The streaming behemoth Netflix, which has transformed how we watch television, is also recognized for its sporadic, brutal way of canceling a few beloved shows. Even though television cancellations are a common occurrence, some choices baffle viewers.
The streaming service’s most-watched series still includes popular shows like Big Mouth, The Witcher, and Stranger Things, but several other big programs were abruptly removed from the schedule. Thus, this article will examine the tragic cancellation of five highly promising television programs: American Vandal, Julie and the Phantoms, Teenage Bounty Hunters, The Irregulars, and Sense8.
These exciting TV series spellbound viewers, presented original viewpoints, and had a great deal of potential to keep telling gripping tales.
1. Sense8: The Science Fiction Drama
The ambitious science fiction drama Sense8, which the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski co-wrote, enthralled viewers with its convoluted plot and multicultural cast. Eight strangers from different parts of the world were featured in the first season of the show, including Aml Ameen, Bae Doona, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, and Tuppence Middleton. They suddenly realized they were ‘sensates’, or sentient entities with mental and emotional connections.
Regretfully, this innovative series was canceled by Netflix after just two seasons. The themes of acceptance and unity struck a chord with its ardent fan base. Netflix lost a chance to carry on with a compelling journey that crossed borders when it decided to cancel Sense8.
Netflix created a two-and-a-half-hour series finale that was released on June 8, 2018, in response to criticism of the cancellation, particularly concerning an unresolved story.
2. American Vandal: A Satirical Mockumentary Drama
Tony Yacenda’s American Vandal was a satirical true-crime mockumentary series that deftly blended humor and a biting indictment of modern youth culture. The show was a spoof of true crime documentaries like Serial and Making a Murderer. The show’s cancellation was announced on October 26, 2018, but there were rumors that the creators planned to sell the show to another network.
It became popular right away, thanks to its clever writing and creative storytelling. A curious audience begged for more episodes when Netflix regrettably canceled the show after two seasons, leaving unanswered questions.
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3. Julie and the Phantoms: A Heartfelt Musical Treasure
Julie and the Phantoms touched a nerve with viewers of all ages by fusing the magic of live music with a story about coming of age. Catchy tunes, a delightful blend of fantasy and reality, and a talented cast (Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, and Jeremy Shada) were all presented in this endearing series. The show, which was inspired by a Brazilian television series named Julie e os Fantasmas, was canceled after one season in December 2021.
Given the musical show’s potential for success and the platform it offered marginalized voices in the industry, Netflix’s decision to cancel it seemed nonsensical.
4. Teenage Bounty Hunters: A Refreshing Twist on the Teen Drama
Teenage Bounty Hunters brought an irresistible blend of humor and action to the oversaturated teen drama genre, revitalizing it. The ten episodes of season one kept viewers utterly captivated while delving into difficult subjects like friendship, identity, and s*xuality. The show, starring Maddie Phillips, Anjelica Bette Fellini, and Kadeem Hardison, was canceled in October 2020, following its debut season.
Netflix’s decision to end the show after just one season was a huge disappointment for the loyal fan base and a missed opportunity to further develop this extraordinary talent.
5. The Irregulars: A Gritty Take on Crime and Mystery Drama
The Irregulars, a gritty, dark comedy that is partially based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s writings, was an eight-episode Drama Republic series that debuted on March 26, 2021. Regrettably, the show was canceled in May 2021 after just one season.
Created by Tom Bidwell, this mystery adventure crime drama captured the attention of supporters and detractors alike. It featured compelling characters and a fresh approach to narrating the plot. Sadly, Netflix scrapped the show’s ability to explore character arcs and plot points in greater detail, leaving fans eager for more thrilling adventures and a satisfying conclusion.
Well, these compelling TV shows (available to stream on Netflix) captivated audiences, offered unique perspectives, and had a lot of potential to continue telling intriguing tales.
As viewers lament the cancellation of these shows, let us hope that future decisions about these scrapped shows are made with zeal.
