e66. Fandom Petitions

Did you hear about the thing a couple weeks ago where a Christian watchdog group started a petition to get Netflix to cancel the hit TV show Good Omens because Satan, and the internet got a big huge laugh out of it, because that show isn’t even on Netflix? That was great. But it makes us wonder… other than the fact that they petitioned the wrong streaming network, was what they tried to do really any worse than when fans get together to cancel (or save) any TV show? We’re inclined to make fun of people who want force HBO to remake the last season of Game of Thrones or who sincerely think they’re going to get Disney and Lucasfilm to reshoot The Last Jedi in it’s entirety. That said, how is this different than making a petition to rerender Sonic the Hedgehog for his movie? But is what these people want really any different than people trying to save Community, Chuck or Sense8? And honestly, even though this recent petition went to the wrong network, did that really affect its ability to succeed in any substantive way? It’s not like Amazon was going to cancel it anyway. Mav and Hannah are joined by returning guest Andrew Darowski and new guest Matthew Brake to work through the issue of just why do fandom petitions exist, can they ever be effective? Are they useful, a frivolous waste of time, or actively helpful? And what is their relationship to… you know… actual useful petitions? Listen to our thoughts and then let us know what you think. Citations and Links: * This episode’s Call for Comments* “16 times fans saved TV shows from cancellation” by Anjelica Oswald* “Sonic the Hedgehog Director Vows to Change Character Design Following Fan Criticism” by Patrick Shanley* “Thousands of Christians Demand That Netflix Cancel a Show It Does Not Air” by Laura Bradley* Change.org * Thank you to Maximilian’s thoughtForm Music for our theme* Hear Andrew on The Protagonist Podcast* Follow Matthew at Pop Culture & Theology* Follow Hannah on Twitter: @hannahleerogers* Follow Mav on Twitter: @