Reasoning Behind the Resurgence of 'Infinity Train' on a Different Platform
In the world of animated television, the cancellation of a beloved series can often leave fans feeling disheartened. One such series that met an untimely end is "Infinity Train," an anthology series created by Owen Dennis. The show, which aired on HBO Max for four seasons, was cancelled in April 2021 due to management's belief that the show had no entry point for children, despite its adult appeal.
However, the cancellation did not mark the end of "Infinity Train." The series remained available on HBO Max, and its creator, Owen Dennis, has confirmed that he is still trying to revive the show by pitching the remaining seasons to different distributors.
The cancellation of "Infinity Train" is not an isolated incident. Other popular animated series, such as "Samurai Jack" and "Tuca & Bertie," have also faced the chopping block, only to be revived and find success once again.
"Samurai Jack," created by Genndy Tartakovsky, was cancelled after its fourth season in 2004 but was revived on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim in 2017. The fifth and final season of the show received overwhelmingly positive reception. Similarly, "Tuca & Bertie," created by the production designer and producer of Bojack Horseman, was picked up by Adult Swim and developed a loyal fanbase.
The revival of these canceled shows demonstrates the potential for success when given a second chance. This trend is further illustrated by the revival of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." The series, which was cancelled after six seasons, was revived on Disney+ in February 2020. The final season of the show received high ratings and sparked renewed interest in Star Wars among many fans.
The goal of "Infinity Train" is for characters to learn about themselves, unpack traumas, and grow, which is the only way for them to leave the train and return home. Each cart on the train offers a fantastical environment and lessons for the characters.
Fans of "Infinity Train" have expressed hope that the show will be revived, citing the success of other series' revivals. Fan campaigns to revive "Tuca & Bertie" reached over 30,000 signatures on Change.org.
The cancellation of "Infinity Train" highlights the disconnect between corporate interests, content strategy, and what truly interests audiences. It serves as a reminder that the voices of fans can make a difference and that there is always the potential for a beloved series to return.
