Here's why ABC's Of Kings And Prophets season 2 didn't happen. Game Of Thrones is a groundbreaking series in more ways than one, bringing George R.R. Martin's epic book saga to life with great casting and high production value. The scale of the show put it on par with anything seen in the movies and it also raised the bar in terms of depicting violence and sex on the small screen. Its success also inspired similar fantasy-themed shows like Outlander.
ABC was very much hoping for a blockbuster hit with their series Of Kings And Prophets, which debuted in 2016. The show is based on the Old Testament's Books of Samuel and it cast Ray Winstone as King of Israel Saul, but after a prophet announces humble shepherd David (Olly Rix) - who receives fame in the kingdom for killing a lion - will be the next ruler, tensions between the two quickly arise. The series featured bloody battles and sex, and very much sought to spice up the biblical tale with a Game Of Thrones-flavored makeover.
Of Kings And Prophets was first set to premiere in 2015 but was later pushed back due to lukewarm reactions to the original pilot. Narcos co-creator Chris Brancato was then brought on and the pilot was recast and reshot. Much was made of the show's racy elements too, include more explicit edits of episodes being made available online after being trimmed for broadcast. Despite the hype, there's a simple reason Of Kings And Prophets season 2 didn't happen.
Of Kings And Prophets Was Cancelled After Two Episodes
Despite the network's faith in Of Kings And Prophets it debuted to horrendous ratings, which only tumbled further with the second episode. Thus, ABC pulled Of Kings And Prophets after airing only two episodes and - understandably - cancelled the show. The lukewarm reviews it attracted before its debut didn't help matters, with the plot being cited as messy and confusing. The fact it was trying to invoke Game Of Thrones from its look through to its abundance of sex and death did little to help its credibility either, especially when they did little to mask its fundamental flaws.
Of Kings And Prophets Season 2 Wasn't Shopped To Other Networks
Kings And Prophets is a series that was better suited to the likes of HBO or STARZ than ABC, but despite its potential, there was seemingly never a discussion of bringing it somewhere else for a second season. Given its very public failure and the fact the final product was a disappointment, it's doubtful it would have been picked up regardless.