In the modern streaming era, it seems as though no show is safe from cancellation, even when it has established a compelling narrative and a wide array of fans. According to Deadline, the Apple TV+ original series Constellation has received the axe after only one season with the streamer. The show just concluded its eight-episode run back in March, meaning it has only been available to view in full for a month and a half.

Why Was Constellation Canceled?

The official cancellation announcement didn’t list a specific reason as to why the series has not been renewed for additional seasons, though fans can likely surmise that the series wasn’t reaching high enough viewership to satisfy Apple executives.

If this is the case, it would be quite surprising, as Constellation had built a great deal of hype entering into its premiere, with droves of comments on Youtube and other social media from fans itching to check the series out. Still, the series didn’t receive a ton of press on the internet following its release, in stark contrast to other massively popular series’ such as The Bear or Fallout.

Noomi Rapace Leads Constellation

Constellation centered on Noomi Rapace’s Jo Ericsson, who serves as a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station. After experiencing a traumatic incident on the ISS, Ericsson returns home to Earth, where a number of things seem strangely amiss. After spending some time investigating these freaky occurrences, she eventually surmises that this may not be the same Earth she left behind, resulting in a complex psychological thriller that will leave viewers’ skin crawling.

Talent Behind The Scenes

The series certainly had enough talent to be successful, with big names both in front of and behind the camera. Constellation was written and developed for television by former Doctor Who writer Peter Harness, and directed by Joseph Cedar, Oliver Hirschbiegel, and Michelle MacLaren. MacLaren’s previous directing credits include episodes of highly beloved prestige television shows such as Better Call Saul, Westworld, and Game of Thrones.

The Cast

The cast of Constellation includes a number of major players, including Breaking Bad‘s Jonathan Banks, as well as James D’Arcy, Rosie Coleman, Julian Looman, William Catlett, and more. As previously mentioned, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo‘s Noomi Rapace leads the cast for all eight episodes of the sci-fi thriller.

Other Apple Sci-Fi Hits

Despite Constellation failing to establish additional seasons beyond the first eight episodes, science fiction is still a thriving genre on Apple TV+. Shows such as Silo, Invasion, and Severance have all done massive numbers on the streaming platform, with the long-awaited second season of Severance expected to premiere quite soon, to massive fanfare. As always, there’s a slim possibility that a sudden influx of fan support can save Constellation as it circles the drain of cancellation, though that seems highly unlikely at this point.

Regardless, the existing eight episodes of Constellation can still bring viewers through a wild ride, even if the show never gets additional installments. Plus, those who fall in love with the show always have the option to pivot to one of the other flagship sci-fi franchises at the end of the day.