Octavia Spencer Responds to Prime Video Cancelling Ride or Die

In the past week, two fanbases have woken up to the terrible news that their favorite show has been cancelled. On Netflix, after five seasons and 50 episodes, the plug was pulled on Sweet Magnolias, deemed a perfect modern alternative to the iconic Gilmore Girls. Despite it seeming like the writers had laid the groundwork for several Season 6 storylines, a downward trend in viewership left higher-ups feeling as if they had no choice and calling it a day on what was once an unmissable show on the streamer.

The blow of losing Sweet Magnolias was softened by confirmation that star JoAnna Garcia Swisher and showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson would team up on a new project for Netflix titled Ladies of the House, based on a novel by Lauren Edmondson. But not every cancellation comes with the same silver lining. At a similar time, Prime Video made the shock announcement that the Thelma & Louise-esque action-comedy series, Ride or Die, had been officially given the ax.

Starring Oscar winner Octavia Spencer and Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham, the show was a hit with both critics and audiences and had seemingly done enough to earn a second season. Nevertheless, the decision was made for Ride or Die to be put on the market, one that shocked almost everyone who had indulged in its quality. As the dust settles on the decision, Spencer has taken to her Instagram to break her silence, saying in a post:

"Apparently, THIS was the best weekend for me to get sick because, well, distractions! I hope every creative out there gets to have the incredible experience that I’ve had bringing this project to life with the unwavering support from Skydance/Paramount these past three years. Matt Thunell, Dana, Shelley, and Blair thank you. Barbara and Double Dream thank you! Projects like this shouldn’t be the exception, they should be rule! For all the women out there who felt seen, laughed out loud, lived out loud with Debbie and Judith, thank you. This was a fun one! Thank you Tessa Coates! Massive thank you to you, Jen Salke! You’ve always had exquisite taste!"

Prime Video's Decision Isn't Backed By Data

Part of the widespread shock and outrage at this strange decision came from the data, which proved that Ride or Die was one of Prime Video's biggest summer breakouts. The buddy comedy debuted at #1 in the charts, reaching 927K views in its first two days. Debuting at No. 8 on the Nielsen Weekly Top 10 overall streaming chart and at No. 3 among originals, the show impressed with a huge 869 million minutes watched. Alas, that still wasn't enough for Prime Video to renew the female-led spy comedy for a second season.