Apple TV+ Cancels Swagger After 2 Seasons
In a surprise move, Apple TV+ has announced that it is canceling its sports drama series "Swagger" after just two seasons. The show, which premiered in December 2021, was created by Stephen A. Smith and Brian Grazer, and followed the story of a high school basketball team in Washington D.C.
Despite receiving generally positive reviews from critics, "Swagger" struggled to find an audience and failed to gain traction with viewers. The show’s second season, which was released in March 2022, saw a significant drop in viewership compared to its first season, leading to speculation that the show was on shaky ground.
In a statement, Apple TV+ confirmed the cancellation, saying: "We are grateful to the talented cast, crew, and creators of ‘Swagger’ for their hard work and dedication to bringing this important story to life. While we are proud of the show’s achievements, we have decided not to move forward with a third season."
The cancellation of "Swagger" is a setback for Apple TV+, which has been investing heavily in original content in recent years. The streaming service has had some notable successes, including the critically acclaimed drama "The Morning Show" and the popular comedy "Ted Lasso." However, "Swagger" was one of the service’s most high-profile failures, and its cancellation is likely to raise questions about Apple TV+’s ability to develop and sustain successful original series.
"Swagger" was based on the life of NBA star Kevin Durant, who was an executive producer on the show. The series followed the story of a high school basketball team in Washington D.C., and explored themes of identity, community, and social justice. While the show received praise for its portrayal of African American characters and its exploration of social issues, it struggled to find an audience and was criticized for its slow pacing and lack of compelling characters.
The cancellation of "Swagger" is likely to have significant implications for the show’s cast and crew, many of whom had been working on the series for several years. The show’s star, Isaiah Hill, had been praised for his performance as the show’s protagonist, and had been expected to continue in the role for several more seasons.
In a statement, Hill expressed his disappointment at the cancellation, saying: "I am sad to hear that ‘Swagger’ has been canceled. I loved working on this show and was proud to be a part of it. I want to thank the entire cast, crew, and production team for their hard work and dedication. I will always cherish the memories and experiences I had while working on ‘Swagger’."
The cancellation of "Swagger" is a reminder that even the most well-funded and well-produced shows can fail to find an audience. As the streaming wars continue to heat up, Apple TV+ will need to regroup and refocus its efforts on developing new and innovative content that resonates with viewers.