Why Netflix's Decision to End Vikings: Valhalla is a Mistake

Vikings: Valhalla's Success on Netflix

Netflix's decision to end Vikings: Valhalla after season 3 has raised questions and concerns among fans and industry experts. The streaming giant's past history of canceling TV shows prematurely has been a point of contention, and the fate of Valhalla seems to be following a similar pattern. The streaming data, however, paints a different picture, indicating that Vikings: Valhalla has been a significant success for the platform.

Alicia Agneson as Freydis and Sam Corlett as Leif Erikson in Vikings: Valhalla

Debuting on Netflix in 2022, Vikings: Valhalla serves as a sequel to The History Channel's Vikings (2013-2020), and has garnered attention for its compelling storytelling and engaging characters. Despite the absence of familiar faces from the original show, Valhalla has managed to capture the audience's interest and loyalty, as evidenced by the streaming figures released by Netflix. The data suggests that the show has a broad appeal and a dedicated following, contradicting the notion that it lacks audience traction.

Vikings: Valhalla characters as they pose for battle in their armor, garments and swords

According to the official Netflix engagement report, Vikings: Valhalla has consistently ranked among the top 10 most-watched TV shows in the US, spending a total of eight weeks in the coveted position. The combined viewing hours for the first two seasons have surpassed 300 million globally, reflecting the show's strong viewership and demand. These numbers make a compelling case for the continuation of Vikings: Valhalla beyond season 3, raising doubts about Netflix's decision to conclude the series prematurely.

The cast of Vikings: Valhalla

The Financial and Creative Potential of Vikings: Valhalla

Netflix's primary source of revenue lies in audience subscriptions, and the streaming data for Vikings: Valhalla underscores its significance as a major draw for viewers. The show's extensive viewership, with over 300 million combined viewing hours in a six-month period, indicates its pivotal role in retaining and attracting subscribers to the platform. The decision to end Valhalla after season 3 could impact Netflix's subscription retention and growth, prompting questions about the financial rationale behind the premature conclusion of a successful series.

A violent battle in Vikings: Valhalla

Beyond financial considerations, Vikings: Valhalla's narrative potential remains largely untapped. Rooted in historical events, the show offers a rich and expansive world with compelling characters, presenting ample opportunities for creative exploration. The constraints of historical accuracy do not limit the storytelling possibilities, as evidenced by the show's effective blend of historical authenticity and creative storytelling. The potential for future story arcs and character development within the established historical framework suggests that Vikings: Valhalla's narrative can extend well beyond its third season, enriching the show's legacy and audience engagement.

Leo Suter as Harald Sigurdsson looking serious in Vikings: Valhalla

Continuing the Legacy: Sequels and Spinoffs

While the decision to conclude Vikings: Valhalla may mark the end of the series, it opens the door to new possibilities for the show's legacy. The success and popularity of Valhalla provide a strong foundation for potential sequels and spinoffs within the same universe. Given the show's historical context and expansive world, there is ample room for new narratives and character explorations that can captivate audiences beyond the conclusion of season 3.

Sam Corlett as Leif Erikson leaning on a boat in Vikings: Valhalla

A potential spinoff centered around characters from Vikings: Valhalla, including the offspring of key figures, presents an exciting avenue for storytelling continuity while expanding the franchise's scope. The prospect of tracing characters' lineages back to the original Vikings series adds a layer of intrigue and connection for fans, fostering a sense of continuity and resonance with the broader franchise. Additionally, the opportunity for time jumps and character-focused narratives opens doors for fresh storytelling avenues, ensuring that the Vikings universe can thrive beyond the boundaries of Vikings: Valhalla's conclusion.

Harald Sigurdsson, Gunnar Magnusson, and Olaf Haraldsson in the presence of King Canute in Vikings: Valhalla, episode 1