Netflix execs seem to be using the current slowdown in production as an opportunity to review their originals, and they have been making renewal and cancellation announcements the last couple of days. Recent renewals include Castlevania (more on that at this link) and Locke & Key, while October Faction and V-Wars have both been cancelled after one season.
The renewal for supernatural drama Locke & Key, based on the Joe Hill comic of the same name, does not come as a surprise as that show has been well-received in its first season (it currently holds a 66% Fresh Rating and a 70% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes). The streaming service is very stingy about sharing viewership numbers, but word is that the show has performed well so far. There were rumors that Netflix would renew the show through a third season, but nothing beyond the second year is confirmed at this point. Originals for the streamer typically end around their third or fourth season, so consider Locke & Key to have a decent chance of getting at least one more year.
The supernatural drama October Faction will not make the three-year mark, though, as it has been cancelled after one season. Based on the IDW comic book series by Steve Nile and Damien Worm, the show arrived on Netflix earlier this year with little notice. It was not well-received by critics (currently holding only a 33% Fresh Rating at Rotten Tomatoes) and apparently did not have strong enough viewership for Netflix to justify bringing it back for a second season.
The vampire-pocalypse series V-Wars, based on the books by Jonathan Mayberry, has also been cancelled by Netflix. That one arrived on the streaming service last December with little fanfare (Netflix needs to do a better job of promoting its originals). Critics were lukewarm to the show (a 56% Fresh Rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but the Audience Score of 96% suggests the viewers liked it. Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries) starred in the show and is in talks with Netflix about other projects.
There could be more announcements on Netflix shows in the coming days and we are still waiting to hear word on The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Altered Carbon, and even Black Mirror. You can see the status of all the currently airing, returning, and upcoming sci fi and fantasy shows on our Cancellation Watch Page. And be sure to stay tuned to this site and the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site for breaking news and updates.
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