In a disheartening turn of events for fans, the co-showrunner of “Vampire Academy,” Marguerite MacIntyre, confirmed that the acclaimed series has reached its unfortunate end. This recent cancellation only adds to a growing trend of LGBTQ+ inclusive television shows facing the axe, leaving the community all too familiar with this haunting death knell.
The landscape of queer content, particularly those centered around LGBTQ+ women, has been subjected to a relentless cycle of cancellations, leaving ardent supporters devastated. From Netflix’s “Warrior Nun” to Disney+’s “Willow” and Amazon Prime’s “A League of Their Own,” the constant stream of cancellations has left queer narratives struggling for longevity.
After receiving positive reviews, Peacock’s “Vampire Academy” seemed poised for a promising future. However, in January, the streaming service made the disappointing announcement of its cancellation, prompting showrunners Julie Plec and Marguerite MacIntyre to vow their efforts in finding a new home for the show.
Following four months of anticipation, MacIntyre shared the somber news on May 3rd through a heartfelt social media post. Despite their tireless pitching and unwavering commitment, the hope of resurrecting the beloved fantasy/horror series had faded away.
Based on Richelle Mead’s popular young-adult urban fantasy book series, “Vampire Academy” revolved around the enthralling journey of St. Vladimir’s Academy students, Rose Hathaway and Lissa Dragomir. As they navigated through epic vampiric battles and forbidden romances, the series quickly became a must-watch LGBTQ+ drama, thanks to the inclusion of a budding sapphic romance between students Mia and Meredith, as well as the powerful gay couple formed by Victor Dashkov and Robert Karp.
MacIntyre, in a video address, expressed her long-standing desire to convey her gratitude for the overwhelming support and love the show had received. However, amidst her apology for the unfortunate outcome, she emphasized the arduous efforts made by the creative team, assuring fans that the show’s captivating world and remarkable characters would find their way back, in some shape or form.
The impact of “Vampire Academy” extended beyond the television screen, resonating deeply with fans of the original book series. The show’s creators cherished the book fans’ adoration, recognizing their pivotal role in making it a resounding success.
In a separate interview with PinkNews, cast members Mia McKenna-Bruce and Rhian Blundell lamented the spate of queer TV cancellations, highlighting the ongoing significance of LGBTQ+ representation on screen. Blundell stressed that although progress has been made, there is still work to be done, and there are passionate individuals within the industry committed to the cause. McKenna-Bruce echoed these sentiments, noting that while strides have been taken, the fight for representation continues.
For McKenna-Bruce, her portrayal of a queer character in “Vampire Academy” marked a milestone in her career, and she expressed the wish that such stories had been available to her during her own youth. She emphasized that the relationship depicted on the show was not solely defined by their queerness, but rather portrayed a connection that transcended labels and showcased the beauty of love.
The cancellation of “Vampire Academy” sparked an outpouring of grief and disappointment from fans across social media platforms. Many expressed their profound sadness and frustration, lamenting the loss of the characters’ untapped potential on screen. One fan bemoaned the treatment of the series, expressing their unforgiving sentiment towards Peacock for not giving “Vampire Academy” the recognition and treatment it deserved.
The outpouring of support and love for the storyline and cast was evident, reflecting the deep connection fans had formed with the show. The devastating impact of the cancellation highlighted the profound affection the fanbase held for the characters and their narratives.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, some fans held onto hope for a brighter future. One Twitter user reflected on the collective grief experienced by the “Vampire Academy” family, acknowledging the joy brought by the initial season and expressing a longing to witness the remaining chapters of the story unfold. They thanked Marguerite MacIntyre and Julie Plec for breathing life into the beloved characters and expressed optimism for the possibility of experiencing the rest of the journey someday.
As fans process the disheartening news of the cancellation, the entirety of “Vampire Academy” remains available for streaming on Peacock and Now TV, serving as a testament to the show’s enduring impact and the indelible mark it has left on its viewers.
The cancellation of “Vampire Academy” underscores the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ inclusive content in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder of the continued struggle for representation and the importance of narratives that authentically portray diverse experiences. Although the journey of this beloved series has reached an untimely end, its legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate with fans, fostering conversations about the need for LGBTQ+ stories to be celebrated and cherished in mainstream media.
In a landscape where queer representation remains a crucial aspect of storytelling, the loss of “Vampire Academy” serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle for inclusivity and the imperative to uplift and support LGBTQ+ narratives on all platforms. The resilience of fans and their unwavering commitment to seeing diverse stories unfold will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of queer representation in television and beyond.