Why did Forever get canceled after one season at Amazon?

Amazon decided to cancel Forever after just one season over the weekend. Why was this one of the Amazon Originals to be canceled?

Amazon made the decision to cancel Forever during its TCAs on July 27. It is a blow for the fans of the series, but it’s worth taking a look at why this show didn’t seem to find its fanbase. Why was Forever one of the Amazon Originals canceled?

When Deadline reported the news, there wasn’t a reason given. However, that reason would have likely been the viewer base. Either not enough people tuned in from the start or not enough people continued to watch until the end. These are the two main reasons for shows being canceled.

More from Amazon Originals

• Will Your Christmas or Mine 2 come to DVD and Blu-ray?
• The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 release updates, cast, and everything we know
• Them Season 2 release updates, cast, and everything we know
• The Boys Season 4 release updates, cast, and everything we know
• What time is Dating Santa coming to Prime Video?

If not enough people are watching to the end, there’s a few that the second season will lose even more viewers. After all, there’s an expected dip between seasons for any TV shows. Only the likes of Game of Thrones buck the trend.

But why weren’t people watching? Why didn’t enough people stay tuned in? When you look at the mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, it’s probably due to the promotion of the show. Everything that Amazon released about the series happened in the first episode. There was this expectation of this couple who had done the same thing over and over again but finally decided to mix things up with a skiing vacation.

This vacation was the turning point. And while it certainly was a major turning point for the characters, it wasn’t quite the comedy many likely expected. After all, did anyone really expect one of the main characters to die at the end of the very first episode? Personally, I expected a few comedic antics as the two navigated a life that wasn’t their norm for the last 12 years.

We had various characters introduced along the way, allowing our characters to learn more about themselves and life after death. And there was one whole episode focused on two characters we hadn’t met at all up to this point, giving us a story of their lost love to give us an idea of how much time has passed for our main characters.

It took me two viewings to really understand the meanings behind the episodes. Not everyone is going to give a show this chance, not in today’s world where there are so many other TV shows. We’re surrounded by new and fresh content so something has to stick right away. Just look at The Boys and Carnival Row to see how new shows can immediately gain hype, attention, and renewals.

Forever wasn’t a bad show. The marketing was clearly a way to keep the surprise element but it doesn’t work for today’s audiences, unfortunately. This is something for the creators and Amazon to consider moving forward.

Why do you think Forever was canceled? What did you think of the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Forever’s first season is fully available on Amazon Prime Video.