The Peripheral: Amazon’s Underrated Cyberpunk Thriller Series

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Even though it was canceled after only one season, Prime Video’s sci-fi series, The Peripheral, is a hidden treasure. Amazon has built a strong reputation with fans of the genre thanks to shows like The Boys and Fallout, and they’re leading the way in dark, satirical science fiction. However, some of their best shows, including The Peripheral, haven’t gotten the attention they deserve.

Both Paper Girls and The Peripheral were promising shows on Prime Video that unfortunately only lasted one season. Paper Girls blended time travel with a touching story about growing up, but didn’t reach a wide audience due to poor promotion. The Peripheral, which debuted in late 2022 with an exciting new take on science fiction, also failed to get renewed.

The Peripheral Is An Underrated Cyberpunk Gem

Inspired by William Gibson’s 2014 novel—Gibson is a pioneer of the cyberpunk genre known for Neuromancer—The Peripheral jumps between two time periods: a bleak 2032 and a ruined 2099. The series stars Chloë Grace Moretz as a gamer who unexpectedly enters a different world, uncovering a troubling vision of her own future.

Scott B. Smith, the author of novels like A Simple Plan and The Ruins (which he also adapted into films), created the series. Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the creators of Westworld, served as executive producers, and like that show, it’s a complex and thought-provoking experience.

Many sci-fi shows with interesting concepts prioritize character drama over exploring their unique worlds. But The Peripheral is different. It dives deep into its complex setting and relevant themes about the future, giving those ideas just as much importance as the story and its characters.

This show is intelligently written with breathtaking visuals and a captivating central idea. Chloe Moretz delivers another excellent performance, supported by Jack Reynor, known from Midsommar. Its unique structure, jumping between two distinct timelines, sets it apart and provides a solid foundation for a large-scale science fiction story.

The first season had potential, hinting at a truly great show. It had all the necessary elements – a promising story and characters – to really take off. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. While Amazon initially appeared interested in continuing the series, they ultimately decided to cancel it after just one season.

Why The Peripheral Was Canceled

Shortly after The Peripheral began streaming on Prime Video, Amazon ordered a second season. Unfortunately, the company later changed its mind and canceled the show before it could be made. This decision was due to the Hollywood strikes of 2023. While Amazon initially renewed the series in February 2023, the industry-wide strikes that began in August led to its cancellation.

With both writers and actors on strike, the major studios responded by cutting jobs rather than reaching a fair agreement. Many film and television projects were affected, including the show The Peripheral. Amazon cancelled the planned second season, leaving the series with only one season completed.

It’s disappointing, but sadly not surprising these days with streaming TV. If The Peripheral had gotten a second season and continued, it might have become as popular as Amazon hits like The Boys, Fallout, and Reacher. However, it looks like the show won’t be continuing, and will likely remain a favorite among a smaller group of dedicated fans.

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2026-03-10 00:38