The Owl House's Cancellation Could Have 1 Silver Lining

screenrant.com:

While the news that The Owl House will receive an abbreviated final season has largely been met with disappointment, there may be a bright side to the show’s cancellation. Since its premiere at the beginning of 2020, the show's engaging storyline, its combination of humor and horror, and Owl House's prominent LGBTQ+ representation have attracted a dedicated fanbase. In spite of this popularity, Disney announced in 2021 that the show’s third and final season would be condensed into three 44-minute episodes.

Creator Dana Terrace explained why The Owl House was canceled in a Reddit post. Although there had been speculation that Disney shut the show down because of budget cuts, poor ratings, or its inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters, Terrace explained that the decision ultimately came down to branding. Specifically, The Owl House did not fit Disney’s brand because it was serialized and attracted an older audience.

Related: Best LGBTQ+ TV Shows On Disney+ Right Now

The Owl House’s cancellation is a tragic end for the show, but it may prove to be an opportunity for the American animation industry. With its cancellation of The Owl House, Disney seems to be exclusively aligning itself with a younger audience. The Owl House’s success, however, proves that there is a strong demand for animation that appeals to teenagers and adults. With a major competitor removing itself from play, competing studios—particularly small or new studios—have the opportunity to make a name for themselves by producing animated shows for an older audience. If studios take advantage of the void left by The Owl House, viewers could see a diversification of both animation companies and content.

American animation has consistently struggled under the conception