Netflix: Why So Quick to Cancel Popular Shows? Check Out The Popular Shows Cancelleed in 2022

By Haya Shijad Last updated Jan 17, 2023 0

In recent years, Netflix has become a significant player in entertainment. With a vast selection of movies and T.V. shows to choose from, it’s no wonder they’ve earned their spot as one of the most popular streaming services. However, despite their success, fans were left scratching their heads when Netflix started canceling some of their best-loved series. It’s easy to see why people ask, “why is Netflix canceling good shows?

Why Does Netflix Cancel Popular Shows?

Peter Friedlander, Netflix’s head of scripted programs for the United States and Canada, discussed the service’s inconsistent cancellation of streaming shows in a recent interview with Variety.

Friedlander was asked why First Kill and Fate: The Winx Saga, two of the most popular new shows canceled in 2022, were cut after appearing on the service’s weekly Top 10 list for multiple weeks.

Friedlander emphasized that “cancellations are the hardest part of this job” because everyone at Netflix is “passionate” about its programming.

“I think you will hear this from many folks, but the cancellations are the hardest part of this job, and when I think about the work that both the creators and all the people at Netflix put into them, we care passionately about them, and it’s not something that we take lightly.”

Still, Friedlander maintained that these cancellations are “part of the job” and have “always been a part of our business.” However, many may take his remarks with a grain of salt, considering that the service may alter its cancellation policies.

Friedlander further noted that the Top 10 is an excellent tool for “people to find shows, discover shows, and discuss shows” but does not figure into board-level decisions.

“The Top 10 is a useful tool for people to find shows, discover shows, talk about shows, and help you with viewing. The Top 10 serves in that way, which speaks to the popularity at that moment, and that’s what it’s about. And then when we have to make our decisions.”

Instead, Friedlander has revealed that Netflix evaluates the longevity of these episodes and makes decisions regarding their future based on these projections, as opposed to the initial performance of the show.

Friedlander provided little specifics regarding the factors that determine the outcome of these judgments, leaving viewers to wonder what would spare their beloved show from the dreaded chopping block.

Netflix: Why So Quick to Cancel Popular Shows?

So, what could be the reason behind Netflix’s quick trigger finger when it comes to canceling shows? Well, there are a few possible explanations.

For starters, Netflix is a business, and businesses need to be profitable. Canceling shows can help Netflix save money and focus on creating more suitable content. Additionally, Netflix has been known to cancel shows due to low viewership. This could be for various reasons, such as poor marketing or a lack of interest from the audience.

Another possible explanation could be Netflix’s ambition to create more original content. As the streaming service continues to add new shows to its library, it often has to cut content that is no longer relevant or popular. This can lead to some beloved shows getting the axe, despite having a solid fan base.

Ultimately, Netflix‘s decisions to cancel popular shows can be a difficult pill to swallow for fans. However, understanding the reasons behind Netflix’s cancellation decisions can help provide some clarity to the situation. Whether it’s to save money, focus on new content, or simply due to waning interest, Netflix’s decisions to cancel shows can be difficult but necessary.

Popular Shows That Have Already Been Canceled In 2022

The Wilds (Amazon Prime Video)

The Wilds has a terrific Lost meets Lord of the Flies vibe, but with many teenage girls left to fend for themselves on a barren island. The episodes dug both into what was happening on the island and each character’s backstory since everyone had a personality and upbringing that were completely different. A group of teenage males was introduced in season 2 after discovering that the plane crash may not have been an accident but rather part of a more comprehensive societal experiment.

The Time Traveler’s Wife (HBO)

The Time Traveler’s Wife is a science fiction romantic drama based on the Audrey Niffenegger novel of the same name. However, after its launch in July 2022, the show was not warmly welcomed.

It was about the connection between a guy with a genetic disease that caused him to travel through time and a lady who met an older version of him when she was a small girl and later discovered that she would marry him in the future. Fans have unsuccessfully lobbied for another streaming provider to pick up the show, even though critics were not wowed by its six episodes. According to Reddit, at least, it is one of the canceled shows from 2022 that merits a second season.

First Kill (Netflix)

It was a surprise that Netflix canceled this supernatural teen drama after only one season in August 2022. Juliette, the descendant of a family of vampires tasked with making her first kill, was a member of the L.G.B.T.Q. Community in First Kill is one of the many teen dramas about vampires. When she meets Calliope, the new girl in town, she believes she is the ideal candidate. However, the issue becomes complicated when Juliette falls in love with her.

Rutherford Falls (Peacock)

With Ed Helms at the helm of this sitcom’s cast, there were high expectations that Rutherford Falls would become the next The Office or Parks and Recreation. But the show did not catch on. It lasted two seasons before being terminated in early September 2022.

Pivoting (Fox)

This comedy included a brilliant ensemble and a captivating plot about three women in their late 30s who are grieving the tragic death of their fourth closest friend. One woman opted to leave her position as a doctor to work at a grocery store, another decided to work less and spend more time with her children, and the third initiated an affair with her fitness instructor to cope with her terrible marriage and awful husband.

The program has its humorous moments. It was also one of the few films with a predominantly female cast. The series was canceled after one season in May 2022.

Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. (Hulu)

Not every Marvel effort has thrived since this animated series with a star-studded voice cast was canceled after a single season in May 2022. It was a surprise because Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. had received widespread accolades for its story, animation, and screenplay.

The plot is centered on M.O.D.O.K., a supervillain who loses his firm after trying to take over the world and must now deal with his family and midlife crisis. For those who will miss the series, we recommend Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.

Dynasty (The C.W.)

The primetime soap performed a sincere respect to the original by using similar stories and characters from the 1980s original and crafting a more contemporary plotline. As the obscenely affluent Carrington family members fought to construct their own legacy and fend off dissenters and rivals, there was a great deal of drama, backstabbing, and extravagance.

Final Words

Canceling good shows on Netflix is an unfortunate but necessary part of the streaming service’s growth. It is a result of their ever-changing platform, which allows them to stay competitive in the streaming market and keep viewers engaged. While it may be disappointing to see beloved shows leave, these decisions are made by Netflix to continue providing top-notch content. Our viewers are responsible for supporting these changes and recognizing that they are ultimately made for our benefit.