ABC has made some tough calls with its primetime lineup over the years, but the cancellation of Big Sky remains one of the network's most frustrating decisions. The neo-western thriller, which debuted in 2020, joined the ranks of The Company You Keep and Alaska Daily as shows that offered something unique in their concepts. Based on C.J. Box's The Highway books, Big Sky had a wealth of untapped stories and a female-driven cast led by Katheryn Winnick and Kylie Bunbury.
Unfortunately, the numbers weren't there for ABC to renew Big Sky for a fourth season. It's a shame because season 3, titled "Deadly Trails," felt like a turning point that reinvigorated the best qualities from its debut run. The third chapter brought in Reba McEntire to head up Sunny Day Excursions, a retreat brimming with secrets, and made the strongest case for why Big Sky deserved a second chance. The show was heading in a strong direction, making its cancellation sting even more.
A New Story and Cast Each Season
What helped Big Sky stand out was its new plot each season, along with a rotating cast that joined mainstays Winnick and Bunbury. Recognizable faces like Ryan Phillipe, John Carroll Lynch, Jensen Ackles, and McEntire appeared, giving fans something to always look forward to. While the growing list of characters was a nice touch, what ultimately made the show distinct was its changing plots. Each season felt like a chapter in a book, with different crimes, supporting casts, and tones. The first season focused on Ronald (Brian Geraghty), a serial kidnapper truck driver. The second season had a lot going on with a drug ring and Travis (Logan Marshall-Green) portraying one of the series' more complicated characters. This structure made Big Sky a show that always felt like it had a lot to offer, and if something wasn't clicking, a new story and actors were waiting around the corner.
For fans of thrillers that keep you guessing, check out our list of Hidden Gems: 10 Thrillers from the Past 20 Years You Probably Missed.
Out of Place on Network Television
There's a clear difference in what fans can expect when tuning into a show on ABC versus HBO or Netflix. Big Sky probably would have been best served on a premium network or streaming service because of its tone. This isn't to say that a TV-MA rating would have made all the difference, but the series had enough edge that it could have reached its next level if allowed to go one step further than ABC would permit. The show's creator, David E. Kelley, has had tremendous success across cable, with HBO's Big Little Lies being one of his most successful shows. That serves as a reminder of what Kelley could have done if Big Sky was elsewhere.
Main Characters Had More to Explore
The way season 3 ended left the door open for Ackles' Beau and Winnick's Jenny. The two had a working relationship, but there was always something more. Beau's ex-wife and daughter were leaving town in the finale, and while he considered following, what kept him around was his partner. The parting shot of them together at Jenny's house served as a reminder of what could have been with a season 4. Cassie's story also had so much to dig into. She had just sparked a fling with Cormac (Luke Mitchell), and she and Jenny were really coming into their own in solving crimes.
There remains hope that some other network will salvage this series, but until then, it's unfortunate to see a show with this much promise get chopped down before it could end on its own terms. If you're looking for more gritty thrillers, check out Forget Taylor Sheridan: Apple TV's 'Echo 3' Is the Gritty Thriller You Missed.
