Disney+ fans sign petition for second series of show that's 'the best in years'

17 January 2024 , 11:52

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Thomas Brodie-Sangster and David Thewlis star in Disney's Oliver Twist sequel (Image: Disney+)

Disney+ fans have launched a petition to “demand” a second series of a new show they say is “the best series in years.” Streaming now in the UK, The Artful Dodger is a brand-new comedy-drama that acts as a sequel to Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

The dark comedic series follows the exploits of Jack Dawkins, a former pickpocket from Dickens’ classic novel. It stars Game of Thrones and The Queen’s Gambit star Thomas Brodie-Sangster in the titular role with Harry Potter’s David Thewlis as master thief Fagin alongside Maia Mitchell and Tim Minchin.

Billed as “a tale of reinvention, betrayal, redemption, and love with a twist,” the series is set in 1850s Australia in the lively colony of Port Victory, where Jack – aka The Artful Dodger – is now a surgeon who still has a penchant for crime. When his past returns to haunt him with the arrival of Fagin, he is lured back into a world of crime.

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All episodes of The Artful Dodger premiered in the UK on Wednesday (January 17) following a November launch in Australia and the US. It has earned positive reviews, with The Guardian awarding it four out of five stars and describing it as “fast, furious and really great fun,” while it boasts a 96 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

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The Artful Dodger is available to stream on Disney+ here in the UK, which TV lovers can join from just £1.99 a month with a new limited-time deal. This gives access to hit shows like The Bear, Welcome to Wrexham, Modern Family and hundreds of hours of Disney, Pixar and National Geographic content including Encanto, Lightyear and A Real Bug’s Life.

Disney+ fans sign petition for second series of show that's 'the best in years'

Thomas Brodie-Sangster and David Thewlis in The Artful Dodger (Disney+)

Members can also stream top Marvel and Star Wars films and shows like Echo and the upcoming Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew. Disney+ is also launching the hotly anticipated samurai saga Shōgun in February.

There’s no hidden cost with a monthly Disney+ subscription and it can be cancelled any time, while customers can save money if they sign up to an annual subscription. By paying annually, new members can get the equivalent of two months free on Disney+’s Standard or Premium plan, which usually cost £7.99 a month and £10.99 a month respectively.

The Artful Dodger is a co-production between Sony Pictures Television’s Curio Pictures and Beach Road Pictures, and as yet neither company has announced plans for a second season. The change.org petition was started by Andrew H, who describes himself as an “ardent fan” of the series.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Maia Mitchell in The Artful Dodger (Disney+)

“This show has been phenomenal and has touched my life in many ways,” Andrew said. “Its unique storytelling, compelling characters, and intricate plot-lines which have captivated me and many others around the world.

“However, it is with deep regret that we learned that there are currently no plans for a second season. Its potential for growth is immense given its initial success.

“We urge the producers and network executives to reconsider their decision and give this remarkable show another chance.”

The petition asks Sony, Disney and streaming platform Hulu – where the series aired in the US – to renew The Artful Dodger for another season. It has a goal of 1,000 signees and has attracted almost 200 signatures in a week.

At time of writing 193 fans have shown their support since the petition launched on January 8, with signees describing the series as a “masterpiece.” Writing on the petition, Siena Branne said: “We need season two!!”

Michelle Petterson said: “This is by far the best series I have seen in years. Please make a season two, there is so much more to go with this show!”