SYFY's 'Vagrant Queen' canceled after pilot season, irked fans say 'Representation matters, bring show back'
The writing was on the wall when SYFY's 'Vagrant Queen' was moved from its original Thursday slot to Friday right after the third episode aired. The sci-fi western had a decent start but saw ratings plummet right after and now SYFY has canceled the series after the completion of the pilot season. According to TV series finale, the show was averaging a 0.05 in the 18-49 demo and just 224,000 viewers in the live+same day ratings which is pretty low.
However, the show, known for its diversity, representation, quirky humor and breezy action had fans petitioning to have a second season. With BLM still a strong topic doing the rounds, SYFY has earned the wrath of fans for canceling 'Vagrant Queen'. Twitter had a barrage of reactions that had requests and strong opinions about the show needing a revival.
"@Syfy how can you justify giving only one season to #VagrantQueen and claiming to lift up queer black voices, during this time especially! You're dropping the ball if you let this happen. If fans truly matter to you then #SaveVagrantQueen #isitafanthing #RenewVagrantQueen," a fan wrote. This was seconded multiple times. "I really hope @netflix, @hulu, @AppleTV or @PrimeVideo pick up this #LGBTQ #black led the show, & give #VagrantQueen the 2nd season it deserves. After all, It takes a lot for a show this diverse & special to get made, let alone get renewed. Please, #SaveVagrantQueen," read a tweet.
"@PrimeVideo don't let me down. You are known for picking up a show to keep it going. This show has representation for everyone. #RepresentationMatters #RetweetinLikeAVagrant #SaveVagrantQueen #VagrantQueen," wrote one of the fans. "I feel like it's unreasonable to be this upset about a TV show, but #VagrantQueen was my happy place while working during quarantine and Elida is the badass queer woc rep I never knew I always needed. It feels like the most amazing gift was just stolen from me. #SaveVagrantQueen," a fan opined.
The series focuses on Elida (Adriyan Rae), an outcast who was born into a royal family and stripped of her birthright by a revolution, as she goes up against the villainous Commander Lazaro (Paul du Toit). 'Vagrant Queen' was co-created by Eisner and GLAAD Media Award-nominated writer Magdalene Visaggio and artist Jason Smith and published by Vault Comics. The series was developed into a one-hour drama with 10 episodes by Jem Garrard, the series' showrunner, working alongside an all-woman writers' room.
"#VagrantQueen was not given the chance it deserved and I'm too angry to write a coherent email write now but I will be writing one because this show is one of the best on TV right now and I will NOT let it go down like this. #SaveVagrantQueen #WowSyfy" a fan remarked. "I can't believe @SYFYcancelled #Vagrantqueen this network is always so damn disappointing," a fan expressed disappointment. For all the requests, only time will tell whether 'Vagrant Queen' lives to see another day.