The Real Reason Why This Iconic 92%-Rated Sci-Fi Series Was Canceled Twice

Every genre has its own iconic TV series that made it legendary and turned the viewers into the obsessed fans even though they thought they were not as interested before. In the case of science fiction, there is one and only TV show that had the capacity to manage to do so.

Of course, we are talking about The Twilight Zone, created by Rod Serling in 1959. The series followed its characters through many different, often disturbing events, an experience described as entering the ‘Twilight Zone’.

Although the main genre the show works in is described as science fiction, it went way beyond the format and often introduces occasional episodes in dystopian fiction, absurdism, black comedy, even horror.

The main thing was to introduce the unexpected plot twist in every episode and end the story with a moral epilogue. In many ways the show became the trendsetter in the industry, giving the viewers the chance to learn the most iconic tools of creating a sci-fi story.

However, the CBS project ran for only 5 years. And over the course it was canceled… two times! Still, never missing a year on the air.

Why Was The Twilight Zone Canceled?

These cancellations occurred for a lot of different reasons, ranging from creative and financial decisions, once due to an inability to secure sponsorship, and most recently after season 5 due to ongoing disputes between Rod Serling and CBS executive James Aubrey.

The first time the show was canceled was right before season 4 in 1962, and the reason was financial: they couldn’t find a sponsor. Yes, it’s a lema reason, but still the one that occurs constantly in the industry. Through many beefs with the infamous James Aubrey, they managed to still put the show back on air, but it still wasn’t forever.

When the show returned for season 5, James Aubrey drastically cut the show's production budget. Rumor has it that this was done on purpose to compromise the quality of the show. We don't know if it's true, but after season 5, in 1964, the show was gone for good… only to return as a new show in 1985! But that's another story.

The Twilight Zone is available to stream on Prime Video. Don't miss your chance to watch the most fascinating sci-fi show of all time.