The Midnight Gospel is a unique, experimental animated series on Netflix that quickly gained a loyal fanbase with its blend of philosophical musings and surreal animation. The first season consists of eight episodes, each exploring profound questions about life, death, and existence. Fans are eager to know whether the series will return for Season 2. But what is the current status?
Will There Be a Season 2 of The Midnight Gospel?
Despite its positive reception from both audiences and critics, The Midnight Gospel has not been renewed for a second season. In 2020, Netflix released all eight episodes as part of its original content lineup, and the series has since become a cult favorite. However, showrunner Duncan Trussell confirmed in an interview with Inverse that Netflix decided not to continue the series.
Trussell explained the situation:
“Netflix operates a bit like a fisherman: they cast many lines and hope to catch a big hit like Stranger Things. While The Midnight Gospel has a loyal fan base, it’s not as massive as Stranger Things. It was probably a business decision not to continue the series because animation is expensive. But I have no hard feelings, as Netflix gave us the chance to make the show in the first place. The people at Netflix were the best I’ve ever worked with—very cooperative.”
This suggests that the cancellation was primarily a business decision, not related to the show’s quality or viewership.
What Made The Midnight Gospel So Unique?
The show, created by Duncan Trussell and Pendleton Ward (the creator of Adventure Time), is unlike anything else on Netflix. It is based on Trussell’s real-life podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour, and follows the adventures of Clancy Gilroy, a space traveler and podcaster who interviews beings from different dimensions. Each episode revolves around philosophical themes such as death, spirituality, meditation, mental health, and forgiveness.
The format combines unscripted podcast conversations with colorful, surreal animations that often depict bizarre and chaotic scenarios. As each episode ends with Clancy narrowly escaping disaster, the series leaves viewers contemplating the deeper meaning of life’s chaos.
Why The Midnight Gospel Season 2 is Unlikely
Several factors make a second season unlikely:
- High Production Costs: The combination of detailed animation and complex narratives makes the show expensive to produce.
- Limited Mass Appeal: While the series has a dedicated fanbase, it didn’t attract the mainstream popularity Netflix often looks for in renewals.
- Netflix’s Strategy: Netflix tends to invest in content that delivers wide appeal and strong commercial success, such as Stranger Things or The Witcher.
Despite these challenges, Trussell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create the show and indicated that there are no hard feelings regarding Netflix’s decision.
What Can Fans Watch While Waiting?
If you’re looking for other shows that explore deep philosophical themes with a surreal edge, these recommendations might fill the void:
1. Adventure Time
- Why Watch: If you enjoyed the imaginative storytelling of The Midnight Gospel, Adventure Time offers a similar blend of whimsy and deep life lessons.
- Where to Watch: Available on Hulu and HBO Max.
2. Undone
- Why Watch: This animated series combines surreal visuals with emotional narratives about identity and time travel, much like The Midnight Gospel.
- Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
3. The Midnight Gospel Podcast (The Duncan Trussell Family Hour)
- Why Listen: Dive into the original podcast that inspired the series, where Trussell discusses spirituality, life, and personal growth with various guests.
- Where to Listen: Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Will There Be a Revival?
Although Season 2 seems unlikely at the moment, the growing popularity of the series could inspire a revival in the future. Recently, several canceled shows—like The Devil is a Part-Timer! and Bleach—have returned due to fan demand. Streaming platforms are increasingly open to bringing back cult classics if there’s enough public interest.
Fans can show support by streaming the series, purchasing related merchandise, or following Duncan Trussell’s podcast, which remains active and explores many of the same themes presented in the show.
Conclusion
While the chances of The Midnight Gospel Season 2 are low, the show’s thought-provoking themes and unique storytelling continue to resonate with viewers. For now, fans can explore similar shows or dive deeper into the original podcast to experience more of the philosophical conversations that made the series special. And who knows? With enough demand, the journey might not be over just yet.
