Netflix Has No Chill: Why Popular Netflix Shows Get Cancelled

Netflix’s decision to cancel popular shows can be attributed to several factors. Creating and maintaining high-quality TV shows can be extremely expensive. While fan following is important, Netflix also closely monitors viewership data. Netflix shows are a business, and like any business, it must make strategic decisions to maximize its profits.

Two months after its debut, Netflix has canceled the fan-favorite series Kaos, leaving viewers outraged. The dark comedy, based on Greek mythology and starring Jeff Goldblum, seemed poised for success, but Netflix decided to cut its second season. Fans are so upset over their canceled Netflix shows that they’ve filed petitions and even threatened to cancel their subscriptions.

Why is Netflix doing this? It’s not personal—it’s business. Streaming platforms like Netflix need shows to reach a large audience to justify their costs. Despite Kaos gaining a cult-like following, its viewership numbers weren’t high enough to make it profitable. In contrast, The Perfect Couple, a more conventional drama, attracted nearly double the viewers.

Other Canceled Shows

Unlike traditional TV, where ratings are available immediately, Netflix doesn’t have that luxury. Viewers binge-watch shows at their own pace, and the initial numbers for Kaos quickly dipped after its first week. In comparison, The Perfect Couple gained momentum, increasing its viewership by 52% in just its second week.

This isn’t the first time Netflix has canceled a fan-favorite show. Mindhunter, a psychological thriller from 2017, also faced the axe after two acclaimed seasons due to its high production costs and modest viewership.

Here are a few notable examples of shows that Netflix has canceled in recent years:

• Sense8: This sci-fi series was canceled after two seasons despite a dedicated fanbase.
• The Society: This teen drama was canceled after one season due to production challenges and uncertain renewal prospects.
• The OA: This mystery series was canceled after two seasons, leaving fans with many unanswered questions.

Other streaming platforms are following suit. Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Paramount Plus have also dropped shows recently. The pandemic initially boosted streaming service subscribers, but now the focus has shifted to profitability. For Netflix, this means prioritizing mass-appeal shows, like Bridgerton, over niche series, even if fans are disappointed.

Ultimately, while hundreds of fans may cancel their subscriptions over Kaos, Netflix’s massive 270 million-strong subscriber base ensures it will continue to thrive.