Prime Video has officially axed The Wheel of Time after three seasons, shutting down the sprawling fantasy series despite creative support and a sizable global fanbase. The decision, insiders say, came down to cost.
Produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios, the big-budget adaptation of Robert Jordan’s bestselling novels had already wrapped Season 3 when the call was made.
While The Wheel of Time saw strong international performance—topping charts in multiple territories on Prime Video—its domestic viewership flagged. Season 3 dropped out of Nielsen’s Top 10 Originals after just three weeks, a sharp contrast to earlier runs. With high production costs and diminishing U.S. momentum, the streamer opted not to re-up.
The series starred Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred, with Josh Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden and Daniel Henney rounding out the ensemble. Rafe Judkins served as showrunner.
Though Amazon and Sony explored options to keep the franchise alive—either through a leaner fourth season or potential offshoots—no path forward emerged that made financial sense under current conditions.
The cancellation adds to the growing list of fantasy franchises facing economic headwinds in the streaming age. Despite critical support and IP value, even ambitious titles like The Wheel of Time aren’t immune to the metrics game.