Mikayla Leskey | Arts and Entertainment
Over the past few years, Netflix has garnered a reputation for always cancelling shows right as they started getting a fanbase. The problem is that a lot of the times it’s Queer shows or shows with unique storylines that are being cancelled.
For example, Kaos, in 2024. Kaos was a modern retelling of what it would be like if the Greek Gods ruled in the current era. It got cancelled only a month after its release because it didn’t reach viewership standards, even though it consistently stayed in the top 10 for that month.
Similarly, Sense8, although it was canceled back in 2018 it was unprecedented at the time, causing an upset among the entire fanbase. Sense8 is a show about eight strangers becoming one, essentially soulmates, but more. It was a brand new story, one never really heard before, and nobody has been able to recreate the allure and breath-takingness that Sense8 created.
Meanwhile there’s other shows like Outer Banks and The Perfect Couple that got renewed season after season because it was the storyline people are used to. Both shows focused primarily on straight relationships and with concepts we’ve all seen before. Obviously, it’s getting views so clearly people like it, but honestly I’m getting sick of it.
Netflix used to be known as the platform that saved shows, not kill them. They’re cancelling shows with unique and worthwhile storylines but people aren’t giving them a chance. Either because they don’t want to get involved in a new show with only ten episodes or less, because there’s a high chance Netflix will cancel it, or because they’re afraid to get out of their comfort zone.
As someone who eventually wants to get into screenwriting and takes most inspiration by the shows Netflix is cancelling, it is really discouraging. Of course, it’s always about the numbers, viewership, budget, etc. But there are shows like Dead Boy Detectives or Julie and The Phantoms that deserved so much more than one season each.
As I mentioned before, some people find it hard to delve into a show that only has ten episodes or fewer for one reason or another. Maybe it’s because they don’t want to fall in love with a show that might just get cancelled or because they don’t know if it’s worth it. Sometimes, though, you just have to be as bold as these shows are, the ones that are being canceled.
There’s a reason why Netflix premiered these shows. They can be just as good or better than the plot you’re already used to. All it takes is a click of a button to find something new to watch, something unique and different from what you’re used to.