Unmasking the Untold Secrets: The Real Reason behind the Shocking Cancellation of Pretty Little Liars Spin-Off, The Perfectionists

Summary

Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists was canceled after one season, much to the disappointment of fans, despite generally good reviews.

Freeform's decision to cancel the show can be attributed to its shift in focus towards programs that target similar demographics but revolve around relatable characters and their everyday struggles.

Unfortunately, the spinoff failed to attract a significant audience, with an average of under 300,000 viewers per episode. This pales in comparison to the original Pretty Little Liars, which achieved nearly 2 million viewers per episode during its final season.

The show Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists was unfortunately canceled after just one season, leaving fans disappointed. Despite positive reviews, Freeform decided to abruptly end the series after only ten episodes. This was not the first time a Pretty Little Liars spinoff had a similar fate, with Ravenswood also lasting only one season in 2014. The Perfectionists was created by I. Marlene King, the showrunner of Pretty Little Liars, who also wrote the pilot episode and served as an executive producer. The spinoff featured familiar characters such as Alison DiLaurentis (played by Sasha Pieterse) and Mona Vanderwaal (played by Janel Parrish), along with new characters. The storyline revolved around Alison and Mona's journey at Beacon Heights University, where they encountered another murder mystery after leaving Rosewood High.

The Reason Why Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists Was Canceled

There are several potential reasons why Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists was canceled despite receiving positive reviews. The spinoff actually exceeded the original show in certain aspects. The original Pretty Little Liars played a crucial role in ABC Family's transition to Freeform. However, as the network evolved, Freeform shifted its focus to shows that targeted a similar demographic as PLL, but ones that delved into the everyday lives and dramas of regular people.

By 2019, when Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists was canceled, shows like The Bold Type and Grown-ish had become staples for that demographic on Freeform. This is one explanation as to why the network decided not to renew the spinoff for a second season. The thriller series simply didn't align with the brand at that time. If Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists had been more popular, it may have been given a chance to continue. However, The Perfectionists failed to gather a significant following early on. This is likely the primary reason why the show was canceled after its first season.

Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists Had Positive Reviews

In contrast to the viewership numbers of Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, which averaged under 300,000 views when it first aired, the final season of Pretty Little Liars attracted nearly 2 million viewers per episode. It is worth noting that the show experienced a decline in ratings in later seasons compared to its earlier ones.

Despite garnering good reviews and benefiting from a loyal fan base due to its connection to the original Pretty Little Liars, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists did not receive a renewal for a second season. Despite relying on the mystery setup from its parent show and providing a familiar world, the spin-off was canceled by Freeform after just ten episodes. This unexpected conclusion left viewers shocked and sparked outrage among fans, who were left with numerous unanswered questions regarding the fate of original characters Ali and Mona.

Despite the positive reviews, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists might not have had a fair chance due to comparisons with the original series. Comparing the two shows can be deemed unjust since Pretty Little Liars had the advantage of gradually building its audience. Additionally, there is the undeniable fact that live viewership had been consistently declining in the past few years, and Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists would arguably never attain the same level of viewership as its predecessor. Furthermore, some fans may have been fatigued from watching Pretty Little Liars, depending on their sentiments regarding the series finale.

Pretty Little Liars Continues On Through Another Spinoff

However, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin offered a reason for fans to rejoice. Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa took the reins of the reboot, introducing a fresh ensemble of characters within the captivating town of Millwood. While it may not have provided closure for ardent followers of Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, it did present them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a new series set in the same universe. In addition, it was not subject to the uncertainty of determination by a conventional television network like Freeform for its continuation. Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin emerged directly on Max as an original series.

Starring Sharon Leal, Elena Goode, and Lea Salonga, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin showcases the actresses as mothers to the series' main characters, each harboring secrets from their pasts. While audience numbers cannot be directly compared to its predecessor, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, Original Sin managed to attract a fresh stream of viewers, potentially positioning it for success. The show's positive reception mirrored that of The Perfectionists, but unlike its predecessor, Original Sin earned the opportunity for a second season.