Over the years,Netflixhas received backlash for its tendency to cut original shows before they get a chance to succeed, and two of the company’s most controversial cancelations happen to be in the fantasy genre. Of course, the streaming platform contains TV series that have lasted for many seasons.Stranger Things,Virgin River,Cobra Kai,The Crown, and more have hadlong runs on Netflix. However, it’s difficult to celebrate these popular shows knowingNetflix’s affinity for nixing critically acclaimed fantasy TV series with so much potential.
Time and time again,Netflix cancels a fantasy showwith a faithful fanbase. Thiscauses an uproar, resulting in petitions and trending hashtags,all meant to draw attention to the TV series in question. They either want Netflix to undo the cancelation or find another streaming service that could pick the show up for another season. Unfortunately, for two specific fantasy TV series, these methods failed, and their season 2 finales will forever be their respective endings.
Warrior Nun And Shadow & Bone Were Both Canceled After Just Two Seasons
The 2 Cancelations Upset Many
Warrior NunandShadow and Bonesuffered the same fateas Netflix canceled the two fantasy shows after only two seasons.Warrior Nun(based on Ben Dunn’s comic book character, Warrior Nun Areala) premiered in the summer of 2020. One month later, the streaming service renewed the series for a second season, giving fans hope that it had longevity. Shortly afterWarrior Nunseason 2’s releasein November 2022, though, Netflix nixed it.
2
18
84%
97%
Shadow and Bone
16
83%
Meanwhile, Netflix released all eight episodes ofShadow and Boneseason 1 in April 2021. The fantasy drama (which adapts Leigh Bardugo’s 2012 book of the same name) was quickly picked up for a second season, just likeWarrior Nun. However,eight months after the premiere ofShadow and Boneseason 2, Netflix canceled the series.It’s worth noting thatWarrior NunandShadow and Bonehad passionate fanbases. Their popularity didn’t seem to matter, though, as Netflix cut both of them after two seasons without blinking an eye.
Warrior NunandShadow and Boneeach had the potential to become much bigger and more popular than they already were. Sadly, Netflix wasn’t willing to risk it. The streaming service seeminglyonly wants to renew TV series that have proven to be a large success right out of the gate(e.g.,Stranger Things,Squid Game,Bridgerton, etc.) However, not every show will become a viral streaming hit in its first season. If Netflix gave its original fantasy series time to grow (and did a better job advertising them), perhapsWarrior NunandShadow and Bonewould still be around.
The good news is that Netflix is that aWarrior Nunmovie trilogyis in the works; the bad news is that it’s unclear whether the films will continue the Netflix show’s story or start from scratch with a new cast.
Warrior NunandShadow and Bonealso had more stories to tell after their respective second seasons. In fact,Warrior Nun’s best was yet to come. Season 2 even earned a 100 percentRotten Tomatoesscore, proving the show was getting better with age.A third season could have expandedWarrior Nun’s world,and it would likely have contained an epic love story.As forShadow and Bone, a third season might have adapted other books in the Grishaverse.There were plenty of stories to go around, but Netflix decided season 2 was the end.
Warrior Nun Season 3’s Ava & Beatrice Plans Make The Show’s Cancellation Even Worse
Ava & Beatrice’s story could have had a fitting end based on Warrior Nun season 3’s plans, and that is unlikely to happen in the film trilogy.
Why Streaming Platforms Have Canceled So Many Fantasy Shows Prematurely
Budgets Play A Large Part In Cancelations
Many factors go into Netflix’s decision to renew or cancel a TV series. When it comes to fantasy shows, though, they seemingly get canceled more prematurely than most for one significant reason — their budgets. It costs a lot to produce a project in the fantasy genre, given special effects, set design, etc. Because of their large budgets,there is more pressure on these shows to become the next big hit.If they don’t meet expectations, it’s easy for Netflix to cut them. EvenNetflix’s fantasy TV series with passionate fanbases such asWarrior NunandShadow and Bonearen’t safe.
