There are numerous television shows that have been cancelled far too soon. Some of these were one-season series that showcased incredible storytelling and acting, yet still faced cancellation. Indeed, we continue to mourn the loss of shows like Freaks and Geeks, Firefly, The Society, and How to Die Alone. However, there is a series that Prime Video cancelled after one perfect season, and frankly, we are still not over it.
What Is Prime Video’s ‘A League of Their Own’ About?
A League of Their Own is often remembered as the iconic film from 1992, featuring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Lori Petty (alongside a lesser-known singer named Madonna). Most millennials recall the famous line, “There’s no crying in baseball!” but the movie is also notable for highlighting a fascinating and often overlooked period in our country’s history. With men away fighting in World War II, there were few left to continue playing baseball at home. Some men recognized that women could play (and were actually skilled enough to attract paying fans), leading to the creation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. While the film is entertaining, it reflects its era and does not delve into many deeper issues faced by these women during that time.
“There Should Be a Range of What a Successful Show Is”: Abbi Jacobson Says ‘A League of Their Own’ Had the Fanbase To Be Successful
“I do think there’s a place to have a show that has a great audience, and it doesn’t have to be as successful as your most successful show.”
That’s where Abbi Jacobson came into play. The Broad City star collaborated with Will Graham to create a television series in 2022 centered around these women’s baseball teams during the war, but with a much more compelling perspective. A League of Their Own is set in 1943 and features several different female perspectives, including the protagonist Carson Shaw (Jacobson) and a talented Black baseball player named Maxine Chapman (Chanté Adams). The television show explores a far more realistic and engaging depiction of this historical period, focusing on how racism impacts Maxine’s attempts to join the league and examining LGBTQ+ relationships in the 1940s. The result surpasses the film’s simplistic charm, offering viewers a beautiful blend of dramatic, heart-wrenching moments and comedic delights.
‘A League of Their Own’ Features Incredible Performances by D’Arcy Carden, Abbi Jacobson, and Chanté Adams
In addition to her writing talents, Jacobson’s outstanding performance as Carson is key to the success of A League of Their Own. Jacobson demonstrates her ability to master both dramatic roles and the hilarious comedy showcased in Broad City. She is undoubtedly the backbone of the series with her portrayal of Carson’s kind heart, quest for a better life, and sexual awakening, but there are many other remarkable performances worth praising. Adams brings Max to life as an intriguing character whose determined nature highlights her tenacity and spirit. One of the show’s highlights is Max’s interactions with her best friend Clance (Gbemisola Ikumelo). The chemistry between these two actors beautifully captures the magic of female friendship on screen in an unpredictable manner.
Many secondary characters also shine, including D’Arcy Carden, Kate Berlant, and Melanie Field. Even some minor characters provide laughs during their brief appearances. Additionally, several guest stars enrich the world of A League of Their Own. For instance, Nick Offerman takes on Hanks’ role as the coach of the Rockford Peaches, balancing gruffness with charm effectively. Meanwhile, Rosie O’Donnell‘s appearance as the owner of an underground gay bar brings attention to some overlooked aspects of life during this time when homophobia was rampant. Her meaningful role in the series feels particularly special since she also appeared in the film version of A League of Their Own. All these characters exemplify the team spirit that underpins the series as it portrays ballplayers we genuinely root for. Each character possesses unique motivations and challenges, but together they create a series that resonates with honesty and authenticity.
Prime Video Unfortunately Cancelled ‘A League of Their Own’ After 1 Season
When A League of Their Own premiered in summer 2022, reviewers praised the dramedy highly. A review from Collider noted it delivered “a profound home-run,” rating it an A+. Initially, it seemed promising when the series was picked up for a second season, but despite its immense popularity, Prime Video announced in March 2023 that it would only return for a four-episode season (half of Season 1) to wrap up these characters’ stories. In an even crueler twist, Prime Video declared in August 2023 that A League of Their Own would be cancelled permanently, leaving fans without another chance to see their beloved characters. The streamer cited recent writer and actor strikes as contributing factors to their financial decision to end the series indefinitely. However, Jacobson mentioned in a 2024 interview with Collider that she believed the streamer used those strikes as “an easy way for them to cancel the show.”
With an impressive 95% Certified Fresh Rotten Tomatoes critics score and a dedicated fan base, it remains surprising that Prime Video would not allow A League of Their Own to return for additional episodes. The series aimed to tell stories from many underrepresented communities, making its cancellation even more disappointing. Its portrayal of a more realistic and darker side of the 1940s distinguished it from many Hollywood projects that romanticize aspects of that era and should have garnered more support from the streamer.
Despite its unfortunate cancellation, A League of Their Own remains an excellent eight-episode season worth binge-watching. Every aspect of production is exceptional — from impressive performances and insightful writing to authentic WWII-era sets and costumes — offering viewers a glimpse into characters’ lives that are impossible not to love. While the original movie provides nostalgic entertainment, the television series offers a much more nuanced exploration of women’s stories within the All-American Girls Baseball League. It is indeed a true tragedy that it was cancelled after just one season.
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