"Wheel of Time Showrunner Touts Big Ratings, Eyes Revival"

Although Amazon canceled The Wheel of Time after Season 3, showrunner Rafe Judkins remains hopeful for its revival, citing The Expanse as inspiration.

Based on Robert Jordan's beloved fantasy novels and starring Rosamund Pike, The Wheel of Time initially sparked controversy among book fans due to deviations in its first two seasons. However, Season 3 successfully won over audiences, setting the stage for future potential.

Last month, Prime Video chose not to renew the series for Season 4 following what Deadline described as "prolonged discussions." Despite positive reception, financial viability proved insurmountable.

Brandon Sanderson, who completed Jordan's book series, expressed disappointment: "While I had critiques, the show cultivated a dedicated fanbase that deserved a proper conclusion after its strongest season. My involvement was largely nominal—they wanted credibility without substantive collaboration."

Judkins recently addressed the cancellation, acknowledging the lack of a simple explanation but emphasizing the show's global impact. He noted its 20-week streak in Nielsen's Top 10, a rare achievement in recent television.

The showrunner lamented the team's unfinished ambition to fully adapt the saga: "This truncated ending is heartbreaking. We envisioned growing the story over time, like the books themselves."

He criticized industry shifts toward shorter series and rapid subscriber acquisition, arguing they undermine TV's strength in long-form storytelling.

Over 130,000 supporters have signed an online petition demanding "Finish the story!" While Apple TV+ seems an unlikely savior given its existing fantasy slate, Judkins remains cautiously optimistic—recalling how The Expanse found new life after SYFY's cancellation.

"Perhaps our show will emulate the books' defiance of conventional beginnings and endings," Judkins mused. "These characters and fans warrant a complete journey."

TVLine reports no current discussions with other platforms, dashing hopes for Season 4.

Judkins' full statement follows:

I wish I could provide clear answers about the cancellation, but the truth remains uncertain. What's undeniable is our team's extraordinary talent and the show's global resonance—evidenced by its sustained Nielsen performance.

From inception, we committed to adapting the entire saga. Like Jordan's novels, television excels when given room to evolve. This premature conclusion feels particularly cruel after so many creative sacrifices.

The industry's pivot toward abbreviated content contradicts television's narrative power. Audiences deserve prolonged engagement with beloved characters—a principle some executives still champion.

While network transitions remain rare, precedents like The Expanse's revival offer glimmers of hope. Maybe The Wheel of Time will echo its source material's defiance of tidy conclusions.

Above all, this remarkable story—and its passionate fans—merit a proper finale.