Why Did Apple TV+ Cancel Sunny After Just 1 Season & A 90% RT Score?

In 2024, Apple TV+ introduced a new and successful sci-fi series in Sunny, yet the series was shockingly canceled and audiences want to know why. Sunny is a science fiction black comedy series that centers on Suzie, an American living in South Korea who is grieving the loss of her husband and son. As a result, she receives a domestic robot from the company her husband used to work for. Sunny stars Rashida Jones, Hidetoshi Nishijima, and Joanna Sotomura. Sunny is based on a 2018 novel called The Dark Manual, written by Colin O'Sullivan.

Although Sunny might have gone under the radar in comparison to other popular TV shows of 2024, the show was particularly well-received by critics. It earned an impressive Certified Fresh 90% critic's score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a 66% audience score. The biggest strength of Sunny seems to be its ability to take on dark topics while also putting a comedic spin on them. In a world that is seeing a rise in AI, Sunny comes as a welcome exploration of the highs and lows of technology - and humanity.

Sunny Season 1's Viewership Numbers Likely Weren't High Enough For Apple TV+

Why Sunny Didn't Get Enough Viewers

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The unfortunate truth is that, regardless of its critical prowess, Sunny was likely canceled because it didn't get enough viewership. Streaming services put money into a number of different projects in a single year, and Apple TV+ has a few major IPs, including Severance, Slow Horses, and Shrinking. The projects that shine get the money, while those that don't, don't. Unlike these shows, Sunny did not get nearly enough spotlight, which means viewers didn't even know to watch it. Thus, without proper advertising or viewers, Sunny's tragic fate was almost inevitable.

If Sunny had gotten more advertising, perhaps it would have garnered more viewership.

In some respects, Sunny's cancelation could be blamed on Apple TV+ itself. Streaming services typically do not advertise in the same way that network TV does, but companies like Netflix and Hulu manage to raise interest in their series through trailers and other promotions. The same cannot be said for Apple. Aside from their most star-studded works, Apple TV+'s content is often overlooked and forgotten. Only those who frequently browse the service know what is available to watch there. If Sunny had gotten more advertising, perhaps it would have garnered more viewership.

Sunny's Cancelation Means Season 1's Cliffhanger Ending Won't Be Explained

What Might Have Happened In Sunny Season 2

Image via Apple TV+

One of the worst parts of Sunny being canceled is that season 1's cliffhanger ending will never get an explanation. At the end of Sunny, Suzie discovers that her son is being held in a warehouse by the yakuza. She goes to find him, alongside her friend Mixxy, and Sunny, yet the entire crew gets captured. When the yakuza realize that Sunny is capable of violence, they try stealing her and implanting her with evil codes. In this way, it is revealed that Mixxy has been working for the yakuza the entire time.

Related Sunny Episode 9 Recap: Sunny's Crucial Decision & 9 Other Major Reveals Sunny is forced to make a crucial decision in the Apple TV+ show's penultimate episode after she confronts several demons from her forgotten past.

With Sunny in the grips of Mixxy and the yakuza, audiences are likely desperate to know what happens next. Not only that, but the show has many other questions that need answering, including what happened to Suzie's husband and why the yakuza manufactured the plane crash in the first place. The biggest theory as to what might have happened in Sunny season 2 is that the yakuza would have attempted to turn Sunny evil, allowing them to create an army of violent robots who could do their bidding. Furthermore, Mixxy's betrayal would have some major effects on Suzie's mental health.

What Sunny's Cast & Crew Have Said About Its Cancelation

What Sunny's Cancelation Means

Image via Apple TV+

At this point, none of Sunny's cast have spoken out about the show's cancelation. However, their passion for the project shines through in previous interviews. For example, in an interview with Screen Rant, Jones revealed that she was excited to take on the role of Suzie because she was so different from herself. On top of that, she was excited to be at the center of a mystery. Ultimately, Jones' comments make Sunny's cancelation even more disappointing. To see Jones in such a distinct role was exciting, and now that opportunity is over.

In some ways, Sunny's cancelation could be seen as a bad omen for streaming at large. Apple TV+ will continue to stay popular, but some of its smaller shows might be in danger of getting canceled just like Sunny did. In reality, every show on streaming is at risk, no matter how high their critical ratings are. Netflix has already proven through many beloved shows that if the viewership numbers aren't there, the show is getting cut. Thus, Sunny is just another victim of a streaming landscape that is more concerned with views than it is with audience enjoyment.