George R. R. Martin, the renowned author of *Game of Thrones*, has shared his favorable thoughts on *My Lady Jane*, prompting fans to clamor for a second season. Released on Prime Video this past June, this fantasy romance reimagines the life of the historical figure Lady Jane Grey, portrayed by Emily Bader, as she unexpectedly ascends to the throne in an alternate version of 16th-century England. Despite receiving favorable reviews, *My Lady Jane* was canceled by Prime Video after just one season, resulting in a significant backlash from its audience and petitions urging for a continuation.
Writing on his “Not A Blog” platform, Martin expressed his enjoyment of the Prime Video series and reminisced about collaborating with showrunner Meredith Glynn—who was previously involved with a now-canceled *Game of Thrones* spinoff. While some have drawn comparisons between *My Lady Jane* and Netflix’s *Bridgerton*, Martin likens it more to Hulu’s well-regarded series, *The Great*, describing it as “clever and original.” An excerpt from Martin’s blog reads:
“When it comes to television, I have always been intrigued by alternate histories, and Jane Grey, known as England’s nine-days queen, has long captivated my interest. It’s no surprise, then, that I thoroughly enjoyed *MY LADY JANE*, a witty and original historical fantasy on Amazon Prime set in an England inhabited by witches and shapeshifters, where Jane’s reign surpasses nine days.
Meredith Glynn is one of the showrunners. Having had the chance to work alongside her on one of the *GAME OF THRONES* spinoffs that HBO shelved a few years ago, I am well-acquainted with her talents, so it’s no wonder *MY LADY JANE* was such a delight. Its wit and originality reminded me of *THE GREAT*, a series I admired. Regrettably, both *THE GREAT* and now *MY LADY JANE* seem to have met their ends. Amazon has not renewed it for a second season.”
Implications of Martin’s Praise for *My Lady Jane*
Prime Video Faces Fan Backlash
Currently, *My Lady Jane* boasts an impressive 95% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the audience score, known as the Popcornmeter, also strong at 90%. The series received acclaim for its compelling storytelling and humor, standing out as a unique offering in a saturated entertainment market. However, despite its evident qualities, the viewership numbers fell short of justifying a second season for *My Lady Jane*.
Conversely, *Bridgerton* enjoys immense popularity on Netflix, having already aired three seasons with a fourth on the horizon.
Though *My Lady Jane* ran for only eight episodes, it garnered a devoted fanbase, and a Change.org petition advocating for a second season has amassed over 67,000 signatures. Martin’s recent blog post could attract new viewers to the show. Historically, fan campaigns have successfully extended the life of series such as *Warrior Nun*, *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*, and *Community*. While Prime Video has not yet addressed this fan initiative, a significant audience response could potentially influence the decision.
Our Perspective on Martin’s Endorsement of *My Lady Jane*
Prospects for Continuation
Martin’s endorsement is a positive development for those wishing for more *My Lady Jane*. With his growing influence through *Game of Thrones*, his views on pop culture carry weight. Nonetheless, there are numerous instances where fan efforts to revive shows have been unsuccessful, suggesting that the season 1 finale of *My Lady Jane* might indeed be its conclusion.
11 Movies & Shows Saved After Fan Campaigns
If the fantasy romance does continue, it might not be through a traditional second season. Instead of another eight-episode run, *My Lady Jane* could receive a three-episode renewal or even a movie, allowing Prime Video to meet audience demand and conclude Jane’s story without the financial burden of a full season 2. As of now, there is no announcement regarding the continuation of *My Lady Jane*, and it remains possible that there won’t be any. However, having praise from one of the most prominent fantasy authors of this generation further emphasizes the impact the show has made on its viewers.
Source: George R. R. Martin
My Lady Jane (2024)
- Comedy
- Romance
My Lady Jane is a Prime Video original series created by Gemma Burgess. The story is a "what if" style story of English royal history where King Henry VIII's son Edward, Lady Jane Grey, and her husband Guildford all survive their real-life deaths. In the retelling of history, Jane Grey takes center stage, becoming queen and immediately finding herself facing nefarious villains.