Jane Levy says NBC favors “crime & guns” after Zoey’s cancellation

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

The cancellation of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist hit its fanbase hard but it looks like it has hit its star, Jane Levy, even harder. Levy is talking about NBC's decision to cancel the series & she's being pretty blunt about her feelings in regards to the network.

Levy was speaking with "Vanity Fair" following the news & she said NBC's decision to cancel the show was the "wrong move" and she suggested that a show "about love" is much needed in a "crime and guns" heavy TV line-up. Here is what Levy said in full:

"I'm sorry, but I have to say this: I look at the new NBC lineup, and it's like, 'Okay, we could watch a lot of shows about crime and guns. Our show is about love. It's a real shame to take that off the air. I feel like it's the wrong move."

Like most of us, Levy thought the show was heading to the Peacock streaming service because, despite having soft linear ratings, the show was a strong digital performer. In regards to what she and the cast thought Levy said "When we finished shooting season two, I put all my stuff in storage in Canada {where the show films}. I was like, 'Of course we're coming back'…Last Friday it seemed like it was a green light. And then Monday morning it was a red light."

Last year a season two renewal seemed unlikely but NBC, Lionsgate TV, & Universal TV worked out a business framework to make a renewal feasible. During that time, the show was also a solid digital performer, which led to the show getting a second season. The big question for its passionate fanbase since the news that the show won't be returning for a third season is why did Peacock pass this up? The show seems perfect for streaming and already has a strong digital footprint. I can only speculate, but I think the licensing fee for the songs could be the culprit because I imagine they're not cheap.

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist followed Zoey Clarke (Jane Levy), a whip-smart computer coder forging her way through San Francisco. After an unusual event, Zoey suddenly starts to hear the innermost wants, thoughts, and desires of the people around her, through popular songs. The series also stars Peter Gallagher, Alex Newell, and Skylar Astin.

Lionsgate Television is currently shopping the show to other platforms and showrunner Austin Winsberg tweeted last Wednesday that he refuses "to believe the show is dead." He told his followers to tweet #savezoeysplaylist to get the word out that the fans want the show to continue.

Do YOU agree with Jane Levy's opinion about NBC canceling Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist?