Wheel of Time Cancellation: Showrunner Reacts
- Rafe Judkins,showrunner for Amazon Prime video's "The Wheel of Time," has spoken out following the fantasy series' recent cancellation.
- While the first two seasons consistently ranked in Nielsen's Top 10, the third season's initial episodes did not achieve the same viewership, though it did rank No.1 on...
- Judkins praised the cast and crew, noting the show's global reach and its nearly 20-week run in Nielsen's top 10.
Reacting to the unexpected cancellation, “The Wheel of Time” showrunner Rafe judkins expresses both surprise and disappointment, despite strong reviews for season three. Judkins didn’t hold back, criticizing the shift toward shorter seasons and the impact on long-form storytelling. News Directory 3 reports on the fan-led petition that has amassed over 137,000 signatures in a bid to “save The Wheel of Time.” While Amazon currently has no plans to shop the series to other networks, Judkins remains hopeful, drawing parallels to the revival of “The Expanse.” Discover what’s next for this epic fantasy.
‘Wheel of Time’ Showrunner Reacts to Cancellation
Updated June 7, 2025
Rafe Judkins,showrunner for Amazon Prime video’s “The Wheel of Time,” has spoken out following the fantasy series’ recent cancellation. The news arrived May 23, despite the third season earning a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 77/100 on Metacritic.
While the first two seasons consistently ranked in Nielsen’s Top 10, the third season’s initial episodes did not achieve the same viewership, though it did rank No.1 on Prime Video in several countries. Judkins, who had remained silent until recently, addressed the cancellation in an Instagram post, calling it a surprise.
Judkins praised the cast and crew, noting the show’s global reach and its nearly 20-week run in Nielsen’s top 10. He emphasized the team’s commitment to completing the entire story arc of this epic fantasy series, making the cancellation a “devastating blow.”
“I’ve been asked the same question many times the last week – why was The Wheel of Time cancelled? And the truth is, I don’t know. I wish I could say something clear and tidy that explains to all those who love it why it’s coming to an end,but sadly,I can’t.”
Judkins also critiqued the growing trend of shorter TV seasons, arguing it undermines the strength of long-form storytelling. He remains optimistic that the industry will return to prioritizing character development and weekly engagement.
“Much has been written about this larger trend in TV toward fewer seasons wiht less episodes and finding quicker ways to acquire additional streaming subscribers. But I genuinely believe that this goes against the fundamental strength of television – long-form storytelling.”
regarding the possibility of the show’s revival, Judkins acknowledged it’s uncommon but not impossible. He cited Amazon’s previous rescue of “The Expanse” as an example. According to TV Line,Amazon currently has no plans to shop the series to other networks.
“Will the Wheel of Time get to do that with another network and finish the story? Sadly, it’s not something that happens often. But it dose happen. In fact, one of the reasons we first chose Amazon as a home for the show was because they were in the midst of picking up The Expanse after SYFY cancelled it.”
A fan-led campaign at SaveWot.com is petitioning to “Save The Wheel of Time,” amassing over 137,000 signatures in under two weeks.
What’s next
The future of “The Wheel of Time” remains uncertain, but Judkins holds onto hope that the story will eventually be completed, echoing the resilience found within the book series itself.