Fans of ‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’ have been waiting with bated breath for a potential third season. Let’s see if a third season is still on the horizon.
Did ‘Dirk Gently’s Journey Come to a Halt?
Originally adapted from the novels of author Douglas Adams, ‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency‘ aired for two seasons. The narrative centered on the adventures of Dirk Gently (portrayed by Samuel Barnett) and his assistant Todd (played by Elijah Wood). The duo delved into mysteries, introducing us to a range of characters along the way, including those played by Jade Eshet, Hannah Marks, and John Hannah, to name a few.
However, as reported in early 2018, the series faced an unforeseen challenge: it was not renewed by BBC America post its second season. Three months after its cancellation at BBC America, no new home was found for the show. Netflix and other broadcasters didn’t pick up the show for a third season either.
What Led to the Decision?
There are a few factors that weighed into the final call. Primarily, it was the economic challenge. The numbers spoke clearly: the second season of ‘Dirk Gently’ witnessed a dip in viewership compared to its first season.
Season two’s viewership was down year-over-year compared to season one, with an average of slightly less than 250,000 total viewers. It had low ratings, with a .07 rating in the 18-49 demo and only 248,000 viewers for season two.
Fans started a Change.org campaign, expressed support on social media, conducted power hours on Twitter, and organized a letter and postcard campaign.
Even though fans were vocal in their support, their efforts couldn’t tip the scale in the show’s favor. There was a glimmer of hope when Netflix, the series’ distributor in the UK, considered continuing the narrative, but however, a deal was not reached.
Is There Hope for the Future?
While the possibility of a third season is off the table, there’s a silver lining for ‘Dirk Gently’ fans. The show’s creative team hasn’t completely shut the door on the franchise. They have hinted at potential future projects, such as a movie adaptation, an animated series, or even unique ventures like a role-playing towel game.
Moreover, despite the show’s end, executive producer Arvind Ethan David conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the fans in a touching note. David acknowledged the fans’ love, their efforts, and how they made Dirk Gently a global phenomenon.
However, despite the efforts, the series will not be gracing our screens with a new season.