Another big budget series has been cancelled by Netflix – who’s next?

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After two seasons, Netflix has decided to discontinue Space Force.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

When it comes to Netflix’s original programming, the streaming service is brutal when it comes to getting rid of series that don’t justify the cost. This implies that fans should not become too immersed in the story, knowing that they may not obtain a satisfactory ending.

In the newest victim of the two-season curse, Space Force is the latest victim. Following its failure to break into the Nielsen streaming weekly Top 10 rankings, Netflix has “opted out” of a third season, Deadline reports.

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That doesn’t mean Space Force was a bad programme overall, but it was probably on the more expensive end of Netflix’s offerings. Steve Carell, John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, and Lisa Kudrow were all in the cast. For a high-cost programme like Space Force, the ratings renewal hurdle is quite high.”

The show’s critical reception was mostly positive, which is a shame. Rotten Tomatoes gave the first season a 39% fresh rating, however the second season had a 90% rating for its seven-episode run. Those acquainted with Daniels and Carell’s last comedy collaboration—The Office—will recognise that the first season was a struggle before it blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon.

Netflix is looking elsewhere for the next megahit to turn its poor subscriber dip around, so Space Force won’t have the same chance to shine.

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The cancelled shows keep on coming.

That’s at least nine series that won’t be airing in 2022 alone, according to my tally. Last week, Raising Dion joined Pretty Smart, On the Verge, Archive 81 and Another Life on the chopping block after being cancelled after two seasons.

Anyone can understand why Netflix needs to wield the knife so brutally from a financial standpoint. Netflix isn’t a charity, and if a show isn’t making enough money to justify the investment, it’s time to let it go and create room for something else.

However, there are a number of issues with this as a philosophical approach. Disregarding the reality that some series are slow burners that take time to find their groove, Netflix’s reputation for cancelling projects before they are done may cause users to ignore original programming. Why bother becoming involved with something that may not even exist a week from now?

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That’s absolutely my viewpoint on it: I wouldn’t risk a Netflix programme in 2022 unless it received very positive reviews, given the company’s reputation. That Netflix didn’t kill off F is for Family before its gratifying finale is something I’m grateful for now.

However, for the time being, I’m staying with my Netflix membership, although at a lower quality tier, because of my infrequent usage. When Better Call Saul season 6 comes to an end, if the corporation doesn’t show indications of being more patient with its home-made material, I may well reconsider that decision.

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