One of the most infamous of TV show fandoms' struggles is that of their possible cancellation. Sure, we could all be in the Supernatural fandom (currently on season 12). But alas, some of us were doomed to fandoms like mine: cancelled and cancelled. So today, let's take the painful journey of what it's like to get over a cancelled fandom, as told by the characters of one of my cancelled fandoms: Glee.
Stage 1: Shock
What was that? This can't be happening. You've been diligently watching this show FOREVER (or maybe like a year but it FEELS like forever) and... this? The network has cancelled your favorite show, the light of your otherwise-meaningless life. And it was doing so well! Okay, so some people stopped watching the show at this point, but YOU haven't! Shouldn't that account for something?
Stage 2: Denial
Okay, okay, this is okay. This is okay because it's not happening. It might happen, but--no, no, this won't happen. Everything's okay, and you will get a new season filled great scenes with your OTP and new developments for your favorite character. Yes, this is not the end. It's definitely not ending. Nope.
Stage 3: Anger
It's happening, it's happening and it's NOT FAIR! There's got to be someone to blame. The writers are definitely blame-worthy, because they've let this show grow stale! Ooooh, and the network executives who don't appreciate great TV when they see it are blame-worthy, too! And if people hadn't given up on your babies--um, the characters--they could have saved the show! So many people to hate, so little time.
Stage 4: Sadness
Life will become meaningless without your weekly viewing of this television show. How can the fanfiction community thrive under this terrible time? There will certainly have to be a "goodbye" episode, which means you'll have to invest in some heavy-duty tissue boxes and a waterproof room. Or maybe you won't; you'll let your tears drown you and end your miserable existence. Yes, that would be a fitting death as you watch the finale and bawl.
Stage 5: Fighting
You know what? You have cherished every moment with this show and you are NOT letting it go so easily! You will write every fanfiction you've ever thought of, draw a multitude of fancy fan art, and sign each petition online telling the network to bring back your favorite show! That'll show 'em.
Stage 6: Acceptance
But alas, there is only so much you can do, you've realized (after a lot of crying and caps-lock-filled posting on Tumblr). You must accept defeat as you remember that this show will live on forever... in your heart. *sniffle*
Stage 7: The aftermath
Well, it's a good thing you can still read as much fanfiction as you want after binge-watching the entire series online. And hey, who said you have to stop writing passionate letters to everyone involved in the show? It's gonna be okay. Fandoms will persevere. "Being a part of something special makes you special," after all.
