son.
I love the show – best cast on tv right now. Can’t believe it was canceled!?!$@
This is the best show on TV. Why are you cancelling this amazing show. I sure hope another network will pick it up.
I am in shock. This was and is my favorite show .
Very saddned that we wont have a 3rd season. Love all the cast, the ONE show my family all sits together and watch on tuesday nights. Unfortunately, the recorded ones we watch later dont count for ratings. I enjoyed the brain twisters this show provided. Very very disappointed in Fox. Keep the dumb sitcoms but get rid of the good stuff. Please please.. i hope someone takes this show to another station or streaming service.
I love this tv series infact it’s a master piece God u people don’t no a gud show seriously , u don’t even no that this series is more interesting than any series fox show
Love this show! Hopefully, Hulu or Netflix will pick it up!
Noooo! Y’all should keep rolling on Netflix or Hulu! Seriously…. Prodigal son is one of the only shows that isn’t super predictable. I’m super bummed that there won’t be a third season
Cannot believe Fox canceled Prodigal Son!! This was the best show on Fox in years. Won’t be watching anymore Fox shows now. Will miss Prodigal Son episodes and cast. May you all move on to bigger and better things (and better network) you all were great and deserve greatness.
Prodigal is amazing. FOX made a huge mistake cancelling it. Just like Lucifer.
Truly hope another streaming service will pick them up. Need the cast to join in the momentum to save Prodigal son.
Let’s hear from you Tom and Michael!
Are you kidding me . This is my favorite show onTV! I look forward to every episode because I never know where it’s going to go next. PLEASE HBOMAX pick up this series, cast and crew❗️❗️❗️ Prodigal Son cast…YOU ROCK❗️❗️Thank you for one of the most entertaining series❗️
Yes, I will definitely miss Prodigal Son! It is such a great show with an amazing cast and unique storylines that run the gamut from exciting and suspenseful to heart wrenching and funny. I certainly wish someone would pick it up for a 3rd+ season!!!