Nautilus was cancelled by Disney+ before it began, but now that it is developing an audience on different venues, it has a chance to continue if fans show enough support
What Is It?
This series acts as a prequel to Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, centering on the exploits of a young Captain Nemo. Set in 1857, the series follows Nemo’s escape from British East India Company oppression using his prototype submarine, the Nautilus, with the goal of revenge—for his murdered family and stolen homeland—while battling imperial villains, giant sea creatures, and ethical dilemmas aboard his crewed vessel.
![](https://www.cancelledscifi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/why-were-they-cancelled-header-ad.jpg")
Aired: AMC, 2025, 1 Season Totaling 10 Episodes
Starring: Shazad Latif, Georgia Flood, Thierry Frémont, Pacharo Mzembe, Arlo Green
Created By: James Dormer
Why Was It Cancelled?
Nautilus was originally planned as a Disney+ original, though it was produced by Moonriver TV and Seven Stories (with funding from the Mouse House). Filming began on the series in 2022 with plans for it to debut in 2023, but Disney+ got cold feet and canceled the show before it ever aired (along with The Spiderwick Chronicles). Filming had been completed on Nautilus, but Disney decided not to move forward with the show despite its name recognition and franchise possibilities. This was part of a content removal plan the company announced in May 2023, with the goal of cutting $3 billion company-wide in non-sports programming. The Mouse House took an impairment charge on Nautilus and The Spiderwick Chronicles, and had to cancel plans to stream them on Disney+.
Both shows were shopped around, with The Spiderwick Chronicles getting picked up by The Roku Channel (where it had a successful run), and Nautilus getting picked up by Amazon’s Prime Video in the UK and later AMC in the U.S. The latter show had its AMC debut two weeks ago and scored the best premiere ratings for an original on that channel in over a year. It also had a successful run on Prime Video across the pond, according to Parrot Analytics. But the fact is that these networks pretty much picked up the show for a burn-off run, and Disney still holds the licensing.
Nautilus was a rather expensive show to produce, and AMC likely does not have the funds to cover a second season. They could potentially partner with Prime Video on the show, but Disney likely still gets a cut—and that company almost certainly has the final say as well. So if a second season were to happen, it would have to go through several hurdles. The first season did wrap up most of its storylines, but we know that Captain Nemo has plenty more adventures ahead. It is likely that the cast and crew have long since been released from their contracts, but they could be brought back together if one or more venues decide to commit to the show. Shazad Latif (who plays Captain Nemo) had the following to say when asked about a second season:
I’m merely an actor. I have no knowledge of these things, but I don’t know. I have no idea. I just hope that the audience enjoys it, and you never know.
That certainly does not instill confidence in the show continuing, but it does not dismiss the possibility either.
ALSO READ: Sci Fi TV Review – Nautilus
Can the Fans Save It?
Nautilus looked like a hit for AMC out of the gate, but its numbers dropped notably with the second episode. It has done well with digital and delayed viewing, though, and that may make up some of the slack. If it continues to perform well through its ten-episode run, perhaps the network will have an interest in greenlighting a second season. Funding and licensing present a hurdle, but if the audience is there, the network may try to keep the show going.
The key now is for fans to continue watching the show and to get it trending on social media. Watching it on AMC during the live broadcasts does very little unless you are a Nielsen family. But if fans do watch live and get the show trending on the various social media platforms, that will definitely bring it some attention. And if fans watch it on the AMC+ streaming service, those views will be captured. Plus, if they do a subscription drive to get people to sign up for that streaming service to watch the show, that will definitely help because it impacts the bottom line. At the same time, any campaign to save the show should coordinate with fans in the UK to get them to stage watch parties there on Prime Video, and also in Australia where they can watch the show on Stan.
Nautilus was cast off by Disney, but it is finding an audience now that it is available on other venues. The show has plenty of potential to carry beyond its first season, possibly even covering the Jules Verne books at some point. It does face some challenges in continuing to a second season, but if there is enough of an audience, perhaps those can be overcome. If fans make a strong enough Call to Action, then the adventures of Captain Nemo could continue.
Where Can You Watch It?
