In 2022, Prime Video released the first season of a promising dystopian sci-fi series, but as many fans feared, it was canceled before the main character’s story and the show’s cliffhanger were resolved. The Peripheral, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, is based on William Gibson’s 2014 sci-fi novel of the same name. The book and series follow Flynne Fisher (Moretz), a young struggling gamer who becomes caught in a life-threatening situation. Her brother, Burton, was hired to test out a VR headset, but he handed it over to his sister. Flynne quickly adapted to the simulation, but when she witnessed a death, she realized it was actually real. She discovered that the simulation revealed the future, marking the start of a fight for her life and her reality.
Flynne’s story was compelling, and it’s no surprise that The Peripheral earned a 79% critics’ score and an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its strong reception, Prime Video canceled the series, a decision that disappointed many fans. The cancellation was especially frustrating given how effectively The Peripheral built its world and narrative.
‘The Peripheral’ Had Everything a Captivating Dystopian Sci-Fi Show Needs
A strong setting is essential to any sci-fi series’ success. In both fantasy and sci-fi, worldbuilding must be detailed and immersive. The Peripheral understood the assignment and undoubtedly delivered. The impressive series streaming on Prime Video successfully brought the intriguing world of the source material to television.
Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, the show depicted a post-apocalyptic world where technology defines humanity. Its contrasting visions of a high-tech London and a similarly advanced rural America were visually striking. The show’s world design drew viewers in, making them want to explore every corner. Like other immersive franchises, The Peripheral inspired a desire to experience its world firsthand. The intense sci-fi series created a similar feeling, but Prime Video underestimated its potential. The series respected its audience by withholding certain explanations early on, and if The Peripheral achieved one thing, it was leading fans to want more.
All the prophecies that Flynne discovered created an even more vivid and frightening world to immerse oneself in. At times, the story created a thrilling unease that made viewers wonder if its ideas could one day become real. If that isn’t exactly what an apocalyptic sci-fi series should evoke in its viewers, then what is? The Peripheral had everything it needed to become a great success, but the show’s unexpected cancellation robbed fans of an epic continuation.
‘The Peripheral’ Ended on a Major Cliffhanger
The first seven episodes were compelling, but the season finale left many viewers confused. For most of the season, the story was easy to follow, but the finale abruptly introduced a complex multiverse that puzzled viewers. Because of this, The Peripheral ended on a major cliffhanger. Because the finale was complex and chaotic, fans hoped Season 2 would eventually offer some clarity.
The 2023 writers’ strike also affected The Peripheral, leading Prime Video to reverse its renewal. Unfortunately, it seemed easier to simply cancel the Prime Video series than to negotiate new terms. The assumption, arguably, was that too much time had passed between Season 1 and Season 2, so fans would have lost interest. However, sci-fi fans are sometimes willing to wait longer for new episodes, seasons, and movies than fans of other genres, as they are invested in the world and eager to see where the story leads. The Peripheral was among Prime Video’s strongest sci-fi titles and could have regained momentum, as its cliffhanger left fans eager for answers. The Peripheral is available to stream on Prime Video.
- Release Date
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2022 – 2022-00-00
- Network
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Amazon Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Scott B. Smith
- Writers
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Scott B. Smith, Jamie Chan, Greg Plageman, Bronwyn Garrity, William Gibson
