ITV’s decision to halt production on Victoria after three seasons stunned fans of the popular historical drama. The series, which starred Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria, was praised for its lush visuals and strong performances, earning high ratings and critical acclaim during its initial run.
However, despite the show’s success, ITV announced in 2021 that there would be no Season 4, with the network stating, “There are no plans presently to film Victoria, but that’s not to say we won’t revisit the series with the production team at a later date.
This carefully worded statement left the door open for a future return, but as of now, no further episodes have been commissioned.
The cancellation came after a long hiatus following the third season’s conclusion in 2019. Fans had been hopeful for a return, especially since both Coleman and series creator Daisy Goodwin had expressed interest in continuing the story.
Coleman had previously said the show would take a “break” after Season 3, hinting at ongoing discussions about how to proceed with the next chapter of Victoria’s life.
Goodwin, the show’s writer, mentioned that Season 4 could be “amazing” and that the series could potentially go on for several more seasons, but only if the right circumstances aligned.
Behind the Scenes: Scheduling, Stardom, and Storylines
One of the biggest factors in the cancellation was the challenge of aligning schedules. Jenna Coleman’s career has taken off in the years since Victoria’s last episode aired. She has appeared in major productions such as The Sandman and The Cry, making it difficult to commit to another lengthy period drama.
Coleman herself admitted that continuing the show would require a significant time investment, joking that she might have to play Victoria “until I am 63.
With the character aging and the potential need for recasting, both Coleman and Goodwin acknowledged that there would come a point where the role would have to be passed on to another actress, similar to what happened with The Crown.
Another issue was the evolving storyline. The series had covered the early years of Victoria’s reign, but there was still a vast amount of history to explore.
Goodwin had been working on the Season 4 script, considering where to pick up the narrative, whether to begin with the Crimean War or a later period. However, with Coleman’s schedule and the logistical challenges of production, it became increasingly difficult to move forward.
Victoria (Credit: Netflix)
There were also reports that ratings had declined slightly after the first season, which may have influenced ITV’s decision not to invest further in the show.
What’s Next for Victoria and Its Fans?
Although the cancellation of Victoria is disappointing for fans, the show’s legacy remains strong. The series brought Queen Victoria’s story to a new generation, blending historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling.
ITV’s statement left room for a possible revival, and both Coleman and Goodwin have expressed openness to returning if the right opportunity arises. Goodwin has even suggested that the show could be recast and continue indefinitely, much like The Crown, if there is continued interest in historical dramas.
For now, fans will have to be content with the three seasons that aired, which covered Victoria’s rise to the throne, her marriage to Prince Albert, and her early years as queen.
The series’s impact on British television is undeniable, and its cancellation serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with producing long-running historical dramas. While there may be no Season 4 on the horizon, the door is not completely closed, and fans can hold onto hope that Victoria’s story may one day continue.
The Impact on British Period Dramas
Victoria’s cancellation also reflects broader trends in British television. Period dramas have always been a staple of British TV, but in recent years, networks have had to contend with rising production costs, competition from streaming platforms, and changing audience tastes.
The success of shows like The Crown and Bridgerton has set a high bar for production quality, making it harder for networks to justify investing in new period dramas unless they are confident of strong ratings and international appeal.
ITV’s decision to pause Victoria rather than cancel it outright suggests that the network is keeping its options open. If audience demand remains strong and the right creative team is available, a revival could be possible in the future.
However, the show’s future will likely depend on whether Coleman is willing to return and whether the network believes there is enough interest to justify the investment.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Legacy
The cancellation of Victoria sparked a wave of disappointment among fans, many of whom took to social media to express their sadness and frustration.
The show had built a loyal following, drawn to its mix of historical drama, romance, and strong performances. For many viewers, Victoria was not just a TV series, but a way of connecting with British history and culture.
The series’ legacy extends beyond its ratings and awards. Victoria helped to popularize period dramas among a new generation of viewers, inspiring a renewed interest in historical storytelling.
The show’s attention to detail, from its costumes to its dialogue, set a new standard for historical accuracy in British television. Even as the series comes to a halt, its impact on the genre is likely to be felt for years to come.
The Future of Historical Storytelling
The cancellation of Victoria raises important questions about the future of historical storytelling on television. As streaming platforms continue to dominate the market, traditional networks like ITV are under pressure to adapt and innovate.
The success of shows like The Crown and Bridgerton has shown that there is still a strong appetite for period dramas, but networks must find new ways to engage audiences and keep up with changing tastes.
For fans of Victoria, the cancellation is a reminder that nothing in television is guaranteed. Shows can be cancelled for a variety of reasons, from scheduling conflicts to changing audience preferences. However, the legacy of Victoria will endure, and its story may one day be told again in a new form.
A new behind-the-scenes image from the set of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Season 2, has fans talking. Lance Barber , best known for his role as George Cooper Sr. in Young Sheldon, was spotted reuniting with his on-screen family, including Montana Jordan (Georgie), Reagan Revord (Missy), and Zoe Perry (Mary).
The photo, shared by the show’s writers on Instagram, shows Barber looking notably different from his Young Sheldon days, prompting reactions from fans who found him “unrecognisable.
This isn’t the first time Barber has visited the set since Young Sheldon ended, but the timing and context have fueled speculation about a possible cameo in the new season.
Barber’s character, George Sr., was tragically killed off in Young Sheldon, a move that left fans emotional and the show’s creators with the challenge of handling his legacy.
Despite his character’s death, Barber’s return in Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage is not unprecedented. In a previous episode, he appeared in a dream sequence, allowing Georgie to process his grief and guilt.
The show’s writers have already established a precedent for bringing George back in some form, and this latest set image has only intensified rumours that he may appear again in a similar way.
The excitement isn’t just about seeing Barber back on set; it’s also about what his return could mean for the story. If George does come back, even briefly, it could provide closure for Georgie and Missy and give Mary a chance to interact with her late husband one more time.
However, there’s also a downside: George’s return highlights the absence of Iain Armitage, who played young Sheldon. With the show able to bring back a dead character, fans are wondering why Sheldon hasn’t made a similar appearance.
Mary’s New Chapter: Moving On After Loss
While fans are buzzing about George’s possible return, the spotlight in Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Season 2 is also on Mary Cooper, played by Zoe Perry.
The new season sees Mary taking steps to move on after George’s death, including the possibility of starting to date again. This storyline is both heartwarming and controversial, as it forces the family to confront their grief and consider what life looks like without George.
Mary’s journey is central to the show’s emotional arc, and her decisions are likely to have ripple effects on Georgie, Missy, and the rest of the Cooper family. The show’s creators have teased that Mary’s new chapter will be a major focus, with episodes exploring her struggles, hopes, and the reactions of her children.
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Season 2 (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
If Georgie and Missy disapprove of their mother’s new relationship, it could lead to family conflict and difficult conversations about loyalty, memory, and healing.
The return of familiar faces, including Montana Jordan, Reagan Revord, and Zoe Perry, adds depth to these storylines and helps ground the show in its roots. While Annie Potts, who played Meemaw, may not be as available due to other commitments, the show’s creators are hopeful she’ll make a guest appearance.
The Cooper family dining room, a beloved set from Young Sheldon, will also make a return, providing a sense of continuity and nostalgia for fans.
What’s Next for the Cooper Family?
The future of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage is full of possibilities. With Lance Barber’s surprise visit to the set and the introduction of new storylines for Mary, the show is poised to explore both the emotional and practical challenges of life after George’s death.
The show’s creators have hinted at more surprises, including potential appearances by other Young Sheldon alumni and new developments for Georgie and Mandy as they navigate parenthood and marriage.
The return of George, even in a dream or flashback, could provide a powerful moment for the characters and the audience.
It could also open the door for other characters, like Sheldon, to make a guest appearance . However, the show’s focus remains on Georgie and Mandy’s journey, with their struggles, triumphs, and family dynamics at the heart of the story.
As the new season unfolds, fans can expect a mix of heartfelt moments, family drama, and the kind of humour that made Young Sheldon a hit. The Cooper family’s story is far from over, and with each new episode, they continue to grow, heal, and move forward.