The first season is currently airing in the U.S. on AMC Sundays at 9 PM EST and it is also streaming on AMC+. In the UK, it is streaming on Prime Video, and in Australia it is available on Stan.
Are you watching Nautilus and will you support fan efforts to save the show? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments below.
Keep up with the status of all the current sci fi and fantasy shows as well as news and updates on new and upcoming shows at CancelledSciFi.com.
Cancellation Watch: Status updates and breaking news on renewals and cancellations
Sci Fi TV Highlights: Listings for the upcoming week along with the latest sci fi TV news and trailers.
Sci Fi TV Production Report: News on which sci fi TV shows are moving into production.
And be sure to follow us on social media: Blue Sky | Facebook | Mastodon | Twitter.
Excellent fantasy series, deserves renewal. I loved the book and the original movie as a child, and this show brought back the magic of Captain Nemo and the Nautilus, with modern production values. More please!
I also think Nautilus is worth continuing. It was a spectacular show! Many people may not watch it because so many shows start with one season and then are cancelled, so people wait until the final season to watch so they are not disappointed when a show is cancelled. Get rid of the Kardashians and Jersey Shore and make more episodes of The Nautilus and Spiderwick Chronicles!!!!!
It was good to see a good clean story without tons of cussing or sex or repeated same storyline that’s in all the shows that you can figure out in one minute. There needs to be a season two! It’s a wonderful show, my wife and I both very much enjoyed watching. There’s so many different ways to go with a show like this. So please make more seasons!
Why? Please continue the story. I found it brilliant and want more!
My husband and I both that the show was fabulous! Lots of action and adventures. Would love to see another season or two!
I started this series on Amazon Prime and have been binge watching it repeatedly ever since it first appeared. It is not often that I watch a series more than one time. The last time I did that was Serenity, and Supernatural. But I absolutely love the series Nautilus, please, please, continue Captain Nemos journeys.
So we don’t even know about this or get to see it here in the US until it’s already dead? Lame.
The Powerball is $815 million. If I win the Powerball, I will fund a season two of Nautilus ! Please, for the love of God, make a season two that was one of the best shows I have ever seen in my life! I was so excited to have somebody finally create something on screen that was worthy of my favorite author Jules Verne. Nautilus is a masterpiece and it was worth every bit of the money that was spent. Please make a season two!
Why do they always cancel shows that are great and leave you craving for the next chapter. Nemo turned his ship around….was it to go back and rescue the two women who missed the ship? I guess we’ll never know !
Loved it! Hoping for season 2!
It took about half the season for me to truly “get into it.” It was fabulous and couldn’t wait to see more. They can renew shows like “The Kardashians” and other “true life” horrors but when something comes along that is thought-provoking and bigger than life, the blame is always production costs. Get rid of the crap and bring back adventure.
You have said it. Disney can invest in sports but not Literature based programming?
Nautilus is a fantastic series! My husband and I both loved it and want more!! Bring on the Atlantis adventure!!!
I absolutely love the show. A beautifully rendering Jules Verne take. The cast is wonderful, especially Shazad Latif, who was also wonderful on the new Star Trek series,Star Trek: Discovery. Everything is absolutely wonderful, the actors, the crew who put together unspeakably lovely well done creations, the writers & everybody connected with the show. I fervently hope that AMC+ does continue Disney’s legacy.
Absolutely loved watching all the episodes of Nautilus. So disappointed to have learned that the show may be cancelled. The actors, the characters they play, the story line has been so exciting to watch. You can actually get caught up in the plot. After each episode I was excited to anticipate what the next would bring. Hopefully there is a chance that it will continue. Perhaps on a major channel where more people will have the opportunity to watch.
We have watched all the episodes of the Nautilus and really enjoyed it we do not want it to end.
Fantastic series, very entertained. Really jolts my heart it may not continue.
This my childhood dream… 2000p league’s under the see. It the most amazing series ever better than seaquest! I just wish Jagadesh was alive still… the story is amazing! All the characters are amazing! Plz keep nautilus alive!!!!!
We have watched all the episodes of The Nautilus. Love the cast, the plot and the cinematography. The finale left a lot of questions. Hope it gets picked up, we would love to see what happens next.
