Crime thriller Prodigal Son season two begins this month in the UK, but fans on both sides of the Atlantic were shocked when the series was cancelled after two seasons.
In the US (where season two has already aired), fans were particularly surprised given how climactic the second season finale was.
The finale featured a shocking moment involving the titular 'son,' criminologist Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne in the Prodigal Son cast), and his serial killer father Martin (Michael Sheen).
However, fans have since mobilised, using the hashtag #SaveProdigalSon, in addition to a petition to save Prodigal Son and the dedicated Save Prodigal Son website.
At the time of writing, the Change.org petition has over 43,000 signatures, and that number is steadily climbing.
Read on for everything you need to know about why Prodigal Son was cancelled, and whether it could be picked up for season three.
Why was Prodigal Son cancelled?
In May 2021 it was announced that Prodigal Son had been cancelled by Fox, and would not be renewed for a third season.
The previous year, Prodigal Son was renewed for a second season – but the coronavirus pandemic meant that the season was cut short, with just 20 episodes instead of the originally planned 22.
On the Save Prodigal Son website, there's references to the fact that the crime thriller was adversely impacted by the pandemic.
"In May 2021, the series was canceled after only two seasons, despite both seasons being impacted by the COVID pandemic," the website reads.
"We aim to reverse this decision. Join us in #SaveProdigalSon so that we can ensure a season three for one of the best crime thrillers on television!"
Will Prodigal Son be picked up?
Fox has officially cancelled Prodigal Son, and the season two finale tied up plenty of loose threads.
However, the creators of Prodigal Son, Chris Fedak, and Sam Sklaver, have suggested that the show could be picked up by another network or streamer, in the same way Lucifer was saved by Netflix.
Deadline reported in mid-May that the two creators were already pitching season three ideas, and that there was plenty of interest. “WBTV is shopping it as we speak,” they told the site.
Fan interest in the show's return could also be a deciding factor, although it doesn't always lead to success – Anne with an E was cancelled, and despite fan efforts the period drama has yet to be picked up.
What is the Save Prodigal Son campaign?
The #SaveProdigalSon campaign aims to persuade either Fox or another network or streamer to renew the series for a third season.
The Change.org petition is addressed to Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, suggesting that the creator hopes that one of the three streamers will pick up Prodigal Son.
"I implore [Fox] chairman Rupert Murdoch and Executive chairman Lachlan Murdoch, Michael Thorn to give “Prodigal Son” more seasons and give viewers more reasons to stick around or let HBO Max, Netflix, or Hulu pick it up to continue the story," the creator writes.
On the Save Prodigal Son website, the official "mission" is "to bring the Prodigal Son fan community together to save the television show and find it a new home on another network or streaming service through signing petitions, twitter campaigns, sending online queries, letters to Warner Brothers and more! We are dedicated to fighting for this unique show."
Prodigal Son airs in the UK on Sky and NOW. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide.
He added: “There are surprises and twists and turns at every juncture.”
The new series will feature even dark and more twisted cases with a vein of jet black humour running through it once more.
Along with Sheen and Payne, the main cast will return including Bellamy Young as Jessica Whitley, Lou Diamond Phillips as Gil Arroyo, Halston Sage as Ainsley Whitly, Aurora Perrineau as Dani Powell, Frank Harts as JT Tarmel and Keiko Agena as Dr Edrisa Guilfoyle.
Season two will see the introduction of Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has been confirmed as a new lead Dr Capshaw. She will be the new resident doctor at Claremont Psychiatrics and have an intriguing dynamic with Martin.
Prodigal Son season 2 airs on Fox in America on Tuesdays at 9/8c
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1. It’s All In The Execution
January 11, 2021
43min
NR
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January 18, 2021
43min
NR
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January 25, 2021
44min
NR
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4. Take Your Father To Work Day
February 1, 2021
44min
NR
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February 8, 2021
44min
NR
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February 15, 2021
44min
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March 1, 2021
44min
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April 12, 2021
44min
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April 19, 2021
44min
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April 26, 2021
44min
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May 3, 2021
44min
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May 10, 2021
44min
NR
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May 17, 2021
44min
NR
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Malcolm Bright is a criminal profiler who gets inside the minds of killers because his father, Dr. Martin Whitly, was a notorious serial killer. Now he’s using his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve murders. Season 2 picks up with Bright “taking care” of his sister after her shocking actions and protecting his mother from a secret that could tear the family apart.
Tom Payne
Lou Diamond Phillips
Halston Sage
227 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
Top reviews from the United States
Joey W. HillReviewed in the United States on January 14, 2021
Ruining a show I love...
38 people found this helpfulV. S.Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2021
Trumpers Triggered
34 people found this helpfulJan DexReviewed in the United States on March 19, 2021
Best show on TV!
Verified purchaseOne person found this helpfulCindy S.Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2021
Wait til S2 is included. It's only 13 episodes you are paying for instead of 20.
Verified purchaseSharon ThrasherReviewed in the United States on June 28, 2021
Best Show Ever!!
Verified purchaseSusan H.Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2021
Episode 1 . Hope it isn’t indicative of the season.
20 people found this helpfulDonna TorchwoodReviewed in the United States on January 13, 2021
It's All In The Execution"
Season Two of Prodigal Son literally goes out on a ledge in moving the fantastic story of Malcolm Bright, his family and the extended family he has with his colleagues in Major Crimes. The writers and producers are so good at giving us promos that often tease, misdirect, and confound Prodigies.Tonight's episode, especially the last ten minutes cements what FOX and the Producers have said: they will not duck and cover, but will present as much "real life" into the series as necessary, the last five minutes is not trivial and it does not denigrate the series which is exactly 50% white and 50% people of color who by the way are all activists.
So many great moments: Capable Malcolm, JT with his asides, Jessica and her pills, Sunshine! Edrisa and her corpses (and enthusiasm) Martin. Let's just say, Martin's back and as dangerous as ever! Can't wait for next week's episode and the latest new character to be introduced: Friar Pete. Let the mystery and the wild wide continue!
11 people found this helpfulKindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on January 14, 2021
Disappointed
14 people found this helpfulSee all reviews