Netflix's Controversial Cancellations: Insights From Experts

As well as producing hit shows, Netflix has developed a reputation for canceling programs prematurely, with viewers growing despondent. Recently, Newsweek spoke to three experts about why the company keeps canceling shows before they find their audience and whether it's sustainable long term. The streaming giant's strategy has led to a wave of frustration among fans, who have expressed their discontent on social media and threatened to cancel their subscriptions.

This month alone, Netflix announced the cancellation of several beloved series, leaving fans in disbelief. For instance, the modern-day Greek mythology show KAOS, featuring Jeff Goldblum as Zeus and Janet McTeer as Hera, was axed after just one season—only a month after its debut. Despite its impressive cast and storyline, the show only garnered 14.9 million views in its first four weeks, which The Hollywood Reporter deemed "a middling number by the streamer’s standards."

Moreover, shows like That '90s Show—which boasts an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—and Unstable, co-created by Rob Lowe and his son, also faced the chopping block. According to Deadline, Unstable was not renewed due to its failure to make it into the Top 10 rankings. Netflix claims that their decision to cancel shows is based on viewership data, but the secrecy surrounding their metrics raises questions about the fairness of these cancellations.