The Longevity of Netflix Original Series: A Tale of Success and Cancellation

The Success Stories

Not many Netflix original series get long lifespans on the platform, but some lucky shows manage to beat the odds and make it past the first couple of seasons and on to a full run. Netflix announced its intention to start making its own programming back in 2011, releasing its first original series \\u2014 House of Cards \\u2014 in 2013. Since then, the streamer has put out many originals, some of which have become synonymous with the platform. Those series typically get to see their stories through to the end, but other Netflix shows aren't so lucky.

Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven looking determined in Stranger Things season 4

Stranger Things is one of Netflix's most successful original series, with season 5 confirmed to be its last. The '80s nostalgia, charming cast, and supernatural elements of Stranger Things drew viewers from the first episode, making it the most-streamed show of 2022. Virgin River, a surprise hit for Netflix, has surpassed three seasons and is confirmed for a sixth season. The romantic drama has garnered a loyal audience, accumulating 2.1 billion viewing minutes for its first three seasons alone. House of Cards, Netflix's first original series, had a longer run than much of what came after, earning numerous Emmy nominations and wins. The Crown, which capitalizes on the interest in the British royal family, managed to continue for six seasons, consistently topping streaming charts with its compelling storytelling and changing cast. Cobra Kai, a spinoff of The Karate Kid, has maintained critic and audience scores of over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, with season 6 confirmed for 2024.

Joe Keey as Steve and Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin in Stranger Things season 3.

The Challenges of Longevity

Unfortunately, Netflix has also built a reputation for canceling many of its original series after just a few seasons. Prior to 2020, it was common for Netflix to cancel many shows after just three seasons. Just a few years later, it feels like most releases don't even get that long. Shadow and Bone and Warrior Nun both got axed after two seasons, and many debuts are shut down after just one. Lockwood & Co, 1899, First Kill, and Uncoupled all met such fates, cut short before they could find their footing. This has become a frustrating trend for subscribers, but there are a number of Netflix originals that buck it.

The Hellfire Club huddled together in Stranger Things season 4

Shows like BoJack Horseman, Orange Is the New Black, Ozark, Sex Education, and Grace and Frankie have managed to reach six or seven seasons, providing compelling stories and character development. BoJack Horseman, despite seeming too strange to succeed initially, had a surprisingly positive and fairly long run. Orange Is the New Black, with its insightful commentary on timely topics, became a pop culture phenomenon and ended on its own terms. Ozark, often compared to Breaking Bad, put a unique spin on the standard crime drama and concluded with a super-sized season 4. Sex Education and Grace and Frankie also received satisfying conclusions despite their cancellation.

Noah Schnapp as Will, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Sadie Sink as Max, and Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas in Stranger Things

The Impact and Future

The longevity of Netflix original series has left a lasting impact on the platform and its subscribers. While some series have endured and become synonymous with Netflix, others have faced untimely cancellations, leaving fans frustrated. The success stories of shows like Stranger Things, Virgin River, House of Cards, The Crown, Cobra Kai, BoJack Horseman, Orange Is the New Black, Ozark, Sex Education, and Grace and Frankie demonstrate the diversity and quality of content produced by Netflix. As the platform continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining successful long-running series, it also seeks to introduce new breakout hits to captivate audiences. The future of Netflix original series holds the promise of both enduring success and the risk of cancellation, reflecting the dynamic nature of the streaming landscape.

Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven uses her powers at school in Stranger Things season 4