Amazon Prime Video's highly anticipated series, Cruel Intentions, has been canceled after just one season following its lackluster performance with critics and viewership. Initially premiering in November 2024, the show quickly generated buzz due to its connection to the beloved 1999 cult classic film of the same name. Unfortunately, the excitement did not translate to long-term success.
According to numerous reports, including insights from Variety, the series was unable to break through to the top echelons of streaming success. It was never listed among Nielsen's Top 10 Streaming charts, leading to questions about its popularity. Even though the show garnered some positive feedback from audiences, receiving an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics were not as forgiving, giving it a mere 24% rating.
The show followed the lives of elite students at Manchester College, located near Washington, D.C., where power, reputation, and social status dominate all aspects of college life. The narrative revolved around two scheming step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil, played by Sarah Catherine Hook, and Lucien Belmont, portrayed by Zac Burgess, who would stop at nothing to maintain their social status. Their machinations included seducing Annie Grover (Savannah Lee Smith), the daughter of the Vice President of the United States, to secure their position within the ruthless social hierarchy.
When news of the cancellation broke on March 12, 2025, it was met with mixed reactions. The series was heralded as Prime Video's second most-watched show at its peak, yet it faced intense scrutiny. Critics found the adaptation lacking, with one reviewer commenting, "it wasn't met with kindness and received a 24% Rotten Tomatoes score from the critics," reflecting the harsh judgment it received from industry insiders.
Despite being rooted in the familiar premise of the original film, adapting Cruel Intentions as a television series proved challenging. The creators, Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher, served as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers, bringing the original film's essence to the screen. One must wonder what went wrong with its translation from film to TV series.
Viewers had high hopes for the series, especially considering the enduring legacy of the original film, which explored themes of manipulation and seduction among privileged teenagers. But the attempt at reinvention fell flat for many, as noted by critics who recognized the inherent difficulty of revamping iconic stories. One report noted the challenge, stating, "Adapting an iconic blockbuster still rarely sees the remake doing as well or even equal to its source material.”
Reflections on the cancellation earlier this week revealed sentiments among fans and critics alike. Some heralded the end as merciful and perhaps kinder toward the original material, with opinions proliferated on social media. One sarcastically quipped about the series, "a kind outcome for a cruel TV remake," pointing toward the unenthusiastic reception and obliteration of their expectations.
The discussion surrounding the cancellation has raised points about the future of remakes of such beloved films among streaming platforms. With the growing list of adaptations falling short, some industry experts are already questioning whether studios will continue to invest heavily in revamping well-loved films for the small screen. Adding to the discourse, audiences often weigh their nostalgia against new interpretations, and it's clear from the response to Cruel Intentions series where many stand.
While Prime Video isn't set to announce its plans following this cancellation, the buzz surrounding Cruel Intentions has undeniably set the stage for discussions about the accessibility of cult classics being transformed. Adaptations can either breathe new life or perish under the weight of preexisting expectations.
Notably, the fate of Cruel Intentions echoes similar adaptations such as the ill-fated I Know What You Did Last Summer series, reminding viewers of the unyielding scrutiny remakes endure, whether they meet or fail expectations.
Fans of the original film can take solace knowing it will live on, revered as the quintessential teen drama of the late 90s. The Cruel Intentions series may have marked the end of its attempt to reboot this classic for now, but the undeniable pull of nostalgia for the original will keep discussion alive long after the credits have rolled on this flawed attempt.