Fans of a period drama are ‘gutted’ after it was cancelled by Disney Plus (Picture: Adrienn Szabo/ Disney Plus/ Hulu via AP)
Shardlake fans have declared they are ‘gutted’ after the period drama was cancelled after one season.
Based on the historical mystery novels of the same name by C.J. Sansom, the series was set during the reign of Henry VIII in the 16th century.
The four episodes followed barrister Master Matthew Shardlake (Arthur Hughes) after he is sent by Thomas Cromwell (Sean Bean) to investigate the death of a commissioner in the remote monastery of Scarnsea.
However, he is then ‘drawn into a web of lies that threatens not only his integrity but his life’ after is becomes clear the murder is not the first to have been committed.
When the TV adaptation finally made it to screens, 20 years after Sansom granted the rights to producer Stevie Lee, viewers praised the production.
‘Gripping atmospheric historical drama, great cast,’ Peter posted on Rotten Tomatoes, where the series holds an 81% rating.
Shardlake was based on C.J. Sansom’s book series and starred Arthur Hughes as the titular character (Picture: Disney)
However the series, which also starred Anthony Boyle, won’t be returning (Picture: Adrienn Szabo/ Disney Plus/ Hulu via AP)
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‘Captured the spirit of the books – watched all parts in one sitting! Riveting, entertaining script – all central performances are excellent. Arthur Hughes especially good, capturing all of the nuances and complexities of the titular character. Roll on season 2!’ Rob wrote.
Another fan Chris said it ‘definitely requires a second season to round out the characters’, a sentiment echoed by many others.
But despite its positive reception, the series won’t be returning.
In a statement to Variety, a Disney spokesperson confirmed the news and said: ‘We’d like to thank Stephen Butchard who adapted the late C.J. Sansom’s beloved novel for the screen, the entire cast – led by the outstanding Arthur Hughes – and crew, and our production partners The Forge and Runaway Fridge. We hope to work with all of our partners across these shows again in the future.’
Anthony Boyle, who played Jack Barak, also posted on Instagram, writing: ‘Sadly Shardlake won’t be coming back from another season. Thanks for all the love and support on it. First season still on Disney Plus UK.’
The streaming service is also under fire for cancelling Extraordinary (Picture: Natalie Seery/ Disney Plus)
Upon finding out the news, user taribowest55 posted on X: ‘ReallY gutted to hear the news #shardlake won’t be returning for a 2nd second. What a missed opportunity. Great cast and fantastic books. Disappointed.’
‘Right, cancelling Shardlake is a legit crime,’ misterjaydee shared.
The series Extraordinary, which holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, was also cancelled by the streaming service.
After season 2 ended on a cliffhanger, fans of the superhero comedy series said it’s axing was ‘very upsetting’.
Shardlake is streaming on Disney Plus.
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