Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist received rave reviews for its light humor and impressive musicals when it aired on NBC on January 7, 2020. Following its success in season 1, the dramedy series returned with its 2nd season in January 2021. 

Despite a dedicated fanbase, the second installment couldn't impress the broadcasting company. The ratings and viewership dropped with an average of 1.8 million total viewers only, 10% down compared to the first season. 

NBC struggled to improve the viewership, changing its time slot four times within season 2. And even the production team tried negotiating to move the series to NBC's Peacock streaming service. However, all attempts were for naught.

As a result, NBC proclaimed the show's cancelation on June 9, 2021, upsetting avid followers looking forward to season 3. 

Response to 'Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist' Cancelation

The surprise cancelation of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist upset its cast as well. 

The lead actor Skylar Astin, who played Max, talked to Entertainment Weekly in June 2021 and shared that the news was "weird to digest." He even mentioned that the abrupt stop of the show made it feel like a breakup. 

Astin was vocal about how the cancelation of season 3 affected the series' future, which could have earned multiple awards and more audience. 

Likewise, the lead actress Jane Levy, who portrayed the titular character, also opened up about her experience to Vanity Fair.

Stating that the week the show got canceled was a roller coaster, the Los Angeles native said that she had given her all to the project. Levy's sadness regarding the cancelation is hugely justified, given that the role could have brought her Emmy nominations. 

Within two seasons, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist had bagged five Emmy nominations for its musical direction, original music and lyrics, outstanding choreography, and outstanding guest actress. 

The Show Makes a Comeback

Though Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist won't be back on NBC, cheerful news is in order for the show's cast and followers — the show is being renewed as a final movie on the budding AVOD platform Roku.

On August 5, 2021, TVLine reported that the streaming platform was nearing a deal with a two-hour film. If the movie ends up as a success, Roku might add follow-up episodes as well. 

The original cast members are expected to return to their respective roles in the film slated to air over the holidays. However, the deal with the cast is still underway.

The original actors comprise Levy, Astin, Alex Newell as Mo, Felix Mallard as Aiden, and John Clarence Stewart as Simon, among others. 

The movie will probably follow up the cliffhanger scenario it left at the end of season two. In the ending, Max had gotten his girlfriend's remarkable superpower of hearing other's thoughts in the form of songs. 

So the chances are high that the plotline will focus on Max's journey, Zoey's inner thoughts, and their relationship.