The Exorcist: Canceled at Fox after Two Seasons
Carissa Pavlica
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The Exorcist is gone ... for now.
Fox has decided not to move on with the critically acclaimed but low-rated drama that was a spectacular homage to the book and original movie. The franchise will never truly die out, though.
While the first season gave fans closure to the story that started in the movie franchise, the second season focused on something new and terrifying in its own right.
During The Exorcist Season 1, Geena Davis starred as the mother of two daughters, one of whom she believed was suffering from issues with a demon.
The story played out through the season alluding to the fact it might be a do-over from the original but straying a bit farther from the source material.
It was quite a surprise when it was revealed Davis' character was Regan, the part played by Linda Blair in The Exorcist movie, as an adult mother who had now brought the demon to her children.
The twists and turns throughout the season were met with high-caliber acting and the family was given a happy ending.
The two priests who played the exorcists, though, rogue Marcus Keane (Ben Daniels) and fresh-faced Father Tomas Ortega (Alfonso Herrera) were mesmerizing and The Exorcist Season 2 found them on the road tackling a new case.
While it didn't have the callbacks to the film, the demonology contained in Season 2 came with a new terror because it was manifested by way of small children.
Is there anything creepier than terrifying than creepy children?
With John Cho on board as the patriarch of the newest "family," the second season was even more solid and satisfying from a storytelling standpoint than the first, but still, the viewers weren't on board.
It's not a surprise Fox chose not to continue with this terrific series, but it's a shame there weren't more of you who were watching.
It's hard to get a read on what will catch the eye of an audience, but Fox gave this one two years to catch on to no avail.
Still, wondering whether this would have done better on a streaming network is something I can't help but dream about because when a show this good goes away, so much potential goes with it.
The Exorcist joins Lucifer, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Last Man on Earth and The Mick as cancelations so far this season.
If your interest is piqued, you can watch The Exorcist online. Otherwise, share your distress in the comments below.
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
