TV Shows That Inspired Fan Campaigns Over the Years: From ‘Outer Banks’ to ‘My Lady Jane’
The passion for TV shows such as Outer Banks, My Lady Jane, NCIS: Hawai’i and more has resulted in committed fan-led efforts following disappointing cancellations and shocking character deaths.
My Lady Jane is a prime example. Based on several historical novels, My Lady Jane was a radical reimagining of Lady Jane Grey's (Emily Bader) very brief time as monarch after King Henry VIII’s son Edward (Jordan Peters) died of tuberculosis. In this version, Jane and her husband, Guildford (Edward Bluemel), aren't beheaded and Edward isn't killed off.
The chemistry between Jane and Guildford was the highlight of 2024 — but apparently not for Prime Video who axed only seven weeks after it premiered in June 2024. It didn’t take long for fans to jump in to advocate for the show’s return either on the streaming service or elsewhere.
“The cast and crew have very clearly poured their whole hearts and souls into this project, creating a series that resonates deeply with its audience. Being the only show both by and for women on Prime Video, My Lady Jane is precisely what female viewers want and need. To cut this story short now feels not only premature but also heartbreakingly unjust,” read the mission statement on the campaign website. “Well, as devoted fans to the show, we simply cannot and will not stand for this! So, the fight starts here!”
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While Outer Banks certainly doesn’t seem to struggle with ratings, fans came together to address JJ’s (Rudy Pankow) shocking death in season 4. Since it happened right after the show introduced an ancient crown that could supposedly bring people back to life, viewers used that as inspiration for their own fan-led project.
Keep scrolling for more fan-led TV show campaigns — both successful and the ones currently in the works:
'Outer Banks'
JJ’s death hit fans hard and that rage turned into billboards, a petition and more ongoing efforts to have Pankow reprise the role despite the fan-favorite character’s death.
'My Lady Jane'
The most shocking TV cancellation of 2024 definitely goes to My Lady Jane. After not giving the show more than a few weeks to find an audience, Prime Video chose not to renew the show for a second season. My Lady Jane, however, did have a fanbase that came out in droves to advocate for its return.
‘The Acolyte’
Before the Star Wars series was even cancelled, fans were brainstorming campaigns out of concern. The Acolyte was ultimately not renewed for a second season by Disney despite decent viewership — and acclaim from critics.
‘Vampire Academy’
An adaptation from Julie Plec about a show with vampires and fictional ships with exceptional chemistry should have been an easy renewal. Instead, Peacock gave up one season — to the outrage of the audience. This resulted in several endeavors from the fans in an effort to bring the supernatural series back.
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'iCarly'
Just as fans were getting everything they wanted, Paramount+ took the iCarly revival away from them. Not only that, the last episode ended on a major cliffhanger that served as the motivation for an ongoing campaign. The cast and crew have joined in because of their love for iCarly.
‘NCIS: Hawai’i’
After CBS abruptly axed NCIS: Hawai’i, fans created a petition to get the network to change their minds. The network stood by their decision after pulling the plug on Blue Bloods too, which was another hit series at CBS.
‘Manifest’
NBC was Manifest's original home before it pulled the plug on the show in 2021. Fans and show creators campaigned hard for the show’s return — and Netflix responded by reviving Manifest for a fourth and final season that topped the streaming platform’s Top 10 list of content.
‘Lucifer’
Following three seasons on Fox, Lucifer briefly came to an end. A Twitter campaign motivated Netflix to save the show for three more seasons, which consistently earned high viewership for the streaming service.
‘One Day at a Time’
The sitcom, which was based on the 1975 series of the same name, lasted three seasons on Netflix before being canceled. Viewers advocated for more episodes and that led to Pop TV reviving One Day at a Time for season 4.
'Veronica Mars'
Veronica Mars was canceled by the CW after its second season — but not for long. Fans raised $7,000 to have a plane fly over the studio with a banner and that resulted in one more season. Later a Kickstarter campaign raised $2 million, which funded the Veronica Mars feature film and that paved the way for Hulu's short-lived revival season.
‘Timeless’
Online support caused NBC to walk back their cancellation of Timeless three days after announcing their initial decision. The series ultimately ended again one season later.
'Friday Night Lights'
Another NBC show that nearly didn't run as long as it should have was Friday Night Lights. The ratings for season 2 (after the writer’s strike contributed to some wonky scripts) forced the network to cut ties but they reconsidered after receiving an influx of letters from the audience. The "Light's Out" campaign, which also featured light bulbs being sent to NBC, resulted in three more seasons and a deal with DirecTV to air the episodes first.
'Arrested Development'
Fans mailed bananas and letters to Fox after Arrested Development was canceled by Fox. That briefly saved the show for one more season and it later was revived on Netflix.
'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'
Fox pulled the plug on Brooklyn Nine-Nine after five seasons and that promptly caused social media backlash. Thanks to the #SaveBrooklyn99 campaign, NBC picked the show up from Fox one day later.
'Community'
The phrase "six seasons and a movie" wouldn't exist if not for Community. After five seasons on NBC, fans kicked off campaigns that included a themed art gallery and a convention. This allowed for Community to have a sixth and final season — and a move is in the works.
'The Expanse'
Prime Video saved The Expanse once Syfy made the decision to cancel the show. The #SaveTheExpanse campaign included viewers sending emails and a plane to fly over the studio.
'Warrior Nun'
Two seasons wasn't enough for fans, who fought for Warrior Nun's upcoming three-movie deal.
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