The fan initiative to preserve *The Wheel of Time* is quickly gathering steam. Following Prime Video’s unexpected choice a few months back to cancel the series after its third season, supporters have ignited a fervent drive to keep the show alive — and it’s beginning to create an impact.
The grassroots *SaveWOT* initiative is officially making its presence felt, surpassing the 200,000-signature threshold on its online petition in the early morning hours of July 17. This petition is not merely a figure — it’s a strong and unmistakable message to Prime Video and any other streaming services or studios that may be paying attention: *The Wheel of Time* has a committed fanbase that refuses to let go.
As one organizer from the campaign stated, “200,000 signatures is a remarkable display of support, and it should indicate to studios that there is a massive fan base yearning for more *Wheel of Time*.” This landmark achievement was reached just days after the fan-coordinated WoTCon event, where *Wheel of Time* costume designer Sharon Gilham, a prominent advocate of the initiative, was the guest of honor.
Fans are striving to rescue *The Wheel of Time*
What fascinates me about the *SaveWOT* campaign is not just its fan-led nature, but that instead of depending on third-party sites like Change.org, the movement has thrived through word-of-mouth and a collective passion for the narrative. Supporters have united under the banner of the fan-created website, *SaveWOT.com*, which has become a central hub for orchestrating everything from large-scale billboard campaigns to rewatch parties and even serenades for studio staff (there’s also a GoFundMe).
The movement has witnessed some genuinely inventive and touching efforts, such as a *Sew for WOT* crafting challenge, the WoT Idol song parody contest, and fan-funded billboards that have appeared worldwide. There’s even been a flyover of Culver City studios, serving as a direct and striking reminder that this show holds significant value for its fans.
The abrupt cancellation
Prime Video’s choice to cancel *The Wheel of Time* surprised many — especially since the show seemed to be finally finding its rhythm. After a successful debut season in 2021 that racked up over 1.16 billion viewing minutes, *The Wheel of Time* appeared poised to be Prime Video’s counterpart to *Game of Thrones*. By the time Season 3 launched this year, the series had topped Prime Video charts in 23 countries in addition to breaking into the Nielsen Top 10.
Critics’ scores for the show were also favorable, with the most recent season earning an almost perfect 97% approval rating; audience scores have likewise been high. Prime Video’s decision to pull the plug on the series has left fans … bewildered, to put it mildly.
As one enthusiast remarked on Threads, “It doesn’t make sense. The show wasn’t a failure, nor was it flawed. It had found its rhythm.” The show’s consistent ratings and dedicated fanbase appeared to warrant additional seasons — but Prime Video’s changing emphasis on high-budget adaptations like *God of War* and *Mass Effect* resulted in *The Wheel of Time* being canceled nonetheless. With other series drawing in stronger numbers, it’s evident that Prime Video is redirecting its attention to big-name franchises with enormous expectations.
