Why Prime Video Canceled ‘The Peripheral’ After 1 Season

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In 2022, Prime Video launched the first season of The Peripheral, a potentially great sci-fi series based on William Gibson’s 2014 novel. Unfortunately, despite a cliffhanger ending, the show was canceled before the story could be finished. The series stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne Fisher, a talented gamer who finds herself in danger after trying out a new VR headset for her brother, Burton. What starts as a simulation quickly turns real when Flynne witnesses a murder and realizes the headset reveals glimpses of the future, thrusting her into a fight to save her life and her world.

Many viewers and critics enjoyed The Peripheral – it received a 79% approval rating from critics and an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, despite its positive reception, Amazon Prime Video decided to cancel the show, which was a letdown for its dedicated fanbase. The cancellation was particularly frustrating because the series had done such a good job of creating a detailed and engaging world and storyline.

‘The Peripheral’ Had Everything a Captivating Dystopian Sci-Fi Show Needs


Prime Video

A compelling setting is crucial for any successful science fiction series. Like fantasy, sci-fi relies on detailed and immersive worldbuilding, and The Peripheral absolutely nailed it. The Prime Video series expertly adapted the intriguing world from the original story for television.

Chloë Grace Moretz starred in this show, which presented a future world shaped by technology. It offered a compelling contrast between a technologically advanced London and a similar rural America, and its detailed world-building was visually impressive, drawing viewers in. Like other popular immersive stories, The Peripheral made people want to step into its world. Though the sci-fi series was intense and well-made, Prime Video didn’t fully recognize its potential. The show treated its audience with respect by gradually revealing information, and ultimately, it succeeded in leaving fans wanting more.

The prophecies Flynne uncovered built a truly immersive and unsettling world. The story often created a thrilling sense of unease, making viewers question how plausible its ideas were – exactly the reaction you’d expect from a dystopian sci-fi series. The Peripheral had all the ingredients for success, which made its sudden cancellation particularly disappointing for fans who were eager to see the story continue.

‘The Peripheral’ Ended on a Major Cliffhanger


Prime Video

The first seven episodes of the show were really engaging, but the season finale left a lot of people scratching their heads. The story was straightforward for most of the season, but the finale suddenly introduced a complicated idea about multiple universes, which confused viewers. This led to a frustrating cliffhanger ending. Fans were hoping a second season would explain things and tie up loose ends, since the finale felt messy and confusing.

The recent writers’ strike impacted the show The Peripheral, ultimately leading Prime Video to cancel its renewal despite its potential. It appeared simpler to end the series rather than work out new agreements. The thinking was likely that the long gap between the first and second seasons would cause viewers to lose interest. However, sci-fi fans are often more patient and dedicated, remaining invested in the story and eager for more. The Peripheral was a strong performer for Prime Video, and with its unresolved ending, it could have built momentum again. You can still stream The Peripheral on Prime Video.

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2025-11-11 20:47