The show has been praised for its representation of BIPOC and LGBTQIA characters
BY SCARLETT COUGHLAN, IMAGE BY ABC
Station 19’s hardcore fandom is doing everything they can to save their favourite show after ABC recently declared its cancellation.
The statement came as a surprise to fans following the recent announcement of the show’s seventh season – slated for May 2024 – during which it will celebrate its 100th episode.
The Grey’s Anatomy spinoff follows the lives of the firefighters at the Seattle Fire Department. Starring the likes of Jaina Lee Ortiz, Barrett Doss and Danielle Savre, the show is known for its representation of BIPOC and LGBTQIA characters.
On top of that, the show delves into the socio-political issues surrounding these diverse identities, with its discussion of systematic racism in season six earning it the Sentinel Award from Hollywood, Health & Society this year.
Female and queer identities are also at the heart of the show. In season five, a main character seeks an abortion – a theme which is carried into season six where a subplot follows the issue of fake abortion clinics.
In the same vein, Station 19 highlights the struggles that queer couples face when trying to start a family – a challenge that two queer female characters tackle during the show.
At a time when reproductive and LGBTQIA rights are increasingly threatened – as seen in the United States where the show takes place – Station 19’s role in merging topical political issues and pop culture is invaluable to fans.
As a result, Station 19’s devastated fandom immediately jumped into action following ABC’s announcement on 9 December. Already, their online change.org petition has reached 30,000 signatures out of its 35,000 goal.
The same day, fans created the @SaveStation19 page on X (formerly Twitter), which has gained over 2,000 followers in the four days since its conception.
The page shares actions that Station 19 fans can take in an attempt to change the show’s destiny – such as posting on social media using the #SaveStation19 and #DoNotCancelStation19 hashtags, rating the show positively online, reaching out to the ABC network and streaming the show.
Fans have even carried out 24-hour watch parties and created maps highlighting the global breadth of the Station 19 community.
While fans do everything in their power to save Station 19, the reasons behind ABC’s decision remain unclear. Speculation includes strikes, as well as the departure of showrunner Krista Vernoff, who is set to be replaced by Zoanne Clack and Peter Paige.
Another theory suggests that the show’s ratings are to blame. But, with 7/10 on IMDb and 65 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes – enough to qualify for the coveted ‘Fresh’ status on the website’s Tomatometer – this doesn’t give a clear answer either.
In fact, according to Variety, the show is more popular than ever, with its most recent season averaging 8.8 million viewers – four times more than the previous season.
Whatever the reason, fans don’t want to see Station 19 go. If you’re one of them, you can sign the petition here.
DIVA magazine will celebrate 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
✨linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine ✨
The Station 19 20/20 Podcast has a project where fans can send in a video by email or on the podcast’s social media saying “Save Station 19” in their native tongue. All the videos will be put together to make a big tribute.