In a shocking turn of events, Freeform has decided to abandon the highly anticipated comedy series, While You Were Breeding. Despite the completion of production and plans for post-production, the network has deemed the show unfit for its programming strategy. The reasons behind this unexpected decision lie in various factors, including the recent industry-wide strike and shifts in Freeform’s content priorities.
While You Were Breeding had wrapped up production and was ready for post-production when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike commenced. The strike forced the production to pause, leaving the series hanging in limbo. Kristin Newman, the creator of the show, recently took to Facebook to express her emotional decision to halt post-production altogether. As a result, the series faced a significant setback and missed its scheduled August premiere date.
Furthermore, Freeform’s decision to ax While You Were Breeding can also be attributed to Disney’s content spend trim and emphasis on curating their programming. In a thorough review of Freeform’s pipeline, it became evident that the comedy series no longer aligned with the network’s programming strategy, leading to its unfortunate demise. This disheartening outcome highlights the ever-changing landscape of the television industry, where even completed projects can face uncertain futures.
The Impact of the Strike
While You Were Breeding is not the only victim of the recent strike. Starz, another prominent network, recently decided to cancel four series, including The Venery of Samantha Bird, which had only two episodes left to film when production was halted in May. This strike-induced turmoil has also resulted in a wave of cancellations across multiple networks, affecting both newly greenlighted shows like Showtime’s Gattaca and Seasoned and Apple/NBCU’s Metropolis, as well as renewed series such as Prime Video’s The Peripheral and A League of Their Own, and Peacock’s Pitch Perfect: Bumper In Berlin.
While You Were Breeding promised to take viewers on a globetrotting journey of self-discovery through the lens of the protagonist, Kacey, portrayed by Chelsea Frei. As a single woman in her 30s, Kacey embarks on an exhilarating adventure around the world, encountering culture clashes and indulging in vacation romances. The series aimed to inspire the wanderlust within all of us, making it a unique addition to Freeform’s programming lineup.
Freeform’s decision to abandon While You Were Breeding is undoubtedly disappointing for the show’s dedicated fanbase. Moreover, it adds to a growing list of uncertainties regarding the network’s future programming. With Good Trouble set to return in early 2024 and the resumption of grown-ish production, other shows like Cruel Summer and Praise Petey are left anxiously awaiting news on their futures. The aftermath of the strike continues to cast a shadow on the television landscape, leaving both creators and audiences unsure about which series will survive the content curation process.
In the end, the demise of While You Were Breeding stands as a tragic missed opportunity for Freeform. This unexpected turn of events reminds us of the unpredictable nature of the television industry and the risks inherent in production and programming decisions. As viewers, we can only hope that these setbacks will lead to even more exciting and captivating series in the future.