Unfortunately, there will be no next episode of Prodigal Son. The series was cancelled by Fox after two seasons, meaning the final episode aired on May 18, 2021. This article will explore why the show was cancelled, recap key plot points, and answer frequently asked questions for fans who are still mourning its loss.
The Cancellation: Why No More Prodigal Son?
Prodigal Son was a critical darling, often praised for its dark humor, compelling characters, and strong performances by its lead actors, Tom Payne (Malcolm Bright) and Michael Sheen (Dr. Martin Whitly). However, despite the positive reviews and a dedicated fanbase, the show struggled with ratings.
Understanding the Ratings Issue
Network television relies heavily on advertising revenue, which is directly tied to viewership numbers. While Prodigal Son had a loyal following, its audience wasn’t large enough to justify the high production costs. Several factors likely contributed to this:
- Competition: The show aired during a competitive primetime slot, facing stiff competition from other popular series.
- Delayed Viewing: Many viewers preferred to watch the show on streaming platforms after it aired on television, which didn’t translate into immediate ratings.
- Network Priorities: Fox was undergoing changes in its programming strategy, focusing more on reality television and sports programming.
The Aftermath of Cancellation
The cancellation was met with disappointment from fans, who launched campaigns to try to save the show. Efforts included online petitions, social media hashtags, and even attempts to attract the attention of other networks or streaming services. Despite these efforts, Prodigal Son remains cancelled.
Reliving the Thrills: A Recap of the Series
While there are no new episodes on the horizon, fans can still enjoy the existing two seasons of Prodigal Son. Here’s a brief recap of the main plot points:
Season 1: The Beginning of Bright’s Journey
The first season introduced us to Malcolm Bright, a brilliant criminal profiler haunted by his past. He is the son of Dr. Martin Whitly, a notorious serial killer known as “The Surgeon.” Malcolm uses his unique insight into criminal minds to help the NYPD solve gruesome crimes, all while grappling with his own psychological trauma and his complicated relationship with his father. The season culminated in a shocking revelation about Malcolm’s childhood and a deeper understanding of his father’s influence.
Season 2: Deeper into the Darkness
Season two explored the Whitly family dynamics even further. Malcolm continued to struggle with his identity and the darkness within him. The season introduced new antagonists and mysteries, pushing Malcolm and his family to their limits. It ended on a cliffhanger, leaving many unanswered questions that unfortunately will never be resolved on-screen.
Prodigal Son: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions fans have about Prodigal Son and its cancellation:
FAQ 1: Will there be a Prodigal Son Season 3?
No. As mentioned earlier, Prodigal Son was cancelled by Fox after two seasons, and there are currently no plans for a revival.
FAQ 2: Where can I watch Prodigal Son episodes?
Prodigal Son episodes are available to stream on several platforms, depending on your region. Common options include:
- Hulu
- HBO Max (now Max)
- Amazon Prime Video (purchase required in some regions)
- YouTube TV (with a subscription)
FAQ 3: Was there a campaign to save Prodigal Son?
Yes, a dedicated fanbase organized various campaigns to try and save the show after its cancellation. These efforts included petitions, social media campaigns, and attempts to reach out to other networks and streaming services. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful.
FAQ 4: What were the ratings like for Prodigal Son?
While the show had a devoted following, the ratings for Prodigal Son were consistently below average for a network television show. This was a significant factor in its cancellation.
FAQ 5: Who were the main actors in Prodigal Son?
The main cast included:
- Tom Payne as Malcolm Bright
- Michael Sheen as Dr. Martin Whitly
- Bellamy Young as Jessica Whitly
- Lou Diamond Phillips as Gil Arroyo
- Halston Sage as Ainsley Whitly
FAQ 6: What genre is Prodigal Son?
Prodigal Son is best described as a crime procedural drama with elements of psychological thriller and dark comedy.
FAQ 7: Are there any spin-offs or sequels planned for Prodigal Son?
Currently, there are no known plans for any spin-offs or sequels to Prodigal Son. The show’s cancellation appears to be final.
FAQ 8: What made Prodigal Son unique?
Prodigal Son stood out due to its unique premise of a criminal profiler with a serial killer father. The show masterfully blended crime-solving with complex family dynamics and dark humor, creating a captivating and often unsettling viewing experience. The strong performances of the cast, particularly Tom Payne and Michael Sheen, also contributed to its appeal.
FAQ 9: What are some similar shows to Prodigal Son that I might enjoy?
If you enjoyed Prodigal Son, you might also like:
- Hannibal
- Mindhunter
- Dexter
- Criminal Minds
- The Following
FAQ 10: Did the writers know the show was going to be cancelled?
It is unlikely that the writers had definitive knowledge of the cancellation well in advance. The season two finale ended on a cliffhanger, suggesting they had hoped for a renewal. However, writers are often aware of the potential for cancellation based on ratings trends and network strategies.
FAQ 11: What was the biggest mystery left unsolved at the end of Prodigal Son?
The biggest mystery left unsolved was likely the aftermath of Ainsley’s actions and how the family would cope with her descent into darkness. Her character arc ended on a disturbing note, leaving viewers wondering about her future and the potential for further manipulation by her father. Furthermore, the unresolved romantic tension between Malcolm and Dani, and the continued secrets surrounding Jessica Whitly’s past, were significant threads left dangling.
FAQ 12: Is there a chance Prodigal Son could be revived in the future?
While it’s impossible to say for certain, the chances of a revival are currently slim. Revival of cancelled shows is dependent on various factors, including the availability of the cast, the rights to the show, and the interest of streaming services or networks. While fan support is crucial, it is not always enough to guarantee a revival. Never say never, but the immediate future doesn’t look promising for Prodigal Son fans hoping for more.