‘The Wheel of Time’ Fans React to Show’s Cancellation
Amazon has decided to pull the plug on one of its most ambitious fantasy adaptation series after three seasons. The Wheel of Time will not return for Season 4, and fans are sharing their reactions to the news online.
The streaming series adapted Robert Jordan’s book series of the same name and told the story of Rand al-Thor (portrayed by Josha Stradowski in the show), whom prophecy foretold was the reincarnation of the Dragon — called the Dragon Reborn — who had to face the Dark One and decide whether to save the world or destroy it altogether. The adaptation featured Rosamund Pike in the lead as Moiraine Damodred, who belonged to a group of women with the ability to channel the One Power and sought out the Dragon Reborn.
The series was developed by Rafe Judkins, who also served as showrunner, and its cast also featured Daniel Henney as Moiraine’s companion al’Lan Mandragoran, Zoe Robins as healer Nynaeve al’Maera, Madeleine Madden as Egwene al’Vere, Marcus Rutherford as Perrin Aybara, Kate Fleetwood as Liandrin Guirale, Priyanka Bose as Alanna Mosvani, Hammed Animashaun as Loial, Sophie Okenedo as Aes Sedai leader Siuan Sanche, Kae Alexander as Min Farshaw, Fares Fares as Ishmael, and more.
“The way I love the cast so much that I can’t even bring myself to be snarky about Rafe. The cast and crew deserved better and Wheel of Time deserved better,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote in response to the news. “I’m actually really sad because I don’t think television will have the guts to pull off what The Wheel of Time did with Moiraine and Siuan again (lesbian impossibility and desire in every episode),” another wrote. “So tired of fantasy/sci fi shows being cancelled. Season 3 of wheel of time was brilliant and beautiful. This isn’t fair,” added a third.
Some fans of the books expressed that they weren’t surprised by the series’ fate, given the creative direction it took in adapting the stories. “The Wheel of Time should have been Prime Video’s Game of Thrones, but the entire direction of the show was creatively mishandled. Especially tragic because the show actually started to get good in Season 3 after finding its footing,” one person wrote. “Hoping Wheel of Time is able to find a new life in animated form somewhere down the line, but the entire tone and direction of the show needs to be closer to the books instead of this angsty teen CW vibe the show started with,” added another.
One fan speculated online that the series might be shuttering so that Prime Video can invest more in its similarly sprawling epic Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: “I think Prime Video wants to put all its resources on ROP, at least for now…” they wrote.
The series premiered in 2021 with its first eight episodes and was renewed for Season 2 ahead of its premiere. Season 2 then arrived in September 2023, with a renewal for Season 3 coming well ahead of the sophomore debut. Season 3 arrived in March of this year, with no Season 4 renewal preceding the premiere.
According to Deadline, which first reported the news of the series’ cancellation, this was a result of its hefty production price tag and waning viewership numbers.
The Wheel of Time books consisted of 14 books, the final three of which were completed after Jordan’s death by Brandon Sanderson.
How do you feel about The Wheel of Time‘s cancellation? Let us know in the comments section below.
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I've been waiting 20 years for this adaptation, and now they've cancelled an amazing show and cast full of people who love this series with all their being and got really invested in the characters they portrayed so they can pour more money into the unintelligible exploits of Fake-Galadriel. Wheel of Time is the fantasy we need right now, and they just gave up on it. I'm really really angry about this.
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cancelling my prime membership now.
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I was looking for a reason to cancel mine too. This makes it easy.
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C
I am so very devastated about the cancellation. Each season was better than the last. The casting was superb, and as a book reader, I could appreciate the changes. The fact that The Rings of Power has been renewed is a huge slap in the face as it is far inferior as an adaptation. I say that as a Lord of the Rings enthusiast. Shame on Prime!!!!!
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Devastated. The show brought the books to life in the characters and locations even if it didn't follow the book storylines at all times. This is tragic.
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I'm done with streaming services. They never give you closure, always cancelling shows. Going to cancel them, starting now!
