Netflix got people talking this month after cancelling The Boroughs, a sci-fi mystery series produced by the creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers.
This came as a shock to many viewers, as the show was in writing for a three-season storyline, but after just one, it was axed.
This has sparked debate around streaming services such as Netflix, and as to why so many great shows are being cancelled.
Film News Blitz’s Charlotte Cave takes a closer look.
‘The Boroughs’
The Boroughs was lined up to be a big hit for Netflix and a promising addition to their catalogue.
However, after just one season, it’s been cancelled.
The series follows a group of seniors in a retirement community discovering an out-of-this-world threat.
The show broke into Netflix’s Top 10, and in its first four days secured second place.
It also performed well among critics and has left fans wondering why this would be cancelled.
However, even with the star-studded cast and world-renowned Duffer Brothers on the production team, it seemed the high production cost was its downfall.
There is also speculation that the Duffer Brothers’ recent four-year Paramount deal might have had a leg in on the outcome.
However, Netflix has denied this allegation and claims it was purely a business decision.
Not the only show saying goodbye
This cancellation is not the only one to make headlines this year.
Much to viewers’ distaste, Netflix has confirmed the endings to many popular shows.
The legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer will end after its fifth season, and the thriller Night Agent, which rose to popularity, has also been announced to conclude.
Meanwhile, Emily in Paris, another of Netflix’s most successful shows, is set to wrap up after its upcoming season.
However, these endings, more planned than abrupt, still mark the conclusion of big shows for the service.
Among these was also the cancellation of the western drama The Abandons.
Created by Yellowstone’s Taylor Sheridan, the popular series was not allowed to become long-running.
This series came with much hype but was cancelled after one season, leaving many viewers disappointed.
This is just a handful of shows that have been cancelled or brought to a close this year.
Showing that even projects that are attached to major names are not guaranteed longevity.
Why?
Overall, it looks like the answer is largely financial.
Streaming platforms are prioritising profitability over expansion.
Due to this, newer and more expensive shows are often not being allowed to expand and build an audience over several seasons.
However, these realisations are not new.
In fact, the past few years have seen more controversial show cancellations, and streaming services have faced more backlash than this.
However, it does suggest, with shows like The Boroughs and The Abandons, that the industry is less willing to let expensive projects grow, despite their high status.
Marking these two cancellations as standouts with their big-name attachments.
Leaving viewers wondering if even shows backed by the producers of Stranger Things are getting axed, where does that leave new projects for the future?
READ NEXT – ‘Toy Story 5’ review: The magic endures in this franchise
