Prior to last week, Apple TV+’s show The Savant, a political thriller penned by The Americans and House Of Cards writer Melissa James Gibson, might not have been on many radars. However, the streaming service thrust it into the spotlight by cancelling its two-part premiere, slated for just three days later on September 23, without offering a substantial explanation in their brief announcement. The decision likely stems from the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and its repercussions, given the show’s exploration of far-right extremism, the manosphere, and domestic terrorism. Yet, halting a show that addresses our current societal issues and violence seems misguided. Jessica Chastain, leading the series, expressed her disagreement with the decision in a detailed social media post, citing various mass shootings and stating: “These incidents, while not fully representing the extent of violence in the United States, highlight a pervasive mindset that transcends political lines and must be addressed.”

The series, inspired by a 2019 Cosmopolitan article titled “Is It Possible To Stop A Mass Shooting Before It Happens?” does not pinpoint any specific recent events. Chastain’s character, Jodi Goodwin, a mother of two whose husband (played by Nnamdi Asomugha) is deployed overseas, infiltrates hate groups anonymously, identifies serious threats, and collaborates with the FBI to prevent potential attacks. The A.V. Club, which has paused its review, described the show as “timely” and “urgent.” Despite the high stakes of her job affecting Jodi’s mental health and family life, similar to narratives in Homeland and 24, The Savant remains a conventional drama with no direct political accusations or intense action scenes, making Apple’s preemptive cancellation even more perplexing. (Apple TV+ did not respond to The A.V. Club‘s inquiries for further comment or a revised release date.)

Apple likely aims to dodge any controversy linked to airing a show about men driven to commit crimes by their extremist views, amid current sensitive political climates. The company also seems keen to avoid potential backlash from sensitive political figures or facing lawsuits similar to those Disney and Paramount have encountered. This cautious approach might also be influenced by the recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following his comments about MAGA and Kirk’s shooter. While Kimmel returned to his ABC duties, others weren’t as fortunate, losing their jobs over remarks about Kirk, according to The New York Times. Yet, it raises questions about why a straightforward show condemning white supremacist ideologies might be perceived as problematic, especially since neither President Trump nor his administration have publicly addressed The Savant as of now.

Furthermore, The Savant is not the only contemporary cultural project tackling themes of fascism or neo-Nazism. Recent episodes of HBO Max’s Peacemaker reveal a dystopian alternate reality where people of color are imprisoned and swastikas replace stars on the U.S. flag. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film One Battle After Another features Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor as far-left revolutionaries, with Sean Penn playing a colonel eager to join a covert group of white supremacists dubbed “the superior beings.” FX’s The Lowdown, by creator Sterlin Harjo, follows journalist Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke) as he uncovers corruption among Tulsa’s political elite, including a gubernatorial candidate with white supremacist ties.

In essence, The Savant does not deserve the particular scrutiny it has received. It’s a challenging landscape to navigate, especially with a President quick to condemn any media opposition. Yet, the series itself isn’t about political conflict. Echoing Kimmel’s words in his monologue upon returning to TV on the same day The Savant was postponed: “This show isn’t crucial. What’s crucial is living in a country that allows such shows to exist.”