Given that Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has been outspoken about being more ruthless in the future regarding the cancellation of shows, it’s possible that the streaming service will be putting several other series on the chopping block. The question is, which ones?
In his last several speaking engagements, Hastings has compared Netflix to Starbucks saying that he believes that the company’s competitive advantage is to be the specialty play. To do so, Netflix will have to be more exclusive about what shows make the cut.
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The problem now is that the company has several shows that have become wildly popular, such as Stranger Things and 13 Reasons Why. Netflix doesn’t even want to bother investing in shows that have seen moderate success in recent seasons, or if the investment doesn’t justify the payout.
“Our hit ratio is way too high right now,” Hastings said while talking to CNBC. “So, we’ve canceled very few shows… I’m always pushing the content team: We have to take more risk, you have to try more crazy things.”
He continued by saying: “You get some winners that are just unbelievable winners, like 13 Reasons Why. It surprised us. It’s a great show, but we didn’t realize just how it would catch on.”
While Netflix continues to search for more diamond in the rough type shows like 13 Reasons Why, the company could be possibly be eliminating several shows.
Below is a list of six possible Netflix shows that may be getting the ax in the future.
Flaked and Marvel’s Iron Fist
Flaked
One series that is a probable option for Netflix to cancel is Will Arnett’s Flaked. The show was given a second season, which premiered on June 2 of this year, and has been met with bad reviews and almost no buzz in the media. While the show likely doesn’t require a huge investment from the streaming service company, it’s fair to say that the show isn’t pulling in subscribers like the company would like to see.
Synopsis: “Flaked is a dry human comedy about a slide of life centered on Chip, a celebrated long-time resident of the insular world of Venice, California who falls for the object of his best friend’s fascination. Soon the tangled web of half-truths and semi-bullshit that underpins his all-important image and sobriety begins to unravel. Will Arnett plays Chip, a man doing his honest best to stay one step ahead of his own lies.”
Marvel’s Iron Fist
The series has been met with controversy and a rather poor response from critics. While the show was essentially made to be a spoke in the Defenders wheel, it has not shared the same popularity as the other Marvel shows Luke Cage, Daredevil, and Jessica Jones. Netflix has invested heavily in the Marvel original shows, but one way to reduce that investment would be to cut ties with Iron Fist.
Synopsis: “Billionaire Danny Rand (Finn Jones) returns to New York City after being missing for years, trying to reconnect with his past and his family legacy. He fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his kung-fu mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist.”
House of Cards and Marseille
House of Cards
Even though House of Cards was Netflix’s first original show, it’s possible that the series might have run its course. The fifth season just dropped on May 30, and it’s evident that there is an audience demand for the show, but the question remains: at what point does the storyline become stale?
Synopsis: “The series’ Golden Globe-winning stars Kevin Spacey (as Francis Underwood) and Robin Wright (as Claire Underwood), whose characters have always been each other’s strongest allies, show cracks in their relationship. House of Cardsalso stars Michael Kelly, Jayne Atkinson, Neve Campbell, Derek Cecil, Paul Sparks and Joel Kinnaman.”
Marseille
The French series starring Gérard Depardieu was granted a second season, but the show hasn’t created much buzz in France. Also, it has not received glowing reviews from fans and critics alike.
Synopsis: “As the municipal elections approach in Marseille, Robert Taro, the city’s Mayor for the last twenty years, prepares his last coup: push through the vote for the construction of a casino in the historic center of the Marina. Nothing has been left to chance, and his successor, Lucas Barrès, is already designated.
But the latter’s all-consuming ambition and the secret interests of the city’s leaders, whether they come from its opulent villas or from the cities of the northern suburbs, impede the Mayor’s plans. The race for Mayor becomes a power struggle where no holds are barred. Only one question arises: how far will they go?
Magnificent and hypnotic city that leaves nobody indifferent, Marseille unleashes the greatest passions and inevitably the worst crimes.
Marseille. To conquer it, they are willing to destroy it.”
Real Rob and Girlboss
Real Rob
The comedy series, starring Rob Schneider, was given a second season this spring. However, Netflix may be looking to reduce its selection of cookie-cutter comedies.
Synopsis: “Go inside the world of comedian and actor Rob Schneider in this comedy series that follows the ups and downs of his career and family life.”
Girlboss
Even though Netflix has historically granted a second season to most of the streaming service’s original shows, Girlboss has not been extended the courtesy at this point. Not only did the show, which stars Britt Robertson, receive bad reviews, but also it has been lost in the shuffle of all the other series coming out that have received huge attention.
Synopsis: “Girlboss is inspired by the New York Times best-selling book #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso, founder of the fashion brand Nasty Gal. The series centers on Amoruso (Britt Robertson), who began selling vintage clothes on eBay and, by the age of 28, had built the multi-million dollar fashion empire, Nasty Gal. Girlboss will launch on Netflix in April and is created and executive produced by Kay Cannon (Pitch Perfect 1& 2, 30 Rock), who also serves as showrunner. Charlize Theron (Monster, Young Adult), Laverne McKinnonand Beth Konoof Denver & Delilah, Christian Ditter (How to Be Single) and Sophia Amoruso will also serve as executive producers. Ditter also directed several episodes of the series, that is a Netflix production and there will be 13-half hour episodes. Girlboss stars Britt Robertson (Sophia), Ellie Reed (Annie), Alphonso McAuley (Dax), Johnny Simmons (Shane) and Dean Norris (Jay).”
