Our Flag Means …War: The Epic Battle to Save The Beloved Pirate Show
Ahoy, shipmates of the rainbow seas! Gather ’round as we spill the tea on the high-seas drama surrounding the cancellation of Our Flag Means Death and the valiant crew of fans putting up a fight and determined to keep their beloved ship afloat.
It’s been exactly ten days since the shocking news hit us all like a rogue wave: Our Flag Means Death had been given the old heave-ho. But what the powers that be on Max didn’t account for when making that terrible decision was that canceling such a beloved TV show would awaken the Kraken; causing thousands upon thousands of fans around the globe to rally together with a spirited unison cry: “RENEW AS A CREW!”
Since then, this crew of passionate folks has set sail on a campaign that, in less than two weeks, has already reached the right people and is making the noise needed to change the winds.
But before we dive into all that we want to be honest here and share that we were just as surprised as the fans of the show were when Max decided to make Our Flag Means Death walk the plank. Back when we started covering the show after Season 1 we wrote an article listing all the reasons why we thought the show deserved to sail for a second season.
And maybe y’all are wondering why we didn’t do that after Season 2, and the truth is, we thought the numbers spoke for themselves – the engagement was through the roof, the show was in the top 10 in many countries, hashtags were trending almost on a daily, and fan-made content flooded every social media platform like a tidal wave.
A renewal was imminent.
We thought that it would be a mistake of epic proportions to prevent this show from sailing forward into a third and final season as David Jenkins, its creator, had envisioned. But apparently, we were wrong and we gave Max too much credit.
But anygays…what’s done is done and although we wish we were writing an article celebrating a Season 3 renewal and not this, here we are, ready to join the fight and salute the incredible efforts of the fans of this amazing and very important show.
In all our years in fandom, we’ve seen many fan campaigns come and go, some have been successful, some not so much, but very few have done what this incredible group of folks have done. In the wake of the cancellation, they’ve done it all: phone calls, signatures, emails, hashtags, charity…ads. The list is long.
And just so y’all get an idea of what they’ve achieved in such a short period of time, the petition to save the show has gathered over 65, 140 signatures (and counting). Btw, if you haven’t joined the crew, there’s still time—sign the petition here. And they’ve managed to pool together enough funds to take their fight to the big leagues.
Yep, with a massive ad in NYC’s Times Square (currently being broadcast between 46th and 47th streets on 7th Ave, so if you’re in the area go check it out) and a truck and plane circling HBO’s corporate office in Culver City, California, this crew is determined to have their message heard. #HoistTheAds #SaveOFMD
The campaign’s impeccable organization and respectful approach have turned heads, garnering the attention they rightfully deserve and we couldn’t be prouder of this group of people. But the cherry on top: following the show’s Season 2 motto, they’ve managed to ‘turn poison into positivity’ by launching a charity fundraiser with all donations going to RainbowYOUTH—a New Zealand-based organization supporting LGBTQ+ youth. So far this incredible fandom has raised over $16,262 in the show’s name!
“RENEW AS A CREW is not just about advocating for the renewal of “Our Flag Means Death,” it’s also about advocating for a world where everyone can be their authentic selves.” (DONATE HERE)
*so proud*
And because this is about them, check out some of the photos and videos that fans have shared:
As we’ve seen with other shows, fan campaigns have the power to steer the course, and while Max might be a tough adversary, hope remains that Our Flag Means Death finds a new harbor. As the numbers grow in billboards, trucks, planes, and charity, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for the savvy streaming service ready to rescue our beloved pirates.
Queer representation on mainstream television is like a treasure trove, and we can’t let it sink into the depths. Let’s band together, fight for what we love, and ensure Our Flag Means Death sails on for a third and final season. Let’s show the world that the LGBTQ+ community stands strong, loud, and proud. Our stories matter, and we won’t let them be silenced.
Avast ye, fellow gays, the battle has just begun!
SAVE OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH
For more info about the renewal campaign visit the Renew As a Crew official website. Season 1 and 2 of Our Flag Means Death are available to stream on Max. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured image: Photo by Renew as a Crew on X (formerly Twitter)
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