A Brief Summary of ‘My Lady Jane’
‘My Lady Jane’ was based on the popular young adult novel of the same name, written by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. The series offered a revisionist take on the life of Lady Jane Grey, the short-lived Queen of England who ruled for a mere nine days before being beheaded in 1553. However, the show diverged from historical accuracy, presenting an alternate universe where Lady Jane Grey, played by Emily Bader, navigates a world filled with shape-shifters, known as Ethians, and other fantastical elements.
The series was well-received by critics, earning a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many praised it for its blend of humor, fantasy, and romance, drawing comparisons to other successful period dramas like The Great. The show’s creators, Gemma Burgess and Meredith Glynn, along with executive producers Jamie Babbit, Sarah Bradshaw, and Laurie MacDonald, brought together a talented cast including Edward Bluemel, Jordan Peters, Anna Chancellor, and Dominic Cooper.
Why Was ‘My Lady Jane’ Canceled?
Despite its critical success, ‘My Lady Jane’ struggled to find a large audience. Amazon Prime Video, which does not typically release detailed viewership data, confirmed that the show never broke into Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming charts, a key indicator of a show’s popularity. The lack of wide audience appeal was likely a significant factor in the decision to cancel the series after just one season.
The series’ unique blend of genres—historical romance, fantasy, comedy, and adventure—may have contributed to its downfall. While this mix garnered praise from critics, it may have also limited the show’s appeal to a broader audience. Moreover, the show’s promotion focused more on its period drama aspects, potentially leading viewers to overlook its fantasy elements, which played a crucial role in the plot.
What about ‘My Lady Jane’ Book Series ?
For fans of the ‘My Lady Jane’ series, the cancellation of the Amazon adaptation is undoubtedly disappointing. However, the original ‘My Lady Jane’ book series remains a beloved favorite among readers. The series, which began with the novel ‘My Lady Jane’, is part of a larger collection known as The Lady Janies, which includes other reimaginings of historical figures named Jane. Readers who enjoyed the show are encouraged to explore the books to continue their journey with these witty and adventurous characters.
‘My Lady Jane’ Series Order
For those new to the series, the ‘My Lady Jane’ book series is best read in order, starting with My Lady Jane (2016), followed by My Plain Jane (2018), and My Calamity Jane (2020). Each book offers a unique take on a different historical Jane, blending humor, romance, and fantasy in a way that is sure to entertain.
What’s Next for the Cast and Creators?
While ‘My Lady Jane’ may not be returning for a second season, the cast and creators have exciting projects lined up. Emily Bader, who portrayed Lady Jane Grey, has already secured a lead role in Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ by Emily Henry. As for the creators, Gemma Burgess and Meredith Glynn, their work on ‘My Lady Jane’ has only solidified their reputation in the industry, and fans can look forward to seeing more from them in the future.
‘My Lady Jane’ may have had a short reign on Amazon Prime Video, but its innovative approach to historical storytelling has left a lasting impression. For those who loved the show, the original ‘My Lady Jane’ book series offers a chance to revisit this fantastical world. While the cancellation is a loss for fans of the show, the series’ legacy will continue through its dedicated fanbase and the ongoing popularity of the books.
