The Returned is a TV show that was cancelled by A&E after one season in 2015. The show was based on a French series of the same name and followed the lives of people who mysteriously came back from the dead. The show had a loyal fan base, but it failed to attract enough viewers and ratings to justify a second season. In this article, we will explore what the show was about, why it was cancelled, and how the fans reacted to the news.
What is “The Returned” TV Show?
The Returned is a supernatural drama that premiered on A&E on March 9, 2015. The show was an adaptation of the French series Les Revenants, which itself was based on a 2004 film of the same name. The show was set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, where several people who died years ago suddenly reappeared, alive and unchanged. The show explored how the returnees and their families and friends coped with this phenomenon, as well as the mysteries and secrets surrounding their resurrection.
The show had a talented cast, including Mark Pellegrino, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jeremy Sisto, India Ennenga, Sandrine Holt, and Michelle Forbes. The show also featured a haunting soundtrack by the Scottish band Mogwai. The show was praised by critics for its atmospheric and emotional storytelling, as well as its faithful adaptation of the original French series.
Why Was “The Returned” Cancelled?
Despite the positive reviews and the loyal fan base, The Returned was cancelled by A&E after one season of 10 episodes. The show suffered from low ratings and viewership, which declined steadily throughout its run. The show averaged only 1.1 million viewers and a 0.4 rating among adults 18-49, according to Nielsen data. The show also faced stiff competition from other shows in the same genre, such as The Walking Dead, Resurrection, and iZombie.
Another reason for the cancellation was the comparison to the original French series, which was widely regarded as superior and more original. The French series had two seasons, which aired in 2012 and 2015, and won several awards, including an International Emmy for Best Drama Series. The French series also had a different ending than the American version, which left some fans unsatisfied and confused.
Fan Reactions to “The Returned” Cancellation
The cancellation of The Returned was met with disappointment and anger by the fans, who had invested in the characters and the story. Many fans took to social media to express their frustration and sadness, as well as to demand a renewal or a proper conclusion. Some fans also started online petitions to save the show, such as this one, which gathered over 15,000 signatures. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, as A&E did not change its decision.
Some fans also hoped that the show would be picked up by another network or a streaming service, such as Netflix or Hulu. However, this also did not happen, as the show’s rights were owned by A&E and the production company FremantleMedia North America. The show’s creators and cast also moved on to other projects, making a revival unlikely.
Conclusion
The Returned was a TV show that had a lot of potential, but it was cancelled by A&E after one season due to low ratings and viewership. The show was based on a French series of the same name, which was more successful and acclaimed. The show’s cancellation left many fans disappointed and angry, as they wanted to see more of the story and the characters. The show’s cancellation also left many questions unanswered, such as what caused the resurrection, what was the role of the mysterious cult, and what was the fate of the returnees and the town. The show’s cancellation was a loss for the fans and the genre of supernatural drama.
