Since Disney has Disney Plus, a streaming service, it has a unique way to distribute content. Of course, with the streaming industry the way it is today, there are plenty of cancellations being announced. Now Disney is facing backlash for the cancelation of one particularly beloved Disney Plus series.
The series, having been produced by Sony Pictures Television’s Curio Pictures and Beach Road Pictures, was distributed via Disney Plus. The Australian series ran for one season with only eight episodes before Disney Plus made the decision to cancel it.
As such, it’s understandable that there would be backlash against Disney Plus. After all, it’s difficult to become invested in a series only to have it removed or canceled. Especially when fans are left with room for more storytelling and unanswered questions.
The Artful Dodger, is a sequel to the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. It features a cast that includes Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jack Dawkins aka the titular character, David Thewlis as Norbert Fagin, Maia Mitchell as Lady Belle Fox, and Damon Herriman as Captain Lucien Gaines.
A petition for Disney Plus to renew the series for a second season has surfaced on Change.org, and there are also numerous tweets from users on X that were upset by the news:
@hulu Just got done watching ” The Artful Dodger” loved that series. Hulu could do so many more episodes of this! But they always cancel the good shows.
— American Truth (@truth_american) January 7, 2024
WE NEED THE SECOND SEASON OF THE ARTFUL DODGER NOW, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!! @DisneyPlus @hulu
— TORI ✰ (@toritael) January 14, 2024
Please don’t make the artful dodger a miniseries. I need more seasons and more scenes with the main couple the chemistry is insane. @DisneyPlus @StarPlusBR @hulu#theartfuldodger#renewtheartfuldodger
— mike wazowski (@naocorresoanda) January 13, 2024
in very obvious news I just binged the artful dodger show and loved it I would like a season 2 plz @hulu @DisneyPlus
— rachel (@dazedbyrach) January 8, 2024
THE ARTFUL DODGER
SEASON 2 PLEASE!!! @DisneyPlus @hulu #theartfuldodger— kate (@kateshef85) January 3, 2024
THE ARTFUL DODGER
SEASON 2 PLEASE!!! @DisneyPlus @hulu #theartfuldodger— kate (@kateshef85) January 1, 2024
It’s certainly an interesting situation, especially because the series seems to be rather positively received by viewers. But it’s possible that viewership just wasn’t strong enough or that the show was too costly to produce. Of course, Disney could have potentially used a better marketing campaign to promote the series, but it looks like they won’t need to unless they somehow decide to renew it after all.
Ultimately, fans will likely have to accept there will only be one season of this fan-favorite Disney Plus series. Though stranger things have certainly happened in the streaming industry. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any potential updates as we have them.