In a move that has left the LGBTQ community disappointed, Amazon Prime’s TV adaptation of “A League of Their Own,” a series spotlighting the pioneering journey of female baseball players during World War II, has been abruptly cancelled after just one season. The cancellation announcement came on Monday, and it resonated deeply with fans, including LGBTQ individuals who had embraced the show’s representation and themes.
The show’s co-creator and lead actress, Abbi Jacobson, who portrayed team catcher Carson Shaw, conveyed her sadness on social media, stating, “What luck I have had to get to tell these stories and play this character I love so much.” Jacobson expressed her frustration regarding the show’s cancellation, pushing back against attributing it solely to ongoing Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes, emphasizing that the stories of fair wages and working conditions deserved attention distinct from the decision to cancel the show.
Amazon confirmed the cancellation through an official statement, mentioning that the series would not continue its journey forward. The company attributed the decision to the “length of the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes,” indicating that the labor disputes within the entertainment industry played a significant role in the cancellation. However, the company did not provide further insight into Jacobson’s comments or response.
The cancellation stirred up a wave of support from fans and celebrities alike. Rosie O’Donnell, who played a role in the original 1992 film, and Leisha Hailey of “The L-Word” expressed their admiration for the show and its positive impact. The writer of the series, Desta Tedros Reff, highlighted the disappointment felt by marginalized communities, particularly people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, given the current societal climate.
“A League of Their Own” was celebrated by LGBTQ fans, especially queer women, for its Sapphic TV adaptation that continued the legacy of the original film by showcasing the stories of women who defied gender norms in the realm of baseball. The cancellation of the series underscores the ongoing need for diverse and authentic LGBTQ representation in the entertainment industry, as TV shows and films such as “Orange Is the New Black,” “Gentleman Jack,” and “The L Word: Generation Q” have resonated with audiences for their portrayal of LGBTQ characters and experiences. Films like “Carol” and “Tár” have also received praise and a devoted following from queer fans, reflecting the growing demand for narratives that accurately capture the diversity of queer lives.
In a landscape where representation matters, the cancellation of “A League of Their Own” serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs in striving for authentic LGBTQ stories in mainstream media.