Escaping Polygamy captured the attention of many viewers for its bold and unflinching portrayal of women escaping polygamous cults. It aired on Lifetime and later moved to A&E, focusing on the lives of three sisters—Andrea, Jessica, and Shanell—who had escaped from a notorious polygamous sect, the Kingston clan. The show’s mission was to help others trapped in similar polygamist environments. However, despite its success and the attention it garnered, the show was abruptly cancelled, leaving many fans asking the pressing question: why was Escaping Polygamy cancelled?
In this article, we’ll delve deep into the possible reasons behind the show’s cancellation, examining controversies, ratings, network decisions, and the show’s impact on society.
The Success of Escaping Polygamy
A Groundbreaking Show
When Escaping Polygamy first premiered in 2014, it quickly made headlines. It provided a rare and raw glimpse into the secretive world of polygamy, specifically focusing on the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and the Kingston clan. The bravery of the three sisters who had escaped and dedicated their lives to helping others inspired many viewers. The show exposed the dangers, abuse, and control tactics used by polygamist leaders to maintain power over their followers.
The combination of real-life drama, danger, and a mission to rescue those trapped in polygamy made Escaping Polygamy one of the most compelling reality TV shows. Its emotionally charged rescues, high-stakes confrontations, and the personal stories of the women trying to regain their freedom struck a chord with audiences.
Ratings and Viewer Engagement
During its initial seasons, Escaping Polygamy enjoyed strong ratings and a loyal following. Viewers were not only fascinated by the sisters’ mission but also emotionally invested in the stories of the people they were helping. The show successfully maintained its momentum by consistently revealing the shocking realities of life in these polygamous sects.
For many, the show was not just entertainment—it was a source of awareness and education. It shed light on a rarely discussed issue in mainstream media, providing a voice to the voiceless and exposing the oppressive structures of polygamy. The emotional depth of the show, combined with the suspense of dangerous rescues, kept viewers hooked.
Why Was Escaping Polygamy Cancelled? The Possible Reasons
Despite its success, Escaping Polygamy was suddenly cancelled after its fourth season in 2019. The network never officially provided a clear reason for the cancellation, leading to widespread speculation. Let’s explore some of the possible factors that could have contributed to the show’s end.
1. Controversies and Legal Threats
One of the most significant factors that could have contributed to the show’s cancellation was the ongoing legal challenges and controversies surrounding the show. Polygamous groups, particularly the Kingston clan and the FLDS, were not pleased with the attention the show brought to their practices. They faced significant public scrutiny due to the show’s portrayal of their communities as abusive and controlling.
In some cases, polygamous groups threatened to sue the network, claiming defamation and invasion of privacy. These legal threats may have created significant pressure on the network and producers. Although the show was careful to protect the identities of those involved, the powerful individuals behind these sects have vast financial resources and influence. The potential legal battles and costs may have made the network cautious about continuing to air the show.
Moreover, participants and their families faced retaliation from polygamous sects, increasing concerns about safety for both the cast and crew. This atmosphere of fear and intimidation may have made it challenging for the show to continue its operations.
2. Diminishing Ratings
While Escaping Polygamy started strong, like many reality TV shows, it may have faced declining ratings over time. The initial seasons attracted high viewership, but reality TV is known for its fluctuating audience numbers. As the novelty of the show wore off, viewers might have lost interest, and the audience size may have diminished.
Reality TV shows rely heavily on consistent ratings to stay on the air. Networks may decide to cancel shows that no longer meet their ratings targets, even if the show maintains a passionate fan base. If Escaping Polygamy experienced a decline in viewership, it might have played a key role in the network’s decision to cancel the series.
3. Network Shifts and Priorities
Television networks often undergo shifts in programming priorities and brand direction. Lifetime, known primarily for its female-focused dramas and reality shows, might have decided to move away from the controversial subject matter of polygamy. When the show transitioned to A&E, it entered a different network environment where programming decisions might have been guided by different objectives.
