Showrunner of 'Wheel of Time' Expresses Desire for the Series' Narrative to Carry On Beyond Current Platform

Fans Hold On to The Wheel of Time: An Untimely End for Robert Jordan's Epic Fantasy on Amazon

Fans of The Wheel of Time haven't surrendered hope after the abrupt cancellation of the adaptation on Amazon. Even the showrunner, Rafe Judkins, remains steadfast in his commitment to seeing the story through to the end.

Just before the show's final season aired, Judkins expressed his determination to finish the story, a vow he's reiterated on Instagram. He shares the pain of the fans, praises his team, and offers insights into the current state of the TV industry. Here's his complete statement:

"I've been asked the same questions a zillion times recently-why did The Wheel of Time get axed? I can't give you a clear, neat answer, I'm afraid. But I can say with certainty that the actors and crew behind our show are a talented, wonderful bunch who brought a beloved series to life on screen. And they weren't just watched by fans (critics appreciated the series too! A rare feat for a series, let me tell you!); they were viewed by millions worldwide, charting in Nielsen's top 10 for almost 20 weeks, hardly a feat many shows havemanaged in the last decade.

Since inception, my aim with this series was to tell the entire story. After all, the Wheel of Time books are like television's best friend – they improve the more you delve into them. With our cast and team on board, they too could see the show's potential had it been allowed to conclude this fantastic saga. We've all made sacrifices for this journey, but ending it short feels like a heavy blow for everyone involved.

The TV biz is witnessing a shift focus on fewer seasons and episodes nowadays, but that seems against the very essence of what television does best – long-form storytelling. Televised narratives provide viewers with a world to escape to weekly, an experience relished by fans over the years. I believe in the power of the stories we tell, the characters we bring to life, and the joy they bring, and so do others within the industry.

Rumors abound about the industry's current trend towards fewer episodes and quicker subscriber acquisition. But in my opinion, this goes against the fundamentals of what makes TV great. Instead, I believe we'll regain our footing, go back to showcasing amazing stories, and make viewers feel as though they've found a new home, week after week.

Before wrapping up, I've got a glimmer of hope for fans of The Wheel of Time. You see, one of the reasons we chose Amazon as our home was their willingness to pick up The Expanse after SyFy cancelled it. So, who knows – the Wheel of Time series might turn the definition of beginnings and ends on its head, just like the books have always done!

Until a new streamer comes along, we'll continue to hope that this book series and its fans can see the story through to its conclusion."

A revival of the series on another streaming platform isn't out of the question, but the odds appear slim. According to TVLine, there are no plans to shop the series around, and the financial concerns and ratings that led to the cancellation could present obstacles for potential buyers. Meanwhile, Brandon Sanderson, who completed Robert Jordan's final book, expressed his disappointment but acknowledged issues with the production process[1]. A petition with over 130,000 signatures has garnered attention but has yet to secure a response from other streaming services[2]. Chances are, The Wheel of Time might remain an untold tale – for now.

Stay tuned for updates on the future of your favorite series, including developments with Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek; changes in the DC Universe, and updates on the next chapter of Doctor Who.

[1] https://www.tvinsider.com/1246758/wheel-of-time-rafe-judkins-amazon-cooky-cringe/[2] https://www.indiewire.com/2023/03/wheel-of-time-petition-house-of-the-dragon-1234710553/[3] https://tvline.com/2023/03/28/wheel-of-time-cancellation-why-amazon-tower-of-tears-season-4/[4] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wheel-of-time-cancelled-after-season-3-amazon-1250560/[5] https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/mar/29/cancellation-of-the-wheel-of-time-tv-show-spark-outrage-among-fans

Rafe Judkins shared his frustration over the cancellation of The Wheel of Time on social media platforms like Instagram, expressing his dedication to see the story through to its end.
The series, although cancelled on Amazon, managed to attract millions of viewers worldwide, making it a top 10 in Nielsen's chart for almost 20 weeks.
Despite the cancellation, rumors persist about a possible revival of The Wheel of Time on another streaming platform, echoing the fate of The Expanse, which Amazon picked up after SyFy cancelled it.
The AI-driven entertainment industry is seeing a shift towards fewer seasons and quicker subscriber acquisition, but showrunners like Judkins advocate for the return of long-form storytelling, allowing viewers to engage with narratives over a span of weeks.
Fans of The Wheel of Time continue to hold on to the series, hoping for updates and possible developments with popular franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who, to also explore the expansive worlds of flawless storytelling, space, and movies-and-tv entertainment.

Showrunner of 'Wheel of Time' Expresses Desire for the Series' Narrative to Carry On Beyond Current Platform