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Why the Cancellation of Sense8 is Unusual (and What the Internet Has to Say About It)

Trending & Features June 3, 2017

Why the Cancellation of Sense8 is Unusual (and What the Internet Has to Say About It)

In a strange turn of events, hit Netflix show Sense8 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, like politics, identity, sexuality, gender, and religion. Critics loved it, too, with Rotten Tomatoes saying that its second season “maintains its stunning visuals, Wachowski wackiness, and great heart.”

Reports by Netflix also show that people binge-watch Sense8 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 Sense8 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 content 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 averages $9 million to produce. In comparison, Game of Thrones 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:

How do you feel about Sense8‘s cancellation? Share your thoughts below!

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Koji

Koji Arsua likes to read. He makes book-related content on Instagram (@koji.reads) and TikTok (@koji.reads).