In a move sure to reduce sci-fi nerds everywhere to paroxysms of joy, Netflix has announced that it will be picking up the Joss Wheadon Classic space western Firefly for a second season.
The series, which originally ran on Fox, was famously canceled before its time, a move cited by fans as one of the greatest injustices in Television history. Netflix, which has resurrected other canceled shows like Arrested Development and Twin Peaks, announced today that Firefly would be getting a similar treatment this fall after an internet campaign drew a huge amount of attention.
“We’re excited to give yet another great show a chance at new life,” a Netflix executive said in the announcement of the show’s second season. “Firefly was one of the most innovative shows in television history, and we can’t wait to give Joss Whedon and the cast another shot at it. This is another step in Netflix’s commitment to great programming.”
Nathan Fillion, who plays protagonist Mal, had this to say, “It will be great to get out of this festering rathole called Television once and for all. I can see a future where all programming is streamed, and I’m looking forward to being at the forefront of it. Firefly has always had a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to embody this character again.”
Joss Whedon, series creator called the move “a significant evolution in the way programming is funded and created.” Whedon spoke of a time where internet fandom has become as significant a force in determining which series are created as the major networks are.
The second season of Firefly is set to air this Fall for a 24 episode season available for streaming for Netflix subscribers.
And finally, happy April Fool’s Day.
