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Netflix just canceled ‘Sense8’—and fans are not taking it well

The announcement comes a week after the cancellation of 'The Get Down.'

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Tess Cagle

Internet Culture

Posted on Jun 1, 2017   Updated on May 23, 2021, 4:31 am CDT

The dismay of fans, Netflix announced Thursday that Sense8 will not be renewed for a third season.

Netflix didn’t provide an official explanation, although some guess the high cost of production – $9 million per episode—was a major contribution to the decision. Cindy Holland, VP of Netflix original content, confirmed the cancellation in a statement.

“It is everything we and the fans dreamed it would be: bold, emotional, stunning, kick ass, and outright unforgettable,” Holland said. “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 for their vision, and the entire cast and crew for their craftsmanship and commitment.”

The cancellation doesn’t come as a complete surprise. After Netflix announced the cancellation of The Get Down, viewers worried Sense8 would follow suit. Fans even voiced their opposition to the possibility on Twitter, using the hashtag #RenewSense8.

Still, many fans did not take the news well. Some felt it was inappropriate for the streaming platform to cancel a show that features the LGBTQ community on the first day of Pride month.

https://twitter.com/flotsamblossom/status/870360083867344896

https://twitter.com/Julia_Ravyn/status/870357872189726720

https://twitter.com/lustformagic/status/870357416722014209

https://twitter.com/rosesdestiel/status/870356605619118081

Others compared the cancellation to the renewal of the controversial 13 Reasons Why, which Netflix just confirmed a second season for.

https://twitter.com/Dombo_Gea/status/870360432946675712

Everyone could agree, however, that the cancellation totally sucks.

https://twitter.com/thebookvagrant/status/870353515339685889

Actors from the series, including Freema Agyeman, tweeted their disappointment as well.

“Dear Sense8 fans, thank you,” Agyeman said. “Your support & enthusiasm has been, & still is, off the scale. And we feel you! What an incredible journey!”

News of the decision also comes a day after Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings told CNBC at the Code Conference that he thinks they haven’t canceled enough shows.

“Our hit ratio is way too high right now,” he said. “I’m always pushing the content team; we have to take more risk, you have to try more crazy things, because we should have a higher cancel rate overall.”

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*First Published: Jun 1, 2017, 4:09 pm CDT

Tess Cagle

Tess Cagle is a reporter who focuses on politics, lifestyle, and streaming entertainment. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Texas Monthly, the Austin American-Statesman, Damn Joan, and Community Impact Newspaper. She’s also a portrait, events, and live music photographer in Central Texas.

