Station 19 boasts a devoted fandom who have rallied together following the show’s sudden cancellation announcement by ABC on 8 December 2023.
A passionate “Save Station 19” petition has swiftly summoned the show’s distraught fans following last month’s devastating and unexpected announcement. It has rapidly reached over 60,000 signatures (at the time of publication) as fans gather together to try and rescue the groundbreaking drama series.
As a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19 focuses on the personal and professional lives of firefighters in Seattle. The show has been praised for its diverse cast and representation of characters from various backgrounds and communities, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) and LGBTQIA individuals. For example, the fan-favourite relationship between Maya Bishop and Carina DeLuca, a sapphic couple nicknamed “Marina” by fans, has been a prominent storyline.
Station 19 tells stories that have resonated with global audiences of all ages by authentically portraying characters from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The show has addressed major social issues; this nuanced approach has earned Station 19 recognition for its impactful storytelling. In its sixth season, the show received a prestigious Sentinel Award for its portrayal of discrimination and provided a platform for meaningful conversations around this important topic.
Over its six-season run, Station 19 cultivated a dedicated viewership, with ratings continually increasing. The most recent season showed a noteworthy 294% jump to over 8 million viewers. However, despite this growth in popularity, network executives surprisingly made the abrupt decision to still cancel the show, delivering unfortunate news to its loyal fanbase.
Due to this, many fans have taken to “X” (formerly Twitter) and TikTok to voice their dismay in the matter, kickstarting accounts aimed at reversing the cancellation. Hashtags such as #SaveStation19 and #DoNotCancelStation19 went viral on “X” while a billboard in Times Square took a different approach on New Year’s Eve to bring awareness of the show’s premature demise.
Upon hearing the news, one fan tweeted: “Well, yesterday was pretty surreal: #Station19 coming to an end, and #GoodTrouble cancelled. Not a great day – still wrapping my head around the news. These shows have been my home and my family for over a decade.”
This emotional reaction exemplifies how passionate Station 19’s fanbase is, especially members of the LGBTQIA community who felt represented by the show’s characters and stories.
Executive producer Shonda Rhimes reacted to Station 19’s cancellation on Instagram. But her tribute noticeably excluded Carina and Maya – the sapphic couple whose relationship resonated deeply with many LGBTQIA fans. Supporters swiftly called her out on the glaring omission of the two fan favourites that helped drive the show’s popularity. Yet loyal fans persist in rallying for their beloved show – because, for them, Station 19’s stories are too meaningful to leave untold.
This communal connection has spurred rescue efforts, alongside calls for entertainment that moves beyond profits to embrace inclusive storytelling. If the campaigns succeed in reviving Station 19, it would signal the growing influence of fan bases unified by a shared desire for representation that resonates. For now, the petitions capture how shows like Station 19 leave indelible impacts, both on-screen through groundbreaking portrayals and off-screen by empowering voices demanding to be heard.
If you would like to save the show Station 19 then sign this petition.
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