Top 5 television-related petitions on Change.org: Fans fight to save their favorite shows

Thousands of passionate fans turn to Change.org every day, using the platform as a rallying point to save the TV shows they love from cancellation. Just over the weekend, another petition to save a TV show took off.

More than 8,500 people are urging Netflix to renew Dead Boys Detectives, which was canceled after just one season. This is one of many recent examples of fans turning to Change.org to keep hope alive that their favorite shows can be saved or influenced. This year alone, petitions related to TV shows have garnered over 200,000 signatures, reflecting the power and passion of television fandoms. Here are the top 5 television-related petitions on Change.org so far this year:

1. Netflix: Restore Deleted Scenes from Bridgerton Season 3

Fans of Bridgerton were dismayed when they discovered that several scenes from Season 3 had been cut, leaving key storylines feeling incomplete. This petition, which has amassed tens of thousands of signatures, is a rallying cry for Netflix to restore the deleted scenes. Supporters argue that these scenes are crucial for character development and the show’s overall richness. With its diverse cast and intricate storytelling, Bridgerton has become more than just a period drama—it’s a cultural phenomenon, and fans are determined to preserve its integrity.

2. Renew The Acolyte

The Acolyte, a highly anticipated series set in the Star Wars universe, built a dedicated fanbase even before its release. When rumors began swirling that the show might not continue past its first season, fans quickly mobilized on Change.org. The petition to renew The Acolyte underscores the importance of diverse storytelling in the Star Wars franchise, with many fans highlighting the show’s potential to introduce new perspectives and expand the universe in fresh, exciting ways.

3. Save NCIS: Hawai’i on CBS

NCIS: Hawai’i has captivated audiences with its unique setting and strong, diverse cast. When news broke that the show might be on the chopping block, fans were quick to voice their objections. This petition, which has garnered significant support, emphasizes the need for representation on mainstream television. The series not only showcases the beauty and culture of Hawai’i, but also offers viewers a diverse set of characters rarely seen on primetime TV. Fans argue that canceling the show would be a step backward in the fight for inclusivity in media.

4. SAVE My Lady Jane

Period dramas have a special place in the hearts of many viewers, and My Lady Jane is no exception. Despite its growing fanbase, the show faced the threat of cancellation, prompting fans to take action. Two petitions were launched to save the show, with the larger one amassing nearly 6,000 signatures. Supporters of My Lady Jane point to its witty writing, strong female characters, and fresh take on historical events as reasons why the show deserves another season. For many, it’s a rare gem in the crowded landscape of TV dramas, and they’re not ready to say goodbye.

5. Retain Kelly Monaco in the Cast of General Hospital

Soap operas are known for their passionate fanbases, and General Hospital is no exception. When rumors surfaced that long-time cast member Kelly Monaco might be leaving the show, fans quickly rallied to her defense. This petition highlights Monaco’s impact on the show and her beloved character, Sam McCall, who has been a staple of General Hospital for nearly two decades. Fans argue that losing Monaco would be a significant blow to the show’s legacy and are urging producers to keep her in the cast.

From cancellation to comeback: TV shows saved by fans

Petitions to save television shows have proven successful on Change.org, with dedicated fans rallying to bring their favorite series back. One notable example is the petition to Help Us Save Manifest and Get the Six Seasons We Deserve! With over 38,000 signatures, it showed significant fan support for the show, and Manifest was eventually picked up by  Netflix to continue the story.

Another success story is the petition to Renew Restored by Brett Waterman for a 7th Season. After gaining nearly 2,000 signatures in six months, the show was renewed, highlighting the potential of fan-driven campaigns. These victories demonstrate that when fans come together on Change.org, their efforts can contribute to shaping network decisions and keeping beloved shows alive.

Here are a few other television show petitions that have become victories:

• Renew Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist for Season 2 
• Renewing Nancy Drew for Season 4
• Renew Superman and Lois, or move it to HBO Max to protect it from cancellation 

These petitions are a testament to the power of television as a medium that resonates deeply with viewers. Fans frequently use Change.org to rally around the shows they love, especially when they feel that executives making the decisions are out of touch with the people watching them. Whether it’s advocating for representation, demanding the continuation of beloved storylines, or simply fighting to keep a favorite character on the screen, these petitions reflect the enduring connection between fans and the stories they hold dear.

The role of diversity in television petitions

A recurring theme among many of the top television-related petitions on Change.org is the importance of diverse representation on screen. Fans are not just asking to save their favorite shows—they’re advocating for stories that reflect the richness and variety of human experiences. This emphasis on diversity underscores a broader societal demand for more inclusive storytelling, where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities see themselves represented in the media they consume.

For example, the petition to save NCIS: Hawai’i is about more than just preserving a popular show; it’s about maintaining a series that brings unique representation to primetime TV with its Hawai’i setting and diverse cast. Similarly, the petition to renew The Acolyte in the Star Wars universe highlights the demand for fresh perspectives that break away from traditional narratives, reflecting a broader desire for diverse storytelling that enriches a beloved franchise.

Shaping the future of TV

These petitions are more than just fan pleas—they’re a reflection of a larger cultural shift. Audiences are no longer satisfied with television that caters to a narrow demographic. Instead, they’re demanding content that resonates with a broader spectrum of society, whether through racial diversity, gender representation, or the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and stories.Fans like you have the power to influence decisions and keep the stories you love alive. If you have a show, character, or cause you’re passionate about, don’t wait—start your petition today on Change.org and make your voice heard!