Not every streaming program on Netflix can count on being as successful when it comes to getting new seasons as Stranger Things or Breaking Bad. Another victim of its lack of dedication was the mind-boggling thriller series Mindhunter, which ran from 2017 to 2019. However, you could be pardoned for not anticipating that relationship to end so quickly. The news that a third season of the highly regarded series wasn’t on the horizon was an enormous blow for fans. The high production costs ultimately caused the show’s premature demise, despite its compelling storytelling and original take on criminal psychology.
Mindhunter is a Joe Penhall creation that delves into the minds of infamous serial killers and the FBI agents who try to understand them. As co-executive producer, David Fincher has overseen many of the scriptwriting and production processes and, in a way, was the showrunner of the series. However, in spite of critical acclaim and a loyal following, the show wasn’t able to draw enough viewers, according to Netflix, to justify the hefty price tag associated with its production.
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The Price Tag Behind Mindhunter Season 3?
David Fincher’s Netflix psychological crime thriller series Mindhunter struck a chord with viewers as it delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche through its portrayal of serial killers. However, the viewers were left wondering why the eagerly awaited season 3 was canceled. As the rumors spread, it was clear that the show’s high production costs were a major factor. Beginning in 2020, it was announced that the actors’ contracts were no longer in effect. Netflix released the following statement to TV Line:
“David is focused on directing his first Netflix film Mank, and on producing the second season of Love, Death and Robots. He may revisit Mindhunter again in the future, but in the meantime felt it wasn’t fair to the actors to hold them from seeking other work while he was exploring new work of his own.”
Although it was not surprising, the news was disheartening. Afterward, Fincher was asked if Mindhunter was coming to an end in an interview with Vulture. “I think probably”, he answered, adding:
“Listen, for the viewership that it had, it was an expensive show. We talked about ‘Finish Mank and then see how you feel,’ but I honestly don’t think we’re going to be able to do it for less than I did Season 2. And on some level, you have to be realistic about dollars have to equal eyeballs.”
When it comes to achieving the highest level of perfection for his projects, Fincher will not listen to anyone. Mindhunter is one example of his painstaking attention to detail. The show was abruptly canceled due to its high cost, which included overspending on VFX.
Why VFX? Everything that could be regarded as modern has to be erased using visual effects because the show was set in the 1970s. Everything that did not match the era’s aesthetic had to go, including vehicles and structures. Even in the first two seasons, Fincher did not skimp on details.
Thus, the success of the show was attributed to its dedication to emulating the spooky atmosphere of the late 1970s and early 1980s, capturing the spirit of infamous crime scenes and accurately portraying the psychology of these violent minds.
David Fincher Didn’t Know if it Made Sense to ‘Continue’ on Mindhunter
David Fincher has earlier stated that he was not able to produce more material for Mindhunter because he was too preoccupied with other projects. The director acknowledged that the high cost of the Netflix series, which followed the FBI’s attempts to profile serial killers, might pose a problem for the show’s future. He revealed the following to Variety:
“I don’t know if it makes sense to continue. It was an expensive show. It had a very passionate audience, but we never got the numbers that justified the cost.”
Mindhunter boasted an impressive ensemble cast, including Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv as FBI agents who form a task force to interview serial killers.
Also Read: Lauren Glazier of Mindhunter Fame Gets Cast in Disney+’s Wonder Man Series
Well, that would be it—no more hope for this series. Because it does not seem like season three is on the cards, we will take Netflix’s advice and give it a miss until at least a couple of years from now.
You can watch Mindhunter on Netflix.
