(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 cannot believe they would cancel this show. Had me on the edge of my seat every episode. What a terrible mistake. I really hope it gets picked up by another network. WTF were you thinking Fox????
Best show on TV!!! Reconsider canceling this show or I’ll be canceling Fox shows in my household forever. Think about it.
Those of us with the right understanding, a need for breaking rules, with a taste for blood need this show to remain ON!!!
I couldn’t wait to watch this show every week!! Every one on the show was so awesome!! I can’t believe it, there are so many shows that just don’t measure up, and this is canceled? Please bring it back, I will miss these people too much, I am so sad. Malcom is incredible, do something, Segway it into something, imaginations are limitless!
I love this show. I am so so sorry it is not coming back. I watch Netflix. I will miss the show so much. Broken hearts for prodigal lovers. I hope you Change your mind.
So looked forward to all episodes! Must be a mistake in the ratings because new season started rather slow but kicked into terrific gear! Hope it gets picked up.
I am angry the show is being cancelled without an ending! The acting, the story was awesome!
Argh! Super frustrating and sad. The way the show come in during the pandemic I’m sure has a big effect on ratings. #prodigies I hope the show can find a new home on streaming service.
HEART BROKEN
What were they thinking
I just can’t believe it. My Family & I haven’t missed an episode since it
started !! The stars are all great. I can think of a number of shows that
should have been cancelled long ago. I have to say it again: I just can’t believe it.
I can not believe this show has been cancelled! It is my favorite show! I sincerely hope it will be picked up by Netflix!!
Terrible decision! Best show on TV. Great writing and great acting. I guess you need a mindless comedy (supposed to be comedy) to take its place.
It’s just sooo irritating that so many great and substantive shows are just nicked off after 1 or 2 Seasons. I am positive that whatever you replace it with won’t be as good! I am about this! Here’s hoping that it will get shopped around and picked up by a more reliable Channel!! I’m just sick!!
sweet dreams, Malcolm!! ♥️
I can’t believe Fox cancelled The Prodigal Son, the BEST show on tv. I hope Netflix is smart enough to pick up this incredible show. Thanks for nothing Fox.
Stephanie, I completely agree with you. I looked forward to watching the amazing plot, characters and actors. I’m so mad at Fox, I could scream. Sorry, not everyone is reading the data correctly. I too hope Netflix or HBO Max picks up for a 3rd season….Whoopie, use your influence….
Loved that show. Hopefully it gets picked up by someone smarter than Fox.