In 2021, Cruel Summer took the television world by storm, captivating millions worldwide with its gripping narrative. The first season’s story resonated globally, thanks to its availability on platforms like Prime Video after its original airing. The prompt renewal for a second season raised expectations, but sadly, 2023 brings the surprising news of Freeform canceling the series after just two installments.
In the initial season, viewers were introduced to Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia) and Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt), whose lives took a drastic turn when Kate was kidnapped by the new vice principal of their school, Martin Harris (Blake Lee).
The second season of Cruel Summer shifts the focus to Isabella LaRue (Lexi Underwood), the daughter of diplomats, arriving in the summer of 1999. Her presence puts the life of Megan Landry (Sadie Stanley) in jeopardy. Isabella’s arrival eventually leads to the death of Megan’s boyfriend, Luke (Griffin Gluck), in winter, sparking a murder investigation. The police cast suspicions on both girls when Luke’s body is discovered in the summer of 2000.
Despite the first season’s immense success, many deemed the second season of Cruel Summer a disappointment. Critics and fans cited a lack of intrigue compared to the initial installment, coupled with an unconvincing and unpleasant relationship between Megan and Isabella.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Freeform executives contemplated reviving Cruel Summer and Good Trouble, another canceled series. However, the negative reception and reviews for both shows didn’t justify the costs, especially as Disney aims to cut costs by an additional two billion dollars. Additionally, the majority of viewers consumed the series on Hulu rather than Freeform.
The abrupt cancellation has left fans with lingering questions about the future of the series and the reasons behind Freeform’s decision. As the curtain falls on Cruel Summer, it marks the end of a rollercoaster journey for a series that once stood at the forefront of the television landscape.