Why did Netflix cancel this much-loved sci-fi TV series – and who is to blame?

EntertainmentStreamingWhy did Netflix cancel this much-loved sci-fi TV series – and who is to blame?When Netflix cancelled Cowboy Bebop, many fans were left heartbrokenWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When Netflix cancelled Cowboy Bebop, many fans were left heartbroken

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Cowboy Bebop Netflix

(Image credit: Netflix)

Netflixhas a track record for making some incredible TV. Just think of Narcos, Breaking Bad, Top Boy, Bridgeton, Queer Eye, F1: Drive to Survive… The list goes on and on.

But last year, the streaming service made a curious decision: it cancelled its big budget adaptation of the hit sci-fi anime show Cowboy Bebop after just one season, and pulled the trigger justthree weeksafter it started streaming.

The live-action show, which expands on the anime sensation, had a rough start. The 10-episode series received fairly negative critical reception: a 47% average critics score and a 59% audience score onRotten Tomatoes.

AsThe Hollywood Reportersaidat the time,Netflix’s renewal rates for series are roughly in line with the rest of the industry. But in this case, the service decided that it was best to can the series after one season.

A wasted opportunity

(Image credit: Netflix)

Cowboy Bebop

(Image credit: Netflix)

While Netflix had its own reasons – most likely poor viewership and retention – the cancellation after one season is a missed opportunity in some ways.

The service clearly thought that Cowboy Bebop was going to be a hit, putting a lot of time and energy into promoting the series, both on and off the platform. There was even aSteve Aoki remix!

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But one of the core problems was likely down to how the show was delivered: unlike the original series, which aired across 1998 and 1999, Netflix’s version was dumped all in one go. It was an example of binge culture gone wrong.

This hasn’t harmed other series but it does reduce the build-up of hype over time. In contrast,Disney+releases series episodically, which helps build organic buzz over time. You can see this with the success ofThe Mandalorian.

But there were positives! John Cho showed promise as a leading man, the rest of the cast gelled well, and the vast majority of the first season was entertaining and captured the tone of the original manga and anime well.

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A wasted opportunity#

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A wasted opportunity

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