In a strange turn of events, hit Netflix show Sense8ย has been canceled after two seasons.
The show, developed by The Wachowskis (who wrote and directed The Matrix Trilogy), tells the story of eight sensates from around the world who are mentally and emotionally linked. It was praised for its international cast, as well as for tackling issues not commonly explored in TV, likeย politics, identity, sexuality, gender, and religion. Critics loved it, too, with Rotten Tomatoesย saying that its second seasonย “maintains its stunning visuals, Wachowski wackiness, and great heart.”
Reports by Netflix also show that people binge-watchย Sense8ย instead of savoring it slowly and that 70% of the people who watched the first three episodes ended up watching the entire first season.
Another reason why the cancellation is Sense8ย is unusual is that Netflix rarely cancels shows. Only six have been canceled, while two were no longer renewed. Compared to cancellations, non-renewal is a different concept due to a mutual creative decision by its producers, cast, and the network. Non-renewed shows are called “ended” or “concluded,” and has a series finale. Cancellations are abrupt and their stories are left hanging.
In fact, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings once said, “We’ve canceled very few shows. I’m always pushing the content team. We have to take more risk. You have to try more crazy things. Because we should have a higher cancel rate overall.”
So why cancel Sense8? It’s a young and daring show that isn’t like what people normally see. Netflix’s vice president of contentย Cindy Holland told Variety, “It is everything we and the fans dreamed it would be: bold, emotional, stunning, kickass, and outright unforgettable.Never has there been a more truly global show with an equally diverse and international cast and crew, which is only mirrored by the connected community of deeply passionate fans all around the world.”
Strangely, the platform has not cited a reason for its cancellation. Netflix doesn’t reveal its viewership, so it’s hard to tell whether it’s because of declining viewers or ratings. One culprit could be the cost. In the second season, one episode averagesย $9 million to produce. In comparison, Game of Thronesย only started spending more than $10 million per episode in its sixth season.
Alas, the story that spanned 16 cities in 13 countries has come to an end.
Here’s what Twitter had to say about it:
Netflix renews the pretentious, nonsensical train wreck #TheOA, but cancels the inspiring & uplifting #Sense8? pic.twitter.com/GYqGUzH6JU
โ Chad Martin???? (@pataphysician) June 1, 2017
SENSE8 HAD:
โข diversity
โข lgbtq representation
โข cinematography
โข good plot
โข amazing acting
AND YALL CANCELLED IT??????โ ju (@blondefelicity) June 1, 2017
So Netflix just cans one of its best shows including people of many races and the LGBTQIA community at the beginning of pride month #Sense8
โ Matt (@Gxd_Dxmn) June 1, 2017
sense8 had
-a trans woman
-two gay men
-compassionate kenyan man
-independent indian woman
-courageous south korean woman#bringbacksense8โ ใ ค (@ravenclvws) June 2, 2017
Shows like #Sense8 are the future of television. Wake up @netflix – you’re making a huge mistake… #RenewSense8
โ Francesca Leclerc (@capnfrenchie) June 2, 2017
Guys, please go see Sense8. Please. Just give it a try. Then go back to this tweet and tell me if you’ve ever seen anything like it on TV.
โ Angelo (@gleenonseagal) June 2, 2017
Noooo @netflix.. why you gotta go and cancel one the most progressive shows that’s ever existed? Maybe uncancel the @sense8? ????
โ Osric Chau (@OsricChau) June 2, 2017
Sense8’s smart, inclusive, progressive, and optimistic storytelling is what we need in 2017. @netflix #BringbackSense8 #savesense8
โ Ced (@ColdBloodedCyni) June 2, 2017
me @ netflix after they cancelled tgd and sense8 pic.twitter.com/UhbyodTbO8
โ a (@astrolance) June 2, 2017
#sense8 makes me feel connected to all kinds of people, like I’m not alone, like I have family all over the world. Please #RenewSense8 ?
โ Call Me Red (@get_redical) June 2, 2017
Netflix: we’re canceling Sense8 and the Get Down to take risks
Also Netflix: HERES LIKE 90 NEW ADAM SANDLER MOVIESโ Casey Nugent (@CaseyNuge) June 2, 2017
How do you feel about Sense8‘s cancellation?ย Share your thoughts below!
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