Prime Video has decided not to continue with “Outer Range,” the sci-fi Western series starring Josh Brolin, after just two seasons. The show, which premiered in April 2022, combined elements of Western drama with science fiction, creating a unique narrative that captured the attention of many viewers. However, despite its intriguing premise and solid performance, it wasn’t enough to secure a third season.
“Outer Range” featured Josh Brolin as Royal Abbott, a Wyoming rancher who stumbles upon a mysterious black void on his property. This discovery sets off a series of events that intertwine with his efforts to protect his land from a rival family, the Tillersons, with whom he has a long-standing feud. The show also starred Imogen Poots as Autumn, a drifter whose arrival coincides with the appearance of the void, adding another layer of mystery to the plot.
The series boasted a strong ensemble cast, including Lili Taylor, Tamara Podemski, Lewis Pullman, Tom Pelphrey, Noah Reid, Shaun Sipos, Isabel Arraiza, Olive Abercrombie, and Will Patton. The first season of “Outer Range” was well-received, spending five weeks in Nielsen’s rankings of the top 10 original streaming series. The second season, which premiered in mid-May, also performed reasonably well, making it to the Nielsen Streaming Originals chart for three weeks.
Despite its performance, “Outer Range” faced challenges. The show underwent a change in showrunners after its first season, with Charles Murray taking over from Zev Borow. This shift aimed to refine the show’s direction and address some of the struggles faced during the first season. Josh Brolin himself admitted that the first season was a learning experience, describing it as a great concept that wasn’t fully realized to his satisfaction. He likened the second season to an “ayahuasca trip,” suggesting a more intense and transformative experience.
The production of “Outer Range” involved notable names in the industry. Amazon MGM Studios and Plan B Entertainment produced the series, with executive producers including Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Ernest McNealey, Tony Krantz, Heather Rae, Jon Paré, and Brolin himself. Brolin even made his directorial debut in the penultimate episode of the second season.
Despite the show’s unique blend of genres and the star power behind it, Prime Video decided not to renew “Outer Range” for a third season. The decision came almost two months after the release of the second season, which consisted of seven episodes. The show had strong early ratings, with the new season propelling it to #3 on the Nielsen Streaming Originals chart for the week of May 20 and #8 for the week of May 27. However, these ratings were not enough to secure its continuation.
“Outer Range” was generally well-reviewed, with its first season scoring a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, which improved to 92% for the second season. The show’s blend of Western and sci-fi elements, along with its strong performances, particularly from Brolin, garnered praise from critics and viewers alike. Brolin, known for his roles in Westerns like “No Country for Old Men” and “True Grit,” brought a sense of authenticity to the role of Royal Abbott.
The cancellation of “Outer Range” is a reminder of the competitive nature of the streaming industry, where even well-received shows with strong performances can face an uncertain future. For fans of the series, the news is undoubtedly disappointing, especially given the show’s unique premise and the potential for further exploration of its intriguing storyline.
As for Josh Brolin, he continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Known for his roles in “Milk,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Sicario,” and Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” movies, Brolin is set to star in Rian Johnson’s upcoming film, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” His decision to take on a TV role in “Outer Range” was driven by a desire to challenge himself, and despite the show’s cancellation, it remains a notable part of his diverse career.
In conclusion, while “Outer Range” may not be returning for a third season, its blend of Western and sci-fi elements, strong performances, and unique storyline have left a lasting impression on its viewers. The show’s cancellation is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of streaming content, where even promising series can face an uncertain fate.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly
