'Krypton' canceled by Syfy after season 2, Lobo spin-off not happening either
Syfy has chosen not to renew the Superman origin series titled 'Krypton' after season 2 and the network announced the same two days after the show's finale, which aired August 14 on NBC Universal cable network. After the parent series was canceled, a spin-off based on the character Lobo also stood canceled as the network will not be proceeding further with the project, which was in its pre-production stages.
According to a report in Deadline, the producer of the show, Warner Horizon Scripted Television, is currently in talks with other networks in order to continue to produce the series based on the DC characters. However, there is no official word out on the same.
It is said possible options include DC's streaming site and the HBO Max streaming platform - sibling companies which currently concentrate on DC inspired content. 'Krypton' season 1 was considered a breakout series for Syfy after scoring the network’s most-watched debut season tag in terms of total viewers for an original show. The title was previously held by 'Ascension' since 2014.
It was also the most-watched season for any scripted series on Syfy and overthrew 'Defiance' which held the title since 2015. Contrary to this, however, the ratings of the show's second season took a big hit, reportedly by about 50% collectively for live and same-day streaming.
Syfy also canceled 'Expanse' another show produced by an outside company that collects high license fees. With regards to shows produced by outside studios, the network solely depends on real-time television viewing, aka linear rating, to monetize and this is difficult for shows such as 'Krypton' which is largely watched by viewers on streaming platforms.
This is problematic for Syfy because it only has streaming rights for the five most recent episodes of the show. 'Expanse' has found a home at Amazon where it received a renewal recently, but we will have to wait and see if 'Krypton' and the Lobo show have any luck finding a new network.
'Krypton' starring Cameron Cuffe as Seg-El, Superman's grandfather is set before the destruction of Superman's home planet. The show also features Georgina Campbell, Shaun Sipos, Colin Salmon, Ann Ogbomo, Aaron Pierre, Rasmus Hardiker, Wallis Day, Blake Ritson and Ian McElhinney.