The curtains have officially closed on the acclaimed teen dramas “Cruel Summer” and “Good Trouble” as Freeform bids adieu to both beloved shows. A blow to fans who have hung on the edge of their seats in anticipation of new seasons, the news is a bitter pill to swallow.
“Cruel Summer” took the world by storm with its explosive debut season, quickly becoming Freeform’s most-watched series of all time, captivating an average of 6.8 million viewers per episode. The anthology series chronicled the tumultuous ebbs and flows of a fierce teenage friendship, enthralling audiences with its innovative narrative weavings across three distinct timelines during the infamous Y2K era. Sadly, Freeform has dashed hopes of a Season 3 for “Cruel Summer.”
But fear not, for fans of “Good Trouble” – a shimmer of hope glimmers on the horizon. The series will be afforded the opportunity to film additional scenes for a grand series finale, providing closure for its devoted fan base. A gripping spinoff of “The Fosters,” the show charted the lives of characters Callie and Mariana as they grappled with the trials and tribulations of adult life in the heart of Los Angeles, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of love and relationships in one’s 20s.
The cancellation of these two shows marks the end of an era for Freeform, leaving the network with a blank canvas once the final episodes of “Grown-ish” conclude in 2024. While fans bid a fond farewell, it’s worth noting the departure of Freeform’s former executive VP of original programming and development, Jamila Hunter. Hunter has embarked on a new journey as the president of Macro Television Studios, following her stewardship of several successful launches, including “Cruel Summer,” “Single Drunk Female,” “Grown-ish,” and “Good Trouble.”
While it’s always a sorrowful affair bidding adieu to cherished shows, we find solace in the indelible mark left by “Cruel Summer” and “Good Trouble” on their devoted audiences. Their tales will echo in the hearts of fans, and who knows – perhaps there are new and thrilling projects on the horizon for the talented cast and crew of these beloved series.