Rejoice, fans of Ripper Street. The show isn't dead!
The second series of Ripper Street is currently being shown on BBC America, but the show was cancelled after just two series on BBC One in UK, citing low ratings. 3.2 million people watched the final episode of the second series.
A backlash developed. More than 40,000 people signed a change.org petition to save the show.
Why? Well many fans thought the cancellation was a mistake.
Nope.
Just in: Cancelled drama @RipperStreet is to return for a 3rd series on VOD service @AmazonPrime. It'll be shown at a later date on the BBC.
Amazon Prime? The delivery service on Amazon? Nope. It's Lovefilm, which is being renamed Amazon Instant Video.
It's a significant moment in British television. It's the first time a cancelled British show has been resurrected by a video-on-demand company.
Of course, America has already done this. Netflix brought back Arrested Development for a fourth series last year after the show was cancelled by Fox in 2006. Amazon Prime has also been committed to developing original programming, releasing a string of original pilots on their video-on-demand service in the States just last month.
Although there is no date set for the third season in the UK and the US, many people seem to be thrilled at the news.
Pleasing that Ripper Street is to return, as a BBC co-pro with Amazon Prime Instant Video. (Less sure about the catchy renaming of LoveFilm)
WE HAVE WON, RIPPER STREET IS BACK
#RipperStreet is coming back! This Instantly make my day a lot better
#RipperStreet definitely coming to Amazon Prime. Just had press release. One in the eye for the BBC and a clear sign of changing TV patterns