Happy Valley creator’s new drama cancelled after just one series on Disney+
DISNEY+ have axed their big budget show Renegade Nell after just one series.
The programme, written by Sally Wainwright, famed for her creation of Sarah Lancashire drama Happy Valley, won’t make it past a first series after being released earlier this year.
A spokesperson confirmed that the show would not be returning in a statement which read: “Disney+ Original series, Renegade Nell, will not be returning for a second season on the service.
“We’re incredibly proud of the world created by Sally Wainwright and lead director Ben Taylor.
“We’d like to thank them, our production partners at Lookout Point, the entire cast – led by Louisa Harland – and crew for their incredible work on this series, all of whom we hope to work with again in the future.”
Originally confirmed by Deadline, reports suggest that the show did not meet the threshold for a second outing based on a series of criteria.
Derry Girls star Louisa played the title role of Nell in the show set in 18th century England.
In the unique story, Nell finds herself framed for a murder that she did not commit.
It sees her becoming the most notorious and famous criminal outlaw in all of historic Britain.
With the help of supernatural fairy sidekick, a plucky little sprite called Billy Blind, Nell realises that fate has put her on the wrong side of the law for a reason – a reason much bigger than she could have ever imagined.
Adrian Lester, Nick Mohammed and Joely Richardson all co-starred in the hit show.
Renegade Nell became one of Disney+’s biggest original UK commissions and was first taken on by the streamer upon its launch over three years ago.
It debuted shortly after another acclaimed UK Disney+ original, Culprits, starring Nathan Stewert-Jarrett and Gemma Arterton.
The news of its axing comes just days after another show broadcast on the streaming site in the UK had the plug pulled.
Amy Schumer’s Life & Beth faced the chop by the streamer’s US counterpart Hulu over the weekend.
The semi-autobiographical series, which starred and was created by Amy, first debuted on the platform in early 2022.
What is Renegade Nell about?
Set in 1705, Nell Jackson, a quick-witted young woman with a supernaturally special gift, finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in England.
With the help of supernatural fairy sidekick, a plucky little sprite called Billy Blind, Nell realises that fate has put her on the wrong side of the law for a reason – a reason much bigger than she could have ever imagined.
Written by Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack creator Sally Wainwright, Renegade Nell has an all-star cast including Louisa Hadland (Derry Girls), Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso), Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck) and Adrian Lester (Hustle).
All eight episodes are available now on Disney+.
It quickly garnered a dedicated following thanks to its blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling.
Amy Schumer made a statement after the show’s unexpected termination, simply posting a screenshot of the news on Instagram alongside a heart emoji.
