Apple Cancels One Of Their Most Critically Acclaimed Shows After 2 Seasons

Apple has cancelled Swagger after 2 seasons, announces the creator. First hitting Apple TV Plus in 2021, Swagger, which is created by Reggie Rock Bythewood, is loosely based on the rise of NBA player Kevin Durant. Swagger season 2 hit the streamer this past summer and, ended up earning even more positive reviews from critics than season 1 did.

Now, Bythewood has taken to Instagram to confirm that Swagger season 3 will not be moving forward at Apple. Check out Bythewood’s post below:

In his confirmation that season 3 of the acclaimed drama won’t be happening, the creator also shared a heartfelt message to the cast, crew, and supporters of the show. Check out his message below:

“What an amazing adventure. In our two seasons, we have launched careers, disrupted genre, brought forth humanity through our characters, told stories we care deeply about, revolutionized the way to shoot basketball and had fun. That’s a blessing. KD, Brian, Rich, Imagine, and CBS Studios, thanks for your trust.

“Apple, while you are not ordering a season three, I made the show I wanted to make. Thank you for that. Cast, writers, and crew, you have my gratitude. Walk on the set with Swagger. Walk off the set with Swagger. For our FAMbase, you lifted us in ways we could never have imagined. The industry, don’t take your foot off the gas. Keep telling our stories.”

Why Swagger Was A Hit With Critics

Although the show may not have had the necessary audience to justify season 3, it certainly made an impression on critics. Swagger currently enjoys a strong 93% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the audience score actually exceeding that at 96%. Despite not featuring a radically unique premise or story, the sports drama evidently features filmmaking talents in front of and behind the camera that elevate the material.

The Swagger cast is a big reason for the show’s positive reception, with stars like O’Shea Jackson Jr., Isaiah Hill, Shinelle Azoroh, Quvenzhané Wallis, Tessa Ferrer, Caleel Harris, Solomon Irama, James Bingham, Sean Anthony Baker, and Ozie Nzeribe all delivering powerhouse performances. Jackson Jr., in particular, who plays Ike “Icon” Edwards, has been singled out as one of the show’s most impressive talents, with the actor previously appearing in Netflix’s Den of Thieves.

Swagger also explored timely and important subject matter relating to race, and socioeconomics in a thoughtful and provocative way. In addition to featuring a diverse cast, many of the show’s writers and directors also come from diverse backgrounds, further elevating the material. While Swagger‘s true story doesn’t fully adhere to the early life or career of Durant or any other basketball player, it effectively brought to life a world not often portrayed on screen while boasting an impressive amount of heart.

Source: Reggie Rock Bythewood/ Instagram