Networks also look for shows that fit their brand identity and can be sold to advertisers. A show like Escaping Polygamy, dealing with sensitive and difficult subject matter, may have struggled to attract mainstream advertisers who prefer to associate their products with more lighthearted content. Consequently, these network shifts in focus may have contributed to the decision to cancel the series.
4. Challenges of Production
Another possible factor could be the challenges involved in producing a show like Escaping Polygamy. The show often involved high-risk operations, as the sisters and their team attempted to extract individuals from dangerous and heavily guarded polygamist communities. Filming such rescues requires immense planning, resources, and security measures.
Additionally, the emotional toll on the cast and crew cannot be understated. Helping people escape from abusive situations, witnessing trauma firsthand, and dealing with the aftermath of these rescues can take a psychological toll. Over time, these factors might have led to burnout or the inability to continue the intense work required to keep the show going.
5. Saturation of Reality TV
At the time of its cancellation, reality TV was experiencing a saturation point, with numerous shows competing for attention. Audiences were being offered a wide array of choices, from dating competitions to home improvement series, and the focus on heavy social issues might not have been enough to keep Escaping Polygamy at the forefront of viewers’ minds.
Despite the uniqueness of its subject matter, the reality TV landscape is highly competitive. In this environment, even successful shows can fall victim to shifting viewer preferences and industry trends.
6. Sensitivity of the Subject Matter
Another possible reason for the cancellation of Escaping Polygamy lies in the sensitivity of its subject matter. Polygamy, especially within the context of fundamentalist religious sects, is a deeply sensitive and controversial topic. As the show delved deeper into the lives of those involved, it raised ethical concerns about the impact of exposing such personal stories to a national audience.
Additionally, there may have been concerns about whether the show was exploiting these individuals for entertainment. Balancing the need to raise awareness about the issue of polygamy with the potential harm caused by publicizing such stories is a delicate task. The network might have made the difficult decision to cancel the show to avoid crossing ethical boundaries or further inflaming tensions.
The Impact of Escaping Polygamy
Though the show was cancelled, its impact endures. Escaping Polygamy brought national attention to the issue of polygamy and the abuses that occur within certain sects. The brave work of the three sisters, Andrea, Jessica, and Shanell, continues to inspire others to speak out and seek freedom.
For many viewers, the show raised awareness about the psychological, emotional, and physical abuse that individuals in polygamous communities face. It also highlighted the need for legal reform and better protection for those trying to escape these environments.
The cancellation of the show left a void for viewers seeking stories of justice, but it also served as a reminder of the complexities involved in bringing such difficult issues to light. Though the series may be over, the fight to help those trapped in polygamous communities continues.
Conclusion
The question of why Escaping Polygamy was cancelled does not have a singular answer. Multiple factors, including legal challenges, diminishing ratings, production difficulties, and the sensitive nature of the subject matter, likely contributed to its cancellation. Despite its sudden end, the show’s legacy remains strong as it helped bring a hidden issue into the public eye and sparked important conversations about the realities of polygamous cults.
FAQs
Q: What was Escaping Polygamy about?
A: Escaping Polygamy was a reality TV show that followed three sisters who had escaped a polygamous sect and dedicated their lives to helping others escape similar situations.
Q: How many seasons of Escaping Polygamy were there?
A: The show aired for four seasons, with its last episode airing in 2019.
Q: Why did Escaping Polygamy get cancelled?
A: Several factors likely contributed to the cancellation, including legal threats from polygamous groups, declining ratings, production challenges, and the network’s shifting priorities.
Q: Are the sisters from Escaping Polygamy still helping people escape polygamy?
A: Yes, despite the show’s cancellation, the sisters continue their mission to help individuals leave polygamous communities.
Q: What impact did Escaping Polygamy have on viewers?
A: The show raised awareness about the dangers and abuses of polygamy, inspiring many to learn more about the issue and support those trying to escape such communities.
