Streaming services should not jump to conclusions before canceling TV shows. Show fanbases grow over time, and when new series that are growing in popularity get canceled, it can be really upsetting to viewers. With social media like TikTok, an originally unsuccessful show can gain a lot of attention. Unfortunately, this has been the fate of many beloved shows, and a lack of sufficient profit will lead streaming services to put their creations in the guillotine.
There is a clear distinction between a show getting canceled too early and a show getting canceled when it should be. Often, streaming services and networks have a tendency to continue seasons of shows that have been going for years, and when they finally get canceled, it’s not a surprise. “Riverdale”, for example, was dragged on for seven intolerable seasons before being canceled this year. The show went on largely due to its wide audience after the premiere, garnering over two million viewers. But overtime, the quality of “Riverdale” went way down along with viewership, resulting in the long awaited cancellation.
On the other hand, some especially endearing shows are axed much too soon. The Netflix original series, “Anne with an E,” was based on the classic book series “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This popular TV show went on for just three seasons before it was canceled, upsetting many of its viewers. It was a surprise, considering there were nine books in the series and the show had a lot of potential. When the cancellation was first announced, the fanbase responded with outrage. People on social media created petitions, hashtag campaigns, and spoke out in their desperation for more seasons.
Sadly, fan-favorite TV shows being canceled isn’t uncommon. “The Society” was a show about a group of high schoolers left abandoned in their town. It got to one season before being cancelled, leaving everything on a massive cliffhanger. Filming during COVID-19 was incredibly expensive, which led “The Society” to end abruptly, despite plans for future seasons.
If streaming services keep canceling well-loved TV shows, engagement rates will lower. People may become less inclined to get invested in TV shows if they’re just going to be disappointed with the ending (or lack thereof).