Have you ever become accustomed to a new show only to discover its abrupt discontinuation? That happened recently with Amazon Prime Video, which canceled two of its series—The Bondsman and Étoile. Both made headlines, and viewers are still talking about it. Let’s take a look at what went wrong and what it might mean moving forward.
1. The Bondsman: Kevin Bacon’s Undead Bounty Hunter Ends After One Season
“The Bondsman” starred Kevin Bacon as a bounty hunter who comes back from the dead. Sounds wild, right? It premiered in April 2025, but it didn’t last long. In May, Amazon pulled the plug after just eight episodes
Fans were quick to react. The series had a quirky mix of action, horror, and humor. But the show needed strong viewership to survive. It hit Amazon’s platform but failed to get enough attention. Amazon justified the cancellation by pointing to its low performance compared to the cost of production. For them, it was an easy business decision.
Now, the series lives on in streaming history. All episodes are still available online for those who want to give it a shot. Kevin Bacon’s fans aren’t happy, but it seems unlikely the show will return.
2. Étoile: Ballet Drama with High Hopes Cuts Short
Across the board, news broke in June 2025 that Étoile, a ballet-drama created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, will not receive a second season—even though Amazon had initially ordered two
Étoile showed dancers from New York and Paris trying to save ballet. The show got strong reviews and solid audience love. It even earned an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It had talent like Luke Kirby, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Gideon Glick. So canceling it felt abrupt and unexpected
Amazon stated that this decision came down to cost and viewership. The ballet sets and European shoots cost a lot. The audience numbers never matched that budget. The first season ends with a cliffhanger. Official announcements say no Season 2, though awards campaigning still continues
Fans and critics reacted within hours. Many called the cancellation unfair. They saw a quality series cut off because it didn’t hit enough numbers fast enough. Some compared it to the earlier cancellation of Bunheads, another ballet-themed show that met a similar fate
Why These Cancellations Happened
Both series share one key issue: they were expensive to make. The Bondsman needed sets, effects, and action scenes that don’t come cheap. Étoile filmed in both New York and Paris and featured intricate ballet choreography
Platform streaming models are strict. And shows need steady viewership. No matter how good or critically praised, if the numbers don’t match the cost, they go. Amazon’s own model now is clear—you get results, or you don’t get another season.
What This Means for Prime Video Originals
These cancellations seem to reinforce a larger trend in streaming: big budgets mean big risks. Most shows that cost millions per episode won’t get second chances unless they pull big numbers.
Amazon is still behind hits like The Boys and Reacher. But less mainstream shows, even with strong reviews, may disappear faster than audiences expect.
On the upside, we may see fewer half-finished storylines in big shows. Platforms are giving more upfront direction now, so projects are often planned with clearer budgets and goals.
How Fans are Reacting
Reactions range from disappointment to frustration.
- Some fans petitioned to save The Wheel of Time, another Amazon series with a cult following
- Étoile’s cancellation hit particularly hard for fans of tender storytelling and ballet. People marked it as a missed opportunity
- The Bondsman’s surprise exit didn’t spark as much uproar, but Kevin Bacon’s presence gave it a high profile
This pattern shows that quality alone isn’t enough anymore. Streamers now measure success in views and days watched.
What Might Come Next
Canceled shows often find new life elsewhere. The Bondsman still has some fans. It’s possible it could get a second life on a smaller streamer.
Étoile’s awards campaign still continues. If it picks up enough recognition in guilds or festivals, it might get renewed after all. But Amazon has made it clear: no Season 2—unless something major changes.
Both shows now sit on Prime Video’s library. Viewers can still enjoy their single seasons and rewatch the moments that landed.
Final Thoughts
Prime Video cancelling two series at once is big news. Both shows had heart and talent behind them. But in the end, the budget and the viewership didn’t justify a follow-up season.
These cancellations reflect a sharper trend in streaming. Cost matters and ratings matter even more. However, for viewers, the key takeaway is that if they find enjoyment in a show, they should consume it immediately. Because their favorite show might not be around forever.