Why was Taika Waititi’s Time Bandits Cancelled?
Taika Waititi’s Time Bandits, a series released on Apple TV+ - a show that garnered Rotten Tomatoes critical acclaim (a 78% critical score), with viewers praising its comedic elements and those scenes that highlighted the unique blend of history and fantasy - but it appears this show was short lived.
Although this show had such critical appreciation - there was not an opportunity to move forward. Fans may be eager to learn about why this series was cut short. The decision to cancel this production came from Apple TV+ , a move made to stop production. This came in response to a show that did not meet expectations - especially regarding viewership ratings on the streaming platform. This was revealed by Deadline and Deadline confirmed that Taika Waititi Time Bandits never made it into the Nielsen Top 10 for the Streaming platform.
Was The Time Bandits Series a Success?
While Time Bandits garnered a Rotten Tomatoes score of 78% and also received critical acclaim for those elements that made it a standout, the series - from the production company’s viewpoint - it is reported that it did not perform well. It's difficult to make any assumptions since ratings are often protected as part of business deals between Streaming platforms and production companies. Although it received some awards and praise, it was not deemed successful by Apple TV+.
Even so, there has been some buzz regarding the series - particularly how this production might have had an opportunity for more than just One Season, which is also referred to as Canceled After One Season in production parlance, but it did have an influence on Streaming Platform decision-makers. It's not clear if Apple TV+ is planning more to come from Taika Waititi.
What Is Time Bandits About?
The show, Time Bandits, was based on the 1981 movie that has served as an iconic movie and also one of the most influential pieces from Terry Gilliam - who was also known for those eccentric, creative and unique pieces in the film world.
Time Bandits series tells a fantastical journey - one where those characters, known as self-proclaimed bandits (an Eccentric Group of individuals - with different quirks) have been entrusted with a powerful artifact that can open a series of portals to take them on Travel through time to diverse and amazing places, all to bring the viewers into this strange, unpredictable adventure, blending history, comedy, fantasy and those events in those periods.
How Does the Time Bandits Series Relate to the Movie?
The Time Bandits movie was released in 1981 and serves as one of those iconic and critically acclaimed releases for Terry Gilliam. This was a film that highlighted his penchant for blending fantasy, history, comedy and often gave viewers an interesting perspective on the world. It is set as a movie about an Eccentric group of individuals. It's based on how a young boy is whisked away to discover ancient and amazing places throughout history, and has to overcome a number of different challenges and obstacles - including fighting off various monsters or those trying to capture him. While it has captured many fans' attention and imaginations.
Time Bandits series - set for a different world on television, was designed as a series Based on the movie , which may explain why it also received a considerable amount of critical attention - a show that captured many key elements of the film, such as those who are self-proclaimed Time Bandits and those incredible characters as well as those special powers that allowed them to travel through the vastness of time - an intriguing, imaginative story for viewers who enjoyed the movie.
Where can I Watch the Time Bandits Series?
While Time Bandits is currently no longer in production, it is available to stream through Apple TV+. Apple TV+ is known as one of the newest Streaming Platform services that are available for streaming, with an assortment of original programming.
There is also the option to stream the original film that was released in 1981, Time Bandits Movie, on various Streaming platform options such as YouTube. If you are a fan of Terry Gilliam movies this may be another compelling release to check out - a must see for fans who enjoy both fantasy, comedy, and the history of a uniquely imagined world - particularly those who like a good blend of all these genres, with an incredible story behind it.
What Happens To Time Bandits Series After it is Cancelled?
Unfortunately for fans of Taika Waititi's Time Bandits, the show has come to an end. It does not have the chance to continue.
The Apple TV+ decision came as a surprise to some in the entertainment industry. There’s no confirmation of what lies ahead - including the possibilities that those in this genre (such as Apple TV+ series, especially those that may have received similar negative ratings, may still face similar fates). Even with these productions - there’s an ongoing push in the television and streaming world. Those fans of Taika Waititi Time Bandits may look for more, with hopes that the show could find another avenue and be revived on another Streaming platform or, perhaps, be taken on as a production that is meant for a specific streaming platform. Only time will tell if that may happen.
