The Morpho machine is shutting down. Apple TV+ has officially canceled “The Big Door Prize” after two seasons, a move confirmed by multiple sources, including Variety. The series, from Skydance Television and CJ ENM/Studio Dragon, concluded its Season 2 run on June 12.
The Big Door Prize is based on a novel by M.O. Walsh and adapted by David West Read, known for his work on “Schitt’s Creek”. The show featured strong performances from notables like Chris O’Dowd, who played Dusty Hubbard, Gabrielle Dennis, Josh Segarra, Ally Maki, Djouliet Amara, Sammy Fourlas, Crystal Fox, and Damon Gupton.
The Unusual Appeal of a Small Town
The series centers on the residents of Deerfield, Louisiana, who are faced with existential questions when a mysterious arcade console appears in their local store. For just $2 in quarters (and personal information like a Social Security number), the so-called Morpho machine dispenses cards revealing each person’s true potential.
A Cast of Well-Developed Characters
The first season aired in spring 2023 and earned a solid reception. Characters like Dusty Hubbard (O’Dowd), who couldn’t understand the buzz around the machine; Cass (Dennis), who discovered her destiny to become royalty; and others navigated through life’s new possibilities. “They’re going south quick,
” noted O’Dowd about how the characters grapple with their newfound potentials in Season 2.
A Promising Concept Not Fully Realized
The series promised to explore complex themes about identity and potential but didn’t outlast beyond its second season despite positive early reviews. It was Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes during its premiere season. As one critic aptly put it: “It’s an interesting comparison of generations… but it also leads to honest conversations about the pressure to succeed
.”
Behind the Scenes Talent
David West Read helmed the adaptation and served as executive producer. Alongside him were industry heavyweights like David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Matt Thunell (Skydance), Miky Lee, Jey-hyun Kim, Hyun Park (Studio Dragon), Bill Bost, and Sarah Walker. Directors included Steven Tsuchida, Heather Jack, Jordan Canning, Satya Bhabha, and Declan Lowney.
A Heartwarming but Brief Journey
No more episodes will be released as AppleTV+ opted to discontinue the show. Although it had a warm atmosphere with humor akin to “Schitt’s Creek”, it ultimately couldn’t secure enough viewership to continue.
Despite the early end, The Big Door Prize‘s exploration of human potential will be remembered fondly by its dedicated audience.
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