#Why Swamp Thing Was Canceled So Quickly — Here’s What We Know

From Warner Bros. TV and produced by James Wan, “Swamp Thing” (which is based on the DC comic book of the same name) followed scientist Abby Arcane on her trip home to Louisiana to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus. She develops a close relationship with disgraced scientist Alec Holland, who tragically dies, but Abby soon discovers the real effects of the swamp after a gigantic swamp creature emerges and claims to be Holland.

“Swamp Thing” was originally slated for 13 episodes, but during the show’s production Warner Bros. Television cut the order down to 10 episodes. Virginia Madsen (who played Maria Sunderland) wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post, “I’m beyond sad. What a terrible decision. We have been cut to the core by those who have never set foot into the Swamp. And despite the rule I am going to use the hashtag. #swampthing.”

The full cancelation wasn’t announced until after the first episode of “Swamp Thing” released, baffling audiences and the show’s producers alike. When the news broke, “#SaveSwampThing” began trending and James Wan took to Instagram to express his shock and dismay over the decision.

DC Universe released the remaining nine episodes, and in May 2020 The CW acquired the broadcasting rights to the series. Many hoped that the network would #SaveSwampThing and revive the show for a second season. Unfortunately, The CW’s chairman and CEO, Mark Pedowitz, said in January 2021 that it’s highly unlikely the show will return — though he also said that the character may appear in a different form (per Deadline).