Loved Nautilus! It was the perfect summer show Please please bring it back for season 2
We have watched every episode of Nautilus ! I don’t usually even watch much TV. This show is incredible. It is a work of art. The staging, the the direction, the imaginative scenarios are the best I’ve seen on a TV show. Maybe that explains why it was expensive to make. I truly hope it continues into a second season, & hopefully with the same actors D the main characters. Keep the Nautilus afloat!
Gret show! One of the best I’ve seen In a wile definitely want a season 23456
One of the greatest shows I love it. It’s great entertainment and let’s face it there’s not much out there as far as shows you can’t get enough of. Please don’t cancel it.
Best thing I’ve watched/streamed in a long time. I even signed us up for the free trial and monthly subscription to watch it after I enjoyed the first episode.
No Nautilus- no continued AMC subscription for us!
Nautilus is a Great family show. There’s not enough adventure shows like Nautilus. We have to many med/cop shows and most are not worth watching. It’s always the same plot. Bring back a truly great story.
Many times you watch these series n they are truly awesome shows such as Nautilus then they just stop filming Nautilus is so adventurous n keeps you on your edge of your set it would be a shame to drop this show like all the other great shows before n after all we can do is hope 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Love Nautilus and would definitely watch a second season!
I absolutely love Nautilus!! I’ve watched the episodes at least 3x each. So entertaining, so much adventure. I’d love this show to continue with many seasons. I can’t get enough!! Just a great show!!
Nautilus is the best fun filled family adventure show we have watched in what seems like forever. Amazing sets, fabulous costumes, superb cast with great acting. We want more, this show is too good to fail. Here’s hoping for a season 2 & more…🤞
I can’t believe this was canceled! Finally a show that isn’t a murder mystery, no swearing every other word. The family can sit down and watch it together. It’s entertaining with something new happening in every episode. I just told my friend who recommended it that I couldn’t wait to watch season two. She said well you’re not going to get to because Disney canceled it. Really due to budget cuts. Way to leave everybody hanging.
We love this show!! We can’t wait to watch the next episode!! All my kids and their kids watch it too!! PLEASE make more seasons!!!!!!!
We’re really enjoying the show and look forward every week to a new episode. Please don’t cancel the show, it has a following and is the kind of show we need!
I am enjoying Nautilus very much. It’s the only thing on Sunday night worth watching. Hope it finds a home somewhere!
Nautilus is wonderful show & continue with a many more seasons..I grew up with these old shows & stories capt Nemo was a favorite . You have the viewer who want it..why not …stupid shows like Grey’s anatomy get 20+ season as someone referred to. You guy always do this create or pickup a wonderful show that ppl love & drop it after 1 or 2 seasons..why do that ? Then you will gv some junk show 5seasons..we want Nautilus. Why we on the subject of great shows how about sin bad .the things you could do with that..
I want a second season of Nautilus!!! It is one of the reasons I kept my subscription!
Be sure to let Disney+ know.
Be sure to let Disney+ know.
I agree wholeheartedly that, regardless of whether it’s AMC+, Apple TV+, NETFLIX, or Prime that one of those entities should give the people what they want and allow Nautilus to carry on with many more seasons!
If a steaming pile of💩 like “Grey’s Anatomy”can get 22 seasons why on earth can’t we have more Nautilus ???
Come on, why create quality content like Nautilus and then immediately dump it before the first season even finishes when there is obviously interest in it carrying on?
How wonderfully refreshing to watch a show that transports you from the cynical mundanity of regular shows into a truly enjoyable & uplifting fantasy, which I have to say in our current global climate is so much needed.
So it appears to me insanity not to make a series 2
We need this guys !!!
So give the people what they want, isn’t that what you’re supposed to do after all ?
Excellent show. Verne would be impressed.
Nautilus is a very high quality show and the type of show that doesn’t come along very often and when it does it usually excites a fan base.
If Disney + doesn’t want to produce this anymore then hopefully Amazon Prime, Apple TV + or Netflix will continue on producing it because we fans will surely be more than happy to continue supporting this fine show!
We need Nautilus to continue!
I feel the Same cause when each episode ends I don’t want it to end ..it is such a great show and chock full of great actors and characters and story line…why every time I love a show it gets cancelled….I truly hope another channel buys it