As fans of the post-apocalyptic drama series Colony on USA Network, we were devastated to learn of its cancellation after three successful seasons. The show, which premiered at Comic-Con in 2015, quickly garnered attention for its gripping storyline and well-drawn analogies to the French Resistance during WWII. With its fresh take on a genre saturated with brainless “young adult” dystopian worlds, Colony initially enjoyed good ratings, becoming the #1 scripted cable series on Thursday nights. However, the show’s ratings declined in its third season, leading to its ultimate cancellation. But is there still hope for Colony to be revived by a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime?
The Rise and Fall of Colony
Season 1: Colony introduced us to the Bowman family, living in an occupied Los Angeles colony. Will Bowman, a former FBI Agent and Army Ranger, is coerced into working for Homeland Security to protect his family. Meanwhile, his wife Katie secretly works for the Resistance. The season ended with the resistance capturing a high-valued hostage and the LA block being placed on lockdown.
Season 2: Power dynamics within the LA colony shifted as different factions vied for control. The Bowmans, determined to escape, discovered that the entire colony was scheduled to be sent to the factory on the moon. They managed to escape into the wilderness, setting the stage for the next chapter of their struggle.
Season 3: The Bowmans found refuge in a cabin in the mountains, living a simple existence. When an alien ship under attack flies past their cabin, they are thrust back into the fight. They attempt to re-establish contact with the resistance and seek out the Seattle colony. The season ends with the looming threat of civil war.
Why Did Colony End?
The cancellation of Colony left fans with many questions. Showrunner and executive producer Ryan Condal provided little concrete information about the reasons behind the cancellation, but mentioned that they were “complicated” and “mostly dumb.” The show’s falling ratings, however, speak for themselves. Colony started strong as the most-watched scripted cable series on Thursday nights, but things changed when the show lost a crucial California tax credit and had to relocate to Vancouver. This move not only affected the show’s budget but also required a change in the storyline to accommodate the new setting. These factors contributed to a decline in ratings, making Colony one of USA Network’s lowest-rated shows.
The Possibility of a Revival
While USA Network has shown no interest in reviving Colony, there is still a glimmer of hope that a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime might pick up the show and continue producing new episodes. Streaming services are always hungry for content, and acquiring an existing show with a dedicated fan base is a decision that has been made before. However, there are several factors to consider when assessing the likelihood of a revival.
Expensive Production: Shows like Colony can be costly to produce due to their reliance on special effects and location shooting. These expenses add up, making it a risky investment for streaming networks.
Small Fan Base: Despite its critical success, Colony’s fan base remained relatively small. While loyal and dedicated, the fan support may not be enough to convince streaming networks to take a chance on a show that has already struggled in terms of ratings.
Petitions and Fan Efforts: The Colony fan community has launched multiple petitions and campaigns in an attempt to bring the show back. These efforts have garnered thousands of signatures, demonstrating the passion and dedication of the fan base. However, to convince streaming network executives to invest in a failed show, a more significant display of public support may be necessary.
The Legacy of Colony
As of November 2020, there have been no discussions or announcements from any networks regarding the revival of Colony for additional seasons. The show’s abrupt ending left fans disappointed, particularly considering that the producers had a five-season plan in mind. Despite the lack of current developments, the future remains uncertain. Fans, known as “Colonists,” continue to hope for a revival, but for now, there are no signs of resuscitation on the horizon.
Conclusion
While the cancellation of Colony was undoubtedly disheartening for fans, there are still plenty of other shows and streaming options to explore. As technology continues to advance, the world of entertainment is constantly evolving. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime offer a wide range of original content, including many other thrilling and thought-provoking series. So, even if Colony doesn’t make a comeback, there’s bound to be something great to enjoy. Stay tuned for further updates, and let’s hope that the story of the Bowmans and their struggle against the alien occupation is not over just yet.
