How Timing of Show Cancellations Can Make or Break Emmy Campaigns: The Case of Étoile and Beyond

When Prime Video officially canceled Étoile on June 6, it sent ripples through the entertainment industry. While canceling a freshman series isn’t uncommon, the timing of this announcement — just one week before Emmy voting began — likely ended the show’s Emmy aspirations prematurely.

Étoile, a ballet dramedy, marked the return of acclaimed creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Gilmore Girls), who together have earned 10 Emmy wins and 24 nominations. Although Étoile did not top streaming charts, it was quietly gaining momentum, with Amazon committed to two seasons, and a full Emmy campaign in progress, including FYC events and scheduled cast appearances.

However, the sudden cancellation announcement during the FYC season stalled all momentum. Cast members such as Yanic Truesdale, Taïs Vinolo, and Ivan du Pontavice, en route to the SCAD Lacoste Film Festival in France when the news broke, had to pivot plans. Truesdale, known for Gilmore Girls, expressed disappointment, saying the second season would have been when the show truly “started to fly with the material.”

Though Amazon continued promotional efforts, the cancellation sent an unintentional but clear message: the show’s run was over. In a crowded awards landscape, perception matters — announcing a cancellation before nominations essentially signals the end, hurting chances for recognition.

Had Étoile been allowed to complete its Emmy campaign with the illusion of future seasons, it might have garnered nominations beyond choreography and cinematography, potentially in production design, costumes, or direction.

By contrast, Netflix’s The Residence, also canceled after one season, avoided this fate by timing its cancellation announcement until July 2, after Emmy voting closed. This allowed the campaign to maintain energy and hope, resulting in four Emmy nominations, including a surprise nod for Uzo Aduba as Best Comedy Actress — an outcome likely influenced by the delayed cancellation news.

A similar pattern occurred with HBO’s Lovecraft Country in 2021, which received 18 Emmy nominations for its first season. HBO waited to announce cancellation after voting ended, preserving award-season momentum despite the show’s end.

This contrast highlights the critical importance of timing in Emmy campaigns.

Now, the industry watches closely how the recent news of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’s cancellation, announced just two days after receiving an Emmy nomination, will impact voter perception. Once again, it raises a key question: Does the timing of a cancellation determine whether a show wins an Emmy or fades into obscurity?