Prime Video’s Underrated Sci-Fi Thriller That Got Cancelled Too Soon Is a Global Streaming Sensation

6 days ago 14

There aren't many sci-fi shows on Prime Video that leave a lasting impression, especially in an era when Apple has basically taken over that space. Nevertheless, among the streamer's few sci-fi titles that fans still can't get over is The Peripheral, the underrated series created by Scott B. Smith and produced by Amazon. It debuted on Prime Video on October 21, 2022, and was renewed for a second season in February 2023. Now, over three years later, the sci-fi favorite is trending on streaming charts in nearly a dozen countries worldwide.

The Peripheral has resurfaced on Prime Video's streaming charts, ranking among the most popular TV shows in international territories, including Europe and Africa. After eight ambitious episodes, the thriller ended Season 1 on December 2, 2022, with a major cliffhanger, and just a few days later, Season 2 was announced. However, the new season never came to life; in August 2023, it was cancelled due to the extended duration of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and 2023 Writers Guild of America strikes.

Before The Peripheral's untimely cancellation, executive producer Lisa Joy, the co-creator of Westworld, expressed anticipation for a second season and even a third, saying, "I would love to have season 2 and season 3 and all the seasons in the world to explore this amazing, amazing novel." Other executive producers attached to The Peripheral include fellow Westworld co-creator Jonathan Nolan, alongside Athena Wickham, Steve Hoban, and Vincenzo Natali. It is loosely based on the 2014 sci-fi mystery-thriller book written by William Gibson.

'The Peripheral' Got Cancelled Way Too Soon

Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, The Peripheral is set in the years 2032 and 2099, with new technology that has subtly altered society. In it, a gamer, Flynne Fisher (Moretz), discovers a secret connection to an alternate reality and a dark future of her own. Gary Carr, Jack Reynor, JJ Feild, T'Nia Miller, Louis Herthum, and Katie Leung also starred. Critics have praised The Peripheral's compelling storyline, and the series holds a Certified Fresh 79% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 57 reviews, with a laudable audience score of 85%.