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This is very sad news - I'm not sure I'll watch any series till I know it has been filmed to completion in future - and I'm pretty certain that wont be on Amazon Prime. And I heard they have approved another season of Rings of Power, which is a complete pile of shit.
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There's literally no way to do that
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Wheel of time is a solid fantasy show. I am very disheartened by prime for not doing another season. Taking on a project of the magnitude of Wheel of Time took courage. It is a pity they lack the dedication to see the project through. How very disappointing. I think i will not watch the next Lord of the rings in protest.
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I never read the book's but my husband had so we decided to watch it. I didn't really think season 1 was any good but by the end of S. 2 it was getting somewhere. Now it's been cancelled I really think prime has done a huge disservice to everyone involved, actor's and fan's alike. Shame on them.
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My wife and I opened up Prime and saw an ad and I said, " wow that looks pretty cool let's check it out" so we began our adventure last month and completely fell in love with this show and as everyone has said the seasons just kept getting better kept us hooked and waiting for the next episode. We just recently finished season 3 and were so looking forward to season 4. Heart broken and sadden can't even begin to describe the feelings of a great show being canceled. I hope they realize this is an amazing showing and can pick it up later.
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Well I've been crying for a day, had a headache the next and then I joined the campaign to #SaveWot. That's how I feel. I've watched the cast and crew beat impossible odds to get the story to its season 3 and instead of being discouraged by their obstacles, they only improved in every way. From acting to music, costumes, locations, plot, everything just keeps getting better. Season 3 was a setup for the best TV you'll see. A beginning.
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I really looked forward to watching my favorite characters from my favorite book series develop all the way to the end. I didn't always love the changes, but I loved the show, the actors, the growth, and am so disappointed. Agreeing with other comments that I may not start to watch a show until it's done, not to be excited and then left hanging like this.
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Devastated. An utter betrayal of the fans, of the extraordinary creative production team who produced marvels, of quality extraordinary storytelling. There is so much formulaic drivel out there - investing in The Wheel of Time was investing in iconic excellence. Cancelling the series shows Amazon up as just a run of the mill, shortsighted company. The cast, crew and writers deserved supporting. That cannot be said for Amazon Prime.
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I read all the books and so was delighted to be able to "see" the visions of Robert Jordan come to life! I was disappointed that the series didn't follow the books more closely but realized that would have taken more than my lifetime and an astronomical budget. Sorely disappointed that we couldn't have at least one more year to bring the show to some sort of conclusion. The actors did a terrific job! I don't think Prime will miss my money even if I stop in order to protest.
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Incredibly disappointed in Amazon. Season 3 was everything. Viewers were coming back to it bc of S3. I don’t think most would have cared if they cut Rings of Power. Instead they let go of a series approaching peak. Hopeful that Sony will take it to another platform.. here’s looking at you, Apple.
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Thank you for writing about this!! I'm DEVASTATED that it has been canceled. 🙁 I need The Wheel of Time to finish the story so badly.
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Devastated. I love the books and the show. Please #savewot we deserve to see the story completed.
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The Wheel of Time did not deserve that!! #SaveWOT over 115k signatures and counting. We'll keep the wheel turning!!
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Angry and sad.. this has been my favorite book series for decades and to see the story told in such a fun amazing way with such an amazing cast has been my favorite TV series in a long time as well .. but this news is like a gut punch
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It's so sad they cancelled the show at their peak. Really hope a different streaming service pick up the series and finish the story
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I was devastated when I found out they canceled the show. They were doing a great job adapting the books. Season 3 was the season yet and they just canceled it. Shame on Amazon. They did WoT fans dirty
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Wheel of Time is a fantastic adaptation and deserves to be finished in full! The writing, acting, costuming, make-up, set design, special effects, and every other department are all top notch. I hope another streamer picks up this show going forward.
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I’m furious, this is a great show!! I’m tired of getting into these shows and then just cancel them like this. That last episode ended with nothing really happening !! The show needs more lift for those of us that likes it!!! Reconsider for us for once and not just for money!!!
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I started reading the books after I discovered the series in prime. It was a bit rough in season 1 but got progressively better with season 3 being just excellent. I love sci fi and like other viewers I am sickened by abrupt cancellations of excellent series. Yes they have high production costs rather than putting out yet another crime, police, doctor 22 season saga. I am going to cancel my prime membership. Getting invested in their shows is clearly a waste of time. They are now the same boring as everyone else.
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How could I commit to another production from Amazon when you know they will cancel it and leave you hanging. Also, they can keep the "Rings of Power", the story drags.
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Wheel of Time (WOT) way better series than Rings of Power (ROP). I don't get why the decision was made to cancel. AMAZON should just admit they made a mistake wasting so much money on ROP that they CAN'T afford to renew another season of WOT.
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Shouldve never even tried it if they didn't have the budget.
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It is sad to see the series cancelled before it is completed. I read the original author's books awhile ago and was excited by the fact that this series was taking on the huge effort to do this series. Major sorry that it will not be completed properly at this time.
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#savewot petition. Hoping another platform will pick up this epic story and give it more time that it deserves to be able to tell a more complete tale. The #s So Good this year. Very disappointing
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I was really enjoying Wheel of Time. The cast included some amazing talent. And season 3 was very well done. It's a shame Amazon couldn't do a 4th season to tie up loose ends.
I hope ROP gets better. If not I may just drop Amazon. I've got too many streaming services anyway.
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Really upset about Prime not continuing the show. Season 3 was very good at pulling it all together. Very disappointed 😞
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Soo devastated. Absolutely loved this show. Honestly think we should boycott Prime to teach them a lesson.
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This is B.S. they did such a good job on the performances and bringing the characters to life? It’s obviously so good, why pull the plug? I never feel so devastated by this decision. I hope they find some way to bring it back. The story is not over yet.
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Amazon can kick rocks!!! This was an excellent show!
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"Most viewed prime show in many countries". Oh lets cancel it.
What?
I mean really if the special effects budget was too much, trim it down. Find ways to save money but dont cancel one of your best ip.
Its not the visuals or fancy shooting locations that fans love. its the cast, the incredible acting, and the passion they bring to the story.
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So very disappointing. The show is terrific and has much more book material available for adaptation. Such a disservice to loyal fans. I renewed Prime for this show. Now I will be cancelling.
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Absolutely tragic!!!!
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This totally sucks- they constantly do this -
Get Rid Of a series when they decide they can’t make $$$$$$$$$$
Make a commitment from the beginning and stick to it ( film it all immediately like LOTR) and then release it in 6 months increments not 2 years apart! 🤬😡🤬😡
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To me they went far away from the story. Perin, married and accidental killed his wife in the first episode? Sorry, that set his emotions way off from the book. Then the story line went even further from the books. Then Rand was supposed to meet the princess in her garden. Was just disappointed by the direction the show was taking away from the books. Mat, also was supposed to meet and Mary the princess from the invaders.
These are just a few reasons the show started loosing viewers.
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I think its Bs that they canceled it i will be canceling my prime subscription
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Devastated!!
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I've read a lot of fantasy and sci-fi, including The Wheel of Time books, and WoT is top tier imo. I'm one of the many speechless and crushed fans upset over its cancellation (did you all see how high season 3 was rated?!) Fighting the good fight with the SaveWot petition. I really hope someone will pick it up and finish the story. Oh, and market it, unlike Amazon. You can't dump millions of dollars into a project, create something unique and truly epic like WoT, and then tell absolutely no one about it. Whoever picks this up will have my subscription. Finish the story and #SaveWot
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Wild that an adaptation with 97% rotten tomatoes rating for it's latest season can get cancelled. Let alone one with such a massive IP and large international fanbase. Here's hoping it can still be resurrected like the Expanse and other shows have been. I don't really get the haters; I love the books too, but I can always read the books again. I've loved the creative choices the show has made.
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Who's starting a petition?
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https://savewot.com/ currently at 118 000 signatures!
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Sadly these shows never reveal the stats for basis of cancellation. Likely a costly show but I wouldthink the demographics trended young.
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Are they stupid? What’s wrong with prime!!!!
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nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
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https://savewot.com CONTRIBUTE & SAVE WOT! IT DESERVES TO BE TOLD IN FULL!
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Join the petition to renew Wheel of Time at https://savewot.com/ ! 100 000 signatures in the first week, currently at 118 thousand!
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All they really need to do is recast Moiraine with Lauren Sanchez and it'll run forever
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Season three was entirely filler. It felt like part one of a two part season for which they gave up and didn't bother making part two. They must have known that season 3 needed to take the show somewhere and instead they decided to make the whole thing a preamble to season 4. Even doing that they had to do the same old trope of splitting up the group each season so episodes could be packed to the gills with subplot fillers and even minor characters got love interests for the same purpose. The show was a disappointment.
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I think it is a crime to cancel the show. The audience loves it, I love it, and it seems that every time we find a show that we LOVE they PULL IT! If that isn't bad enough, they then put some worthless new series in its place thinking we are going to like it as much. NOT! Please stop taking our entertainment away!
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Why why did this show got cancelled. I love this wonderful piece of art and to not continue this show is a disgrace.
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Noooooo!!!!
We want more wheel of time!
The story is great, the characters are great, it's epic!
#savewot !!
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I feel badly for the cast and those who put a lot of effort into WOT - but the series was a mess of an adaptation. It didn't feel like the world Robert Jordan created and instead of streamlining the books into a tighter narrative Jerkins made foolish decisions in the writing department. The tone was off, the writing weird and the creative choices ludicrous. Had the show runners followed Brandon Sanderson's input it could have been something amazing, instead it is was it is and leaves you wanting a better version of WOT. It's impossible to forgive what this version did to certain characters like Perrin, Mat and Min.
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So glad this pile of "stuff" is done. Changed every character for the worst and made it darker then it need to be. Read the books then you'll understand.
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The show was a horrible abomination that deserved to be cancelled. The creative decisions made no sense and people who lauded the diversity of the cast and the inclusion of LGBT elements either ignored or didn’t know the books as written were diverse and carried a far more nuanced tale of gender roles than presented in the show. Not to mention claims that the books were too big and key elements needed to be cut, while each season was roughly 25 percent material made up by the writers that did nothing to advance the plot. Reading the comments supporting, I feel like they all possess a cookie cutter style that reeks of a paid campaign. The show deserved to be cancelled.
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Extremely happy that it got cancelled, if they had actually created another turning of the wheel with different characters vs. the complete bastardization of WOT, I would have been more open to it. I'm happy other great parents in the books will not be used as memberberries. There was so much great from the show, the cast etc. it is too bad the writing and adaptation feel far below the standard set by the books.
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What I think is irrelevant. Cause they canceled The Wheel of Time. We the viewers can tell them how we feel about it being canceled. We don't get a say in what they do. But, I really enjoyed watching the series. So I guess it's a waste of time to weigh in.
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I'm kind of glad - the supposed creative direction opened up so many holes in the basic structure the story lines would have strayed way too far from Jordan's path. Moiraine/Siuan, Matrim/Min, Perrin/Avienda, Lanfear in the waste with Couladin as opposed to Asmodean (no wagon train from Rhuidean). Matrim having his memory wiped from the Aelfinn (where's the ashandarei and it appears as if Thom is wearing the hat that Matrim is supposed to). Melindhra attempting to kill Lan rather than Matrim (and he is not in the Waste with Rand). Sammael killed by Moghedein. This series was no place to include social indoctrination.
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Garbage adaptation of a phenomenal book series. Creative license went too far, never felt like it was keeping to the spirit of the world Robert Jordan created. Some examples of terrific acting (Rosamund Pike as Moraine in particular,) but overall a poor effort. Should have closed it down after S1 IMHO.
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