Why is Disney+ cancelling this fun show after just one season?

Why is Disney+ cancelling this fun show after just one season?

As a dedicated viewer of streaming content who’s seen more than a few promising shows get axed after just one season, I can’t help but feel a pang of familiar disappointment with the cancellation of “Renegade Nell.”


Viewers who enjoy streaming series have come to expect it: A highly-praised show ending after only one season. Now, another series on Disney+ joins the list of shows that were cancelled prematurely!

A common complaint about modern streaming shows is that they tend to have just one season. This could be due to factors like budget constraints or creative difficulties, but frequently it boils down to audience engagement. Just like traditional TV shows, their success or failure can hinge on the number of people who tune in to watch them.

Viewers have witnessed instances where popular series such as “Willow” were canceled after just one season on Disney+. Regrettably, several other shows were taken off the platform due to cost reduction, denying fans the opportunity to rewatch them.

Unfortunately, it seems that a similar destiny has befallen Renegade Nell. This series premiered in March 2024 and was created by BAFTA-winning writer Sally Wainwright. In this production, Louisa Harland plays the lead role of Nell, who is a former British soldier who becomes entangled in a mysterious plot to dethrone the Queen of England while simultaneously pursuing a career as a highwaywoman.

The series stands out for its outrageous humor and frequent instances where the character Nell is taken over by a spirit named Billy Budd, granting her extraordinary strength. This results in exhilarating action scenes amid the laughter. Although Season 1 wrapped up the primary plot satisfactorily, there remains anticipation for a potential second season.

Sadly, it won’t be as Disney reported to Deadline that the show is ending after one season. 

Disney+ Original series, Renegade Nell, will not be returning for a second season on the service. We’re incredibly proud of the world created by Sally Wainwright and lead director Ben Taylor. We’d like to thank them, our production partners at Lookout Point, the entire cast – led by Louisa Harland – and crew for their incredible work on this series, all of whom we hope to work with again in the future.

As a devoted fan, I must express my dismay over the cancellation announcement. The show’s exceptional quality, as evidenced by its impressive 86% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, was undeniably captivating. Adding to this anticipation, writer Ben Taylor had hinted at scripts being penned for Season 2, giving us fans a glimmer of hope that it was indeed a certainty. Alas, it seems the show’s promising future may have been cut short.

It appears that Disney might have underestimated the marketing effort needed for the series, as releasing all nine episodes at once instead of weekly installments could have affected its performance like other shows on different platforms. Additionally, it seems that the viewing figures didn’t meet Disney’s expectations, and the show failed to resonate with a wide audience. In the end, it boils down to the viewers, and while a dedicated fanbase is valuable, it may not be sufficient to sustain a prolonged run.

As a long-time television producer with extensive experience in the industry, I understand the challenges that come with trying to sell a series to another streaming platform, especially when it comes to shows with high production costs and complex special effects. However, I have seen productions defy the odds before, and I believe this one could do the same, given its strong connection with UK audiences. With season 2 already underway, it’s worth giving it another shot, even if it might be tricky due to budget constraints.

It’s unfortunate that the show, which was among the top new series in 2024 due to Harland’s outstanding performance and a distinctive atmosphere, managed to stand out from the crowd. Regrettably, like many other shows on Disney+, its run is ending prematurely, adding it to the list of victims claimed by an oversupply of content on streaming platforms, leaving audiences with less to appreciate.

Renegade Nell streaming on Disney+.

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2024-08-01 00:27

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