Apple TV's Neuromancer: A Risky Bet After Prime Video's The Peripheral Cancellation

6 days ago 11

Jack Reynor in Prime Video’s The Peripheral

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As exciting as Apple TV's upcoming cyberpunk show may seem, it is hard not to be concerned about its future after Prime Video's most frustrating sci-fi cancellation.

Even though Apple TV seemingly dominated the sci-fi genre on the small screen with shows like Severance, Foundation, and Pluribus in 2025, it is all set to grow its reign in 2026 with many highlight anticipated shows. One of these shows is an adaptation of William Gibson's seminal cyberpunk book, Neuromancer.

Considering Apple TV's history with sci-fi, Neuromancer seems to be in good hands. However, its future is already a little worrying after one Prime Video show's premature end.

Apple TV’s Neuromancer Seems Risky After The Peripheral’s Prime Video Cancellation

Chloe Grace Moretz in Prime Video's The Peripheral.

Even though William Gibson is widely considered one of the most influential sci-fi writers of all time, his books did not receive major TV adaptations for a long time. Prime Video's The Peripheral, which premiered in 2022, was the first major TV adaptation of the author's works. The streamer also did a great job of bringing Gibson's complex prose and high-concept sci-fi ideas to the small screen.

Unfortunately, despite earning a positive reception from viewers and critics, The Peripheral never returned with another installment.

The show left audiences with many questions towards season 1's ending and promised to return with an even better installment. Prime Video even confirmed its season 2 before suddenly canceling it due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike and the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.

Given how Prime Video had invested $175 million on The Peripheral's season 1, it was surprising that they were willing to let the show go so easily. The Peripheral's inability to continue beyond season 1 raises many a concern surrounding the upcoming Neuromancer adaptation.

Neuromancer, like The Peripheral, is also based on William Gibson's book. It is touted as the foundational work in the cyberpunk genre, and its adaptation is a major stepping stone for sci-fi TV.

However, like The Peripheral, it risks being judged less on its long-term narrative ambition and more on short-term metrics. William Gibson's Sprawl trilogy, which includes Neuromancer, Count Zero, and Mona Lisa Overdrive, includes enough content for three seasons. But if Neuromancer struggles to last longer than one season, it will hardly be able to adapt just one book from the trilogy.

Neuromancer Still Has A Major Advantage Over The Peripheral

Neuromancer's biggest strength is the fact that it will premiere on Apple TV. Apple TV, too, has canceled a fair share of promising shows, like Sunny and Constellation. However, compared to almost all other streaming services, Apple TV has an impressive history with sci-fi TV adaptations. Some of the best shows on the service, like Silo, Murderbot, and Foundation, are based on acclaimed sci-fi novels.

Owing to this, it is hard not to believe that Apple TV will manage to succeed with its Neuromancer adaptation as well.

Neuromancer does not have a confirmed release window, but it is expected to come out in 2026.

Apple TV is also known for showing immense patience with a lot of its shows. This suggests that even if Neuromancer struggles to find an immediate mainstream audience, it could still be given the time and creative freedom it needs to fully realize its full potential. Hopefully, Neuromancer will meet the same fate as Prime Video's The Peripheral.