Why was Rashida Jones' Sunny canceled on Apple TV? Explained

Modified Nov 04, 2024 16:01 GMT

Joanna Sotomura voiced Sunny (Image via Youtube/AppleTV+)

Sunny is a sci-fi black comedy series created by Katie Robbins for Apple TV+. The series is based on the 2018 novel Dark Manual by Colin O'Sullivan. It consists of 10 episodes, directed by five different directors.

The story is set in Japan, where Suzie Sakamoto lives with her family. Her life is turned upside down when her husband and son disappear in a mysterious plane crash. She then receives a mysterious robot named Sunny as consolation from the electronics company where her husband worked. As the story progresses, Suzie forms a bond with Sunny and begins to learn about what truly happened to her husband.

According to reports by ScreenDaily, the show has been canceled, meaning fans will not get to see what happens to Suzie after the cliffhanger at the end of episode 10 of season one. The cancellation is attributed to its low popularity and poor audience response. The series stars Rashida Jones, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Joanna Sotomura, Judy Ongg, and Annie Wersching in prominent roles.

Why was Sunny canceled?

Apple TV+ has added its sci-fi black comedy series Sunny to the list of shows that the streaming giant has canceled after only the first season. According to Screendaily.com, the show produced by A24 has been canceled. Previously, other Apple TV+ shows such as Strange Planet, The Changeling, Constellation, and Time Bandits were also abruptly canceled.

The show did not garner the audience it was expected to and is among the less popular shows on the platform. Based on the novel Dark Manual by Colin O'Sullivan, the show was unique for being almost entirely shot in Japan and featured an ensemble of Japanese actors.

Despite its intriguing storyline and diverse cast, the show does not seem to be gaining momentum and drawing new viewers. According to TelevisionStats.com, its popularity has been constantly dipping, and it currently ranks as the 26th most popular show on Apple TV+.

What is the show about?

The series is set in a futuristic Japan, where Suzie Sakamoto, played by Rashida Jones, lives in Kyoto with her husband, Masahiko Sakamoto, and their son. In an unfortunate plane crash, her husband and son disappeared.

While she is grieving her loss, her life changes when she receives a domestic robot named Sunny as consolation from the electronics company where her husband used to work. She is shocked to learn that the robot was created by her later husband, as she believed her husband worked solely on refrigerators and never discussed anything about creating a domestic robot.

An unexpected friendship is formed between the robot and Suzie. However, soon she begins to learn that her family's disappearance wasn't an accident and there are bigger things at play.