It’s always upsetting when a TV show gets canceled, especially when there seems to be no clear reason. This disappointment is even greater when the show only lasts one season, despite gaining a strong fanbase and receiving positive reviews.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened with My Lady Jane, a historical fantasy drama on Prime Video. The show premiered on June 27 and was unexpectedly canceled soon after.
The decision to cancel this series is surprising because it offered a unique combination of period drama, comedy, and fantasy elements, making it stand out from other shows. So, why was such an original and enjoyable series cut short?
The Cancellation of My Lady Jane
The cancellation of My Lady Jane shocked many viewers. Despite the positive reactions from its audience, the show was canceled due to low viewership. It didn’t attract enough viewers to compete with other historical dramas at the time.
This is particularly disappointing because the show didn’t get the chance to fully develop or reach its potential. One of the main reasons for the low viewership was the lack of promotion by Prime Video. The platform did very little to market the show, which likely contributed to its failure to reach a broader audience.
If My Lady Jane had been given better marketing support and the opportunity to continue for a second season, it might have gained more popularity and a larger following.
Adding to the disappointment is the fact that My Lady Jane is based on a novel of the same name by Cynthia Hand. The first season only covered about a third of the book, leaving plenty of storylines and character development for future seasons.
The show follows a fictional version of sixteen-year-old Lady Jane Grey, played by Emily Bader, as she marries Lord Guildford Dudley, portrayed by Edward Bluemel, and becomes queen. In real history, Lady Jane Grey’s reign was tragically short, lasting only nine days before her assassination.
The show’s creator, Gemma Burgess, remained true to certain historical details while adding a magical twist to the story, offering viewers a fresh look at how Lady Jane might have navigated her brief time as queen.
My Lady Jane Did Something Different From Other Period Pieces
One of the main attractions of My Lady Jane is the romantic relationship between Lady Jane and Guildford. Their love story begins with tension and conflict, a familiar plot that many viewers enjoy. Watching two characters who initially dislike each other gradually fall in love is always an engaging storyline.
However, what makes this romance unique is Guildford’s secret: he is an Ethian, a person who can shape-shift into an animal. In this case, Guildford transforms into a horse during the day and returns to his human form only at night.
This twist adds an extra layer of interest and whimsy to the series, making it more than just another historical romance, but one with a distinctive and magical element.
Including shape-shifting in a story based on historical events is certainly unconventional. However, the show uses this fantasy element to explore deeper themes. In My Lady Jane, the Ethians represent a marginalized group within society, facing prejudice and discrimination from those who cannot shape-shift, known as Verities.
This dynamic mirrors historical conflicts between different religious and social groups, particularly the tension between Protestants and Catholics during Lady Jane Grey’s time.
By blending historical facts with fantastical elements, My Lady Jane creates a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It encourages viewers to reflect on issues of identity, power, and acceptance, all while enjoying a story filled with humor and romance.
My Lady Jane Embraced a Comedic Approach
Another aspect that set My Lady Jane apart from other period dramas was its willingness to embrace comedy. The show’s plot doesn’t take itself too seriously, which actually increases the overall enjoyment for the audience.
The use of humor, including jokes that play with historical context and clever dialogue, adds a refreshing twist to the historical genre. This light-hearted approach makes My Lady Jane a delightfully funny show, offering viewers an entertaining experience.
The series drew inspiration from The Princess Bride, a beloved film known for its mix of humor, romance, and adventure. Just as The Princess Bride won over audiences with its charming and whimsical storytelling, My Lady Jane aimed to do the same, providing an enjoyable escape into a world where history meets fantasy.
The cancellation of My Lady Jane is a significant loss for fans who were eager to see how the story would develop in future seasons. The first season ended on a cliffhanger, with Lady Jane narrowly escaping execution. There was so much potential for the show to explore new plotlines and character developments in later seasons.
Unfortunately, Prime Video decided to end the series before it could fully realize this potential. This decision is especially disappointing because My Lady Jane had everything needed for a successful show: a unique premise, strong performances, and a perfect mix of humor, romance, and fantasy.
Despite its early cancellation, My Lady Jane leaves a lasting impression as a show that dared to be different. It took risks by blending historical events with magical elements and by using humor in a genre that is often serious and somber.
While it’s unfortunate that the series was cut short, fans can still enjoy the first and only season of My Lady Jane on Prime Video.
