Not even a month has passed since the premiere of season 2 and already, Netflix has reached its decision regarding the fate of Sense8.
First reported by Deadline, it’s been announced that, despite an overwhelmingly positive reaction to last month’s premiere, the show’s second season will indeed be its last. A big-budget show in the vein of Sense8 – coupled with its lengthy production process and costly VFX – meant that Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s series, one created in tandem with J. Michael Straczynski, really needed to hit the big leagues in order to be considered a success.
Alas, despite garnering something of a cult following, Sense8 never quite reached the dizzying heights of, say, Orange is the New Black or House of Cards, and the result is a cancellation that many fans will no doubt consider to be premature.
Here’s the official word from Netflix VP of original content, Cindy Holland:
After 23 episodes, 16 cities and 13 countries, the story of the Sense8 cluster is coming to an end. It is everything we and the fans dreamed it would be: bold, emotional, stunning, kick ass, and outright unforgettable. Never has there been a more truly global show with an equally diverse and international cast and crew, which is only mirrored by the connected community of deeply passionate fans all around the world. We thank Lana, Lilly, Joe and Grant (Hill) for their vision, and the entire cast and crew for their craftsmanship and commitment.
What makes this cancellation particularly difficult to swallow is the fact that Netflix reached out to the show’s key players about the possibility of a third season midway through production on season 2. That roster of talent includes the eight sensates: Toby Onwumere, Doona Bae, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton, Max Riemelt, Miguel Ángel Silvestre and Brian J. Smith.
Meanwhile, in his review, our own TV critic Mitchel Broussard had nothing but praise for Sense8‘s sophomore run, writing: “One of the most intriguing and sincere sci-fi mythologies returns in Sense8’s second season, which never for a second loses sight of the aching humanity pulsing away at the center of the show’s breakneck adventure.”
Sense8 season 2 will be its last, sadly, but be sure to leave your own thoughts, comments, and reactions to Netflix’s decision via the usual spot below.
