Apple TV+ Cancels Time Bandits After One Season, Ending Time’s Up

Apple TV+ has made the decision to cancel its fantasy series Time Bandits after just one season. The show did not receive significant promotion, which is common for streaming platforms, and failed to make an impact on the Nielsen Streaming Rankings during its initial run. According to TelevisionStats.com, Time Bandits achieved a highest popularity score of 15 and maintained an average engagement score of 6.2, considered moderate by the site.

Streaming services like Apple TV+ are now focusing on profitability and scrutinizing high-budget scripted series such as Time Bandits to meet viewership targets for renewal. Apple TV+ has been cutting back on spending, putting shows like Time Bandits at risk if they fail to attract a substantial audience, especially when lacking promotional efforts.

Despite receiving a 78% Fresh Rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Time Bandits only managed a 48% Audience Score. Co-creator Jemaine Clement had expressed intentions to work on a second season with Taika Waititi, but the show’s lukewarm reception and high production costs may hinder its future prospects.

The 2023-24 season saw a rise in cancellations, with 27 sci-fi and fantasy shows ending compared to 36 renewals. Time Bandits, based on the 1981 movie by Terry Gilliam, follows eleven-year-old Kevin as he embarks on a time-traveling adventure with a group of thieves to save his family and the world. The series features Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, and Rune Temte in leading roles.

As the 2024-25 season kicks off, several shows from the previous year are still awaiting renewal or cancellation announcements. Stay tuned for updates on the fate of these series in the coming weeks. For a comprehensive list of current and past season cancellations and renewals, visit the Cancellation Watch Page.

The cancellation of Time Bandits underscores the competitive landscape of the streaming industry and the challenges faced by original content in securing a loyal audience. With the future of the series uncertain, fans will have to wait and see if Time Bandits finds a new home or remains a one-season wonder in the realm of fantasy television.