Apple TV+ Delays The Savant Amid Charlie Kirk Tragedy
On Tuesday, Apple TV+ decided to delay its new drama series, The Savant, following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point. The decision seems to be a reflection of the tragic event that recently transpired.
A spokesperson said, “After careful consideration, we decided to postpone The Savant. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to releasing the series on a later date.” Originally set to premiere on Friday, the show follows a secret agent played by Jessica Chastain who infiltrates online hate groups in an effort to thwart potential domestic terrorism.
As of now, there are no new release dates on the table. Apple TV did not provide specific reasoning behind their delay, but it’s notable that the show was positioned to debut just two weeks after Kirk’s murder, which authorities labeled as ideologically motivated. Reports indicate that Kirk’s alleged assassin harbored a particular disdain for him.
The series’ promotional material has been noted for highlighting extremist attacks linked to far-right nationalist factions, though it apparently doesn’t draw direct connections to Kirk’s shooting in terms of its narrative focus on politically driven violence.
Interestingly, the show faced a backlash even before the delay, especially from conservative commentators who criticized its apparent political slant. One commentator quipped, “We can’t wait for a new TV show about women in the liberal deep state with multi-ethnic families who stop right-wing terrorism by surveilling our internet!” Others chimed in with similar critiques about the show’s direction, suggesting its narrative felt outdated or overly one-sided.
This announcement occurred against a backdrop where certain high-profile media figures, like Jimmy Kimmel, faced backlash following controversial remarks related to Kirk’s situation.
Despite the uproar and ensuing controversy, Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar Media Group confirmed they would continue to delay their programming, including preempting Kimmel’s show, as discussions about appropriate responses unfold.
