Why Was Evil Canceled?

by

Over the course of four captivating seasons, “Evil” stood out as one of the most unconventional and exhilarating television series ever produced. Brainchild of the talented duo Robert and Michelle King, who are also known for “The Good Wife,” “Elsbeth,” and “The Good Fight,” this show is a unique blend of dark supernatural elements, comedy, and drama that challenges typical categorization. Known for its offbeat storytelling, consistent critical and audience acclaim, and an intriguing ARG puzzle that sparked countless fan discussions, it’s no wonder “Evil” gained such a dedicated viewer base that expanded throughout its run. Surprisingly, despite the series experiencing a resurgence in popularity on Netflix, Paramount decided to terminate the show in 2024 without providing a clear explanation for their decision.

In my opinion, much like “The Good Fight,” the TV series “Evil” uses a funhouse mirror approach to reflect our current cultural climate, employing exaggerated and frequently absurd storytelling to help us grasp the world we inhabit. The main characters, forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), conflicted seminarian Father David Acosta (Mike Colter), and tech-savvy Muslim cultural figure Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi) investigate case after case seeking signs of the demonic. However, clarity on these matters remains elusive. The show seems to suggest that finding meaning in it all may be a futile endeavor, but what truly counts is the connections that preserve our sanity. Fortunately, hints from at least one cast member and the creators indicate that this devilish narrative might return someday.

Why did Evil move from CBS to Paramount ?

It’s not surprising that “Evil,” one of Robert and Michelle King’s other productions, was made for CBS, given their previous works with the studio. When it first aired in 2019, it was on Thursday nights quite late. During this time, like many network shows, adjustments were necessary due to the pandemic, leading to a shift towards more character-centric episodes and adding past seasons to Netflix to expand its audience.

Adding Netflix to its platform significantly boosted “Evil’s” viewership right away. Many viewers found and quickly binge-watched the series on the broader streaming service.

By 2021, the CBS-owned streaming platform, Paramount+, was all set to launch. Two initial shows, “Evil” and “SEAL Team”, were transferred from the network to the streamer. This transition was motivated by CBS’s aim to cut back on scripted programming as part of a cost-saving strategy. The space thus created was intended for a new medical drama, as well as fresh installments from the successful “NCIS,” “CSI,” and “FBI” series franchises. This decision seemed beneficial for “Evil”, as its audience has persistently grown since the show moved to Paramount+.

Why was Evil canceled after its move to Paramount Plus?

In a press release dated February 2024, Paramount+ declared they will not continue “Evil” for a fifth season, instead opting to air its final season starting in May. Simultaneously, the streaming service revealed that creators Robert and Michelle King would be granted four additional episodes to conclude the series effectively.

It seems that unspecified external circumstances, including a writers’ strike and an unforeseen requirement for family medical care affecting Katja Herbers’ ability to shoot her scenes, might have impacted the difficulties encountered during the fourth season of the show.

Regardless of fan speculation, there’s no proof that the studio’s decision to conclude the series was due to those reasons. Interestingly, some spectators have observed that the show’s cancellation, as well as Paramount’s non-renewal of series like “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” coincided with the upcoming merger of their parent company, Paramount Global, with Skydance Media. It could be that streamlining expensive productions, particularly when their cast and crew contracts are approaching renewal, is a strategy to present a leaner appearance for the company.

Fans were furious over Evil’s cancellation

Although Paramount may find satisfaction in ending “Evil,” numerous fans express disappointment, as they believe the series had potential for further development. The cancellation has left many viewers puzzled and upset. As one Reddit user put it, “It’s truly unfortunate that this show was terminated.

In many fan communities, there’s a shared feeling that Paramount’s executives lack understanding of their roles and are misguided in their decisions. As a Reddit user on r/EvilTV put it, “They seem to be using the wrong yardstick to gauge a show’s success… The individuals calling the shots often struggle with even sending emails and have little insight into the realities of what’s unfolding.

One well-known admirer has made a strong statement. Prior to its permanent closure in fall 2024, Stephen King publicly urged Paramount to revive the series. In an interview with PBS (as reported by The Independent), he described it as “extremely sharp.

Could another streamer pick up Evil?

If “Evil” gets added to Netflix, there’s a good chance it might be renewed for another season – considering Netflix has a history of giving shows a second life by bringing them back for at least one more season. In fact, reviving beloved series has become somewhat of a trademark for Netflix, allowing fans to find closure while also attracting new viewers who enjoy completing stories. Netflix held the rights to “Arrested Development” for several years and brought it back for two seasons that were met with mixed reactions, as well as a remix. Additionally, Netflix was instrumental in briefly reviving “Manifest” following its cancellation.

The creators, Robert and Michelle King, have made clear that they had further ideas for the series “Evil” beyond its current conclusion, as they felt there were several plotlines left unresolved. In a conversation with TV Insider, Robert King hinted at additional themes, stating, “We intended to explore more about the court system and how it can become demonic in nature. There would be more demons influencing the courthouse, and Kristen’s role would have become much more significant.

Katja Hebers has been vocal about hoping the series will be renewed, while the Kings express their desire for the story to carry on. They’ve already brainstormed future episodes, and Robert King stated, “If Paramount+, Netflix, or Amazon Prime don’t want to fund them, we might as well produce it ourselves using puppets at home, as we are deeply fond of the series and wish to continue working on it.

Read More

2025-01-28 22:30