Eliza Clark, Y:The Last Man's showrunner, confirmed that FX had canceled the plans to air Season 2 in a shocking turn of events.
This is a remarkable move for a show that is only three episodes away of finishing its first season. It has also been praised by critics and audiences. Clark shared the news and stated that she will do everything she can to make sure the story continues.
"Y:The Last Man" is about gender and how oppressive systems affect identity. Clark wrote that Clark had a diverse group of talented artists who were all women and led almost every aspect of the production. It is the most creatively rewarding, collaborative, and beautiful thing that I have ever been part of. It won't end.
FX is praised by her, even though they parted ways. She adds that the main focus is now on continuing the story, which was adapted from a great, but now outdated, comic book series by Brian K. Vaughn, and Pia Guerrera.
"[We]re certain that someone will be very fortunate to have this team. I have never witnessed such incredible solidarity among so many talented people. We are determined to find Y its next home. She ends with #YLivesOn.
The TV adaptation of Y: The Last Man, which has been in the works for many years, has seen many different forms and creative configurations. This is a difficult story to adapt for today's audiences. The original comic's premise that "all men on Earth are destroyed by a plague targeting people with a type Y chromosome" doesn't really resonate with 2021 viewers whose knowledge of sex has improved over the nearly 20 years since its first issue.
Clark and her team reimagined FX on Hulu. They bring the setting into our modern times. It deliberately departs from the original source by expanding on some characters and adding new ones. This allows the story to be more directly engaged with the current gender politics, but it does not detract from the spirit of the original.
My own review called the show "lovingly infidelity" and said it attempted to answer many of those questions that the comic didn't address. This excellent, deep dive by Emily VanDerWerff from Vox about the show's handling on "tricky trans politics", is a must-read.
There is a long history in which cancelled TV shows have been picked up by broadcast networks and, more often, streaming services. Y's compelling story, direct engagement with ongoing discussions, and deep IRL history of a comic book series, and long-in the-making adaptation make it a perfect candidate for such a revival.
