It was only a matter of time before the streaming bubble began to burst, and that’s been reflected in the rampant cancellations to have blighted almost every major platform at least once so far this year, but Paramount Plus has taken things to an entirely different level.
While Netflix regularly comes under fire for axing popular shows with sprawling fandoms, Warner Bros. Discovery took its fair share of flak for pinching pennies at every available turn, and Disney left creators and subscribers alike shocked by wiping upwards of 50 titles from its platforms that may never see the light of day again, they’ve got nothing on the fate to have just befallen Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Star Trek: Prodigy, The Game, and Queen of the Universe.
The prequel series to the musical classic only finished up its first season three weeks ago, while the animated offshoot of the legendary sci-fi franchise already had a second run of episodes announced. Instead, not only have the aforementioned quartet been taken off the airwaves, but they’re being removed from Paramount Plus entirely next week, meaning they won’t be available to watch anywhere unless they find a new home; something that is by no means guaranteed if recent events are any indication.
Rise of the Pink Ladies creator has already called it a “brutal move” on social media, outlining that the cast and crew are “devastated at the complete erasure of our show.” It’s ruthless to say the least, as well as yet another sobering reminder that the streaming circuit has absolutely no shred of sympathy or sentiment when it comes to shaving the budget.