Star Wars: The Acolyte lost viewership with each episode since its release on June 4, 2024. As someone who watched the show, I can say it wasn’t too bad, but it left much to be desired. From the show’s quick pacing to the mystery aspect of the story left audiences in vexing suspense rather than intrigue. By the show’s end, the answers we got concerning twin force sisters Osha and Mae left more questions than a satisfied conclusion. The show had the potential to add itself to the Star Wars lore. But with its cancellation announced, there won’t be that opportunity.
What Could’ve Been
With the show’s cancellation, the few people (like myself) who stuck by it, wished there could’ve been more expansion on the story. A deeper insight into the peak of the Jedi Order, what made them different from Anakin Skywalker’s time. Watching linear character exploration would’ve allowed viewers to come to care for the main characters in their journey. How did Osha come to want more from the galaxy than being part of her witch clan? How did their mother slowly twist Mae to fall into her anger to use her powers? Most of these questions were only shown in one episode or said in passing but not explored. The last image we’ll be left wondering is what Master Yoda would’ve done. How would he have played into season two’s plot with the dangers of the newest dark side user, Osha?
Cancellation
Disney didn’t seem keen on continuing the story with their viewing audience plummeting, deciding to cancel the show. According to an article by Deadline:
“The news is not entirely surprising. The Acolyte did OK with critics, with 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, but divided Star Wars fans, which was reflected in its overall viewership.”
Not good, but not great either. Season 2 could’ve been the show’s chance to pick up the mystery and suspense season 1 intended to be. Breakdown channels like Screencrush would’ve loved to see more of the lore introduced. The concept of the force dyad between the twins introduced with Rei and Ben in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker would’ve helped the audience understand the uniqueness of this part of the force.
Even the merchandise for The Acolyte has been taken off the Disney Store online. It seems like Lucasfilm and the Disney company are swiping clean of the show’s failure to attract audiences to their next project, setting their hopes on the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu‘s theatrical release on May 22, 2026. The movie could pick up its momentum after the questioning plot of its third season.
Canceled Disney Plus Shows
The Acolyte is not the only show to be abruptly canceled by Disney. Many before it have had their shows cut off by Disney. I bet many of you weren’t aware of these canceled shows besides The Acolyte.
Willow (2022)
The show is a direct sequel to the 1988 movie of the same name. Set in a fantasy land, new characters and old are the heroes as they embark on an adventure that tests their courage and inner worries. The show brought Warwick Davis back as Willow, bringing his wisdom as a great sorcerer. The show has a Rotten Tomato score of 84% but was canceled and taken off the Disney+ platform.
American Born Chinese
Based on the comic book of the same name, American Born Chinese stars Ben Wang as Jin Wang, a high school teenager juggling with his social life and home life. It’s by a sudden encounter with exchange student, Wei-Chen, that Jin Wang is pulled into a world of real-life Chinese myths such as the Monkey King. Grabbing stars such as Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Stephanie Hsu from Everything Everywhere All at Once, this show scored 94% on rotten tomatoes. But even then, the show couldn’t escape its cancellation.
Renegade Nell
A recent release on March 29, 2024, this British historical fantasy follows Nell Jackson, a woman who’s framed for murder and is looked for by the law. With the help of a magical friend called Billy Blind, Nell is granted the ability to use magic and invade capture. Scoring a very decent 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s also regrettable that this show won’t get a second season.
Other Cancelations
Here is a quick few of other shows that won’t be continuing.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society (taken off Disney+)
- Secrets of Sulphur Springs
- Big Shot (taken off Disney+)
- Diary of a Future President (taken off Disney+)
- Doogie Kamealoha, M.D
- National Treasure: Edge of History
- The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (taken off Disney+)
The Disney brand needs time to digest and think its shows through. With a limit of a few eight episodes for The Acolyte, it’s clear that an increase in those numbers is necessary. It’ll help further explore what they want to express in their storytelling. It worked for Andor, the best Star Wars show so far!
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