The Enchanting World of ‘My Lady Jane’
My Lady Jane is a whimsical reimagining of Lady Jane Grey's real life. Famously known as the “Nine-Day Queen” of England, she succeeded the throne after her cousin Edward VI died.
The series is based on the historical fantasy novel by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. It is set against an alternate Tudor England backdrop where Lady Jane is alive, and the world is divided not into Catholics and Protestants but into “Verities” (humans) and “Ethians” (shapeshifters), adding a fictional twist to the historical events.
Lady Jane is a strong and independent young woman who navigates the court's power dynamics, the expectations placed upon her as a noblewoman, and her growing love story with her enemies-to-lovers husband, Lord Guildford Dudley—a charming gentleman who secretly transforms into a horse at night.
The Popularity and the Dismissal
As the My Lady Jane release date approached, June 27, 2024, anticipation grew. After its launch, the series garnered attention, and a dedicated fan following came along. Even film critics gave it a remarkable 94% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, its viewership numbers on Amazon Prime Video were less strong than anticipated.
The show couldn’t break into Nielsen’s Top 10 weekly streaming rankings for originals, raising concerns about its sustainability in a competitive streaming landscape on Amazon. For streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, keeping a high viewership is key to justifying the cost of producing new seasons. Unfortunately, My Lady Jane fell short of meeting these expectations, leading to its sudden dismissal.
Season 2 Canceled
The news of the cancellation shocked everyone. When Prime Video announced that there wouldn’t be a second season, fans and cast members expressed their sadness on the internet, sharing it with their fans.
While his co-star Emily Bader (Lady Jane) posted a more emotional message, Edward Bluemel's (Guilford) playful tone stayed consistent with the quirky nature of the series. He shared a collage of sad horse pictures (a reference to his character’s frequent horse transformations) to express his disappointment humorously.
Many used social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express frustration. Some compared it to other series that continued despite weaker plots, and some even launched a petition to revive the series, which got over 11,000 signatures.
Some fans compared My Lady Jane to Bridgerton, saying it had more potential but wasn't promoted as much. Despite the fans' best efforts, Prime Video hasn’t considered reconsidering its decision yet.
Is There Hope for a Revival?
With the show's immense popularity came the question—will there be a Season 2 of My Lady Jane? While the immediate answer may disappoint fans, hope is not entirely lost. In today's entertainment world, where fan campaigns and social media hold power, there's always a chance for a revival if demand remains strong. Nowadays, streaming platforms are receptive to audience feedback and engagement, so fan-driven efforts could genuinely make a difference.
The creator and co-showrunner, Gemma Burgess, has previously shared her vision for the second season, “growing up and moving on and figuring out how to survive in the world where Jane is free, but the kingdom is not. Because Mary’s still on the throne. There’s a lot more work to do before things are right.”
In an interview, Burgess also teasingly said, “(Season 2) is always a possibility.”
As the first season of My Lady Jane approaches its end, viewers get a delightful and unexpected resolution. Unlike Lady Jane Grey's tragic death in real life, the series shows Jane navigating the intricacies of court politics and escaping the clutches of Queen Mary. The finale shows her riding off into the sunset with her husband, Gifford.
The series has left fans with countless questions, wondering what might happen in the second season. However, fans can take comfort in knowing that Jane's journey concludes with love, freedom, and a bright future.
