10 Netflix Fan-Favorite Shows That Were Canceled Due To Internal Dispute
10. Sense8
The shutdown of this visually incredible sci-fi masterpiece appeared at first glance to be a typical budget cut, but the real problem was a complete deadlock on logistical aspects of production and renegotiation of existing contracts. Creators Lana and Lily Wachowskis insisted on filming completely on location in many global cities simultaneously, which created significant logistical problems and increased costs significantly. When Netflix attempted to streamline production and renegotiate complicated international cast contracts in order to contain the situation, negotiations simply fell apart. It forced the studio to cancel the show in favor of the closure of its plotline via a final movie.
9. Selling the City
As one of the major, eagerly awaited spin-offs of the popular and hugely profitable Selling Sunset franchise, this show was intended to have many seasons. Unfortunately, intense and very toxic fighting amongst the cast members during the shooting of the flagship show's next season caused serious trouble within the entire enterprise. In a frantic attempt to save its main earning source, producers suspended production of spin-offs and channeled all efforts towards solving internal conflicts of the original series. This shift in attention proved lethal for the show, which never made it beyond the first season.
8. 1899
Despite expectations of creating yet another mind-boggling and exciting sci-fi masterpiece, Netflix's collaboration with the brains behind Dark came to a quick, dramatic halt. Underneath all the excitement, significant differences between showrunners and the network regarding the use of the virtual studio technology also popped up. The skyrocketing cost of production and executives' desire to streamline the storyline for mass consumption proved fatal. It caused serious creative dissonance that resulted in a deadlock between the showrunners and the network. The refusal to compromise resulted in instant cancellation.
7. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
The incredible, Emmy Award-winning prequel series became another heartbreak for those invested in the Netflix world because of a conflict of interest that was hard to solve. A serious fight over the rising cost of production and the schedule itself arose between Netflix executives and the Jim Henson Company, which created the show. Executives of the streaming service insisted on a faster and less expensive schedule, while the creators remained loyal to their principles of meticulous puppet craftsmanship. No solution ultimately resulted in immediate cancellation.
6. Luke Cage
The sudden cancellation of this show became part of a larger trend in streaming services, which involved shutting down 'The Defenders' universe by Netflix ahead of Disney launching its own service. However, with 'Luke Cage,' Netflix canceled it in response to creative tensions within production that threatened the integrity of its last season. After the writers completed the script for the show's third season, executives ordered them to change the story completely. Creators firmly rejected any changes to their story and consequently ended up with the cancellation of the entire project.
5. Mindhunter
This fascinating mystery drama did not end because of low viewership or lack of interest from fans. The show stalled indefinitely because of serious internal conflicts with David Fincher, the mastermind behind it. He felt completely burned out after months of constant involvement with the show because of tight schedules dictated by executives and tight budget constraints. As he requested to put the series on pause and concentrate on other film projects, executives were reluctant to accept this idea. They preferred to engage in a standoff over executive control.
4. The Society
This captivating young-adult drama had the misfortune of experiencing one of the most excruciating and controversial shelving of all time. Although the global production issues served as an alibi for the cancellation, the real problem was an acute contractual dispute regarding an obligatory increase in budget. Because of safety and schedule overruns in shooting, the cost per episode became astronomical. When the network and producers could not agree on new terms of payment, the entire project got axed for no good reason.
3. Glow
The incredible Emmy-nominated drama 'Glow' experienced a shocking cancellation even when filming of the fourth and the show's last season was underway. The decision to cancel the project came after executives understood that keeping up with the current production and payment schedule was extremely costly for the studio. Without negotiating a compromise regarding a new schedule, the network took a firm stand and canceled the project. The move outraged the cast and crew members involved in the production.
2. The OA
This mysterious supernatural thriller, which earned its place in the hearts of fans because of unique plot twists and beautiful symbolism, experienced a tragic shutdown that shocked all the devoted followers. The main trigger for the show's cancellation was the disagreement between creators and executives regarding the nature of release and its schedule. Co-creators of the series did not comply with executives' requirements to abandon the complex and unconventional schedule of releases that was crucial for the show's artistic identity. It resulted in cancellation.
1. House of Cards
The epitome of structural failure in the production process and internal dissonance resulted in a change in dynamics for the streaming service industry forever. The political masterpiece, which was a major success among all social circles, was suddenly thrown into chaos because of misconduct allegations against the main actor of the series, Kevin Spacey. In response to such behavior, many cast members refused to continue working on the set. It forced the studio to suspend production. In an attempt to keep everyone employed, the show underwent a complete overhaul of cast, resulting in the show's cancellation.
