Netflix cancels The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance after one season

Netflix has cancelled The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance after just one season. Produced by the Jim Henson Company, the lavish fantasy series served as a prequel to The Dark Crystal, Jim Henson’s 1982 cult classic film, entirely populated by puppets. To rub salt in the wound, the series had just picked up an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program at this year’s Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday night.

The Jim Henson Company CEO and executive producer Lisa Henson confirmed the cancellation to io9

“We can confirm that there will not be an additional season of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. We know fans are eager to learn how this chapter of The Dark Crystal saga concludes and we’ll look for ways to tell that story in the future. Our company has a legacy of creating rich and complex worlds that require technical innovation, artistic excellence, and masterful storytelling. Our history also includes productions that are enduring, often finding and growing their audience over time and proving again and again that fantasy and science fiction genres reflect eternal messages and truths that are always relevant. We are so grateful to Netflix for trusting us to realize this ambitious series; we are deeply proud of our work on Age of Resistance, and the acclaim it has received from fans, critics and our peers, most recently receiving an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program.”

While Netflix is notoriously cagey about releasing viewership numbers and show budgets, it’s clear that The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance must have been incredibly costly and time-consuming, requiring huge teams of puppeteers, costuming, and sfx departments.

The cancelation is sure to upset fans of the world who have been waiting decades to revisit the world of Thra, but at least the one season we got was a worthy new take on Henson’s dark fantasy world. Our (glowing) review of season one is here. For those looking to immerse themselves further into the world of Thra, The Dark Crystal Bestiary book is due on October 13 via Insight Editions, containing detailed drawings and writings on the wild creatures that populate Henson’s original film and the short-lived series. Pre-orders are available now.