‘The Acolyte’ Was the 2nd Most Watched Show on Disney+, So Why Was It Canceled?

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It seems you’re asking if the controversial Star Wars series The Acolyte was more popular than we thought? Despite mixed reviews and a significant divide between critics and viewers – a pattern that has been recurring in this iconic franchise – the show was surprisingly canceled after only one season in July last year. However, recent reports from Luminate have added an air of doubt to claims that low viewership led to its cancellation.

Based on the report, it appears that “The Acolyte” was not only well-received by viewers but also managed to secure the second most-watched spot in 2024 on the streaming platform. It came very close to taking the top position, with “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” a popular fantasy series, leading the way due to its staggering 3+ billion minutes viewed. “The Acolyte” clocked in at a still impressive 2.7 billion minutes.

The presented data suggests a surprising turn of events, as initial reports indicated that the cancellation of The Acolyte, initially promoted as a multi-season series, was due to poor viewership. However, the figures reveal a decline in viewership throughout the series, yet one would expect that being Disney+’s second most popular show might warrant at least another chance.

So, Why Was ‘The Acolyte’ Canceled?

It’s true that the number of viewers isn’t everything; it’s also crucial to consider how these numbers compare to the production costs. According to reports, The Acolyte had an enormous budget of more than $230 million, but unfortunately, this didn’t align sufficiently with expectations for a second season to be commissioned.

Regarding Acolyte, we were content with our achievement, yet it fell short of the mark when considering its production costs. To be honest, these expenses made producing a second season financially challenging. Therefore, we decided not to proceed with another season for that reason.

Regrettably, much like other prominent intellectual properties today, The Acolyte faced an overwhelming amount of negativity from a particular segment of its fanbase. The series was subjected to “review bombing,” with some individuals even attacking the cast members on social media platforms. Star Amandla Stenberg has spoken out against the “hyper-conservative bigotry, vitriolic comments, prejudice, hate speech, and abusive language” directed at the show, expressing shock over its cancellation.

I decided to join in today, and I wanted to be completely open with you all. Truthfully, I don’t enjoy using social media much these days, but there are people I admire who deserve recognition. So, here I am, sharing some news that I wish wasn’t the case: our Star Wars series has been terminated. And I must confess, while it’s not entirely surprising to me…

Originally developed by Leslye Headland and debuted on Disney+ in June, The Acolyte tells the story of a former Padawan who reconnects with her Jedi Master to investigate a string of crimes. However, they soon uncover that the forces they’re dealing with are far more evil than they initially thought.

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2025-01-28 16:31