The past few days have been tense for fantasy fans, as they have been forced to watch Netflix axe yet another beloved series despite its success. While that goes on, though, the network’s dedication to seeing some other stories through is raising eyebrows, as some users point out the unfairness of it all.
If good reviews and viewership aren’t enough to keep some shows around for more than one or two seasons, why are others getting renewed? This is the question currently plaguing Netflix subscribers, who are comparing Lockwood & Co.‘s stellar reception and viewership numbers with Heartstopper‘s, since the latter was green-lit for a second and third season with fewer hours watched than the former. This had led some users to accuse Netflix of being arbitrary in its decision-making.
Some fans go on to claim the reason behind Netflix’s decisions lies in the type of content a show portrays, rather than numbers.
Let’s be honest, Netflix renewed Heartstopper without any thought of numbers because it’s LGBTQ bait.
— AmeliaS (@AmethystShining) May 15, 2023
What folks fail to understand is that the argument of “LGBTQ bait” falls flat when we consider the number of queer-friendly series the network has canceled in the recent past. First Kill, Warrior Nun, One Day at a Time, Q-Force, and The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself, for example, quickly come to mind.
There may be some truth in the argument that content and genre influence Netflix’s choices, though. As some fans point out, because Heartstopper is grounded in reality, it’s likely much cheaper to produce than a quality fantasy series such as Lockwood & Co.
Heartstopper is a completely different genre, has a shorter runtime and doesn’t have the special effects and action that Lockwood and Co. has. The only similarity is that they are geared towards YA. Why shit on Heartstopper when you have better things to shit on like Riverdale.
— Kitty Deng (@burythecastle97) May 15, 2023
At the end of the day, pitting fan favorites against each other will accomplish nothing, especially when shows that sit mostly unwatched are right there, waiting for those finger points. Netflix will do what it sees fit, as always, and viewers will be left disappointed in one way or another, as always.
Besides, the Lockwood & Co. fandom currently has more pressing matters at hand, like banding together to find the show a new home. Here’s to hoping that they get luckier than Warrior Nun viewers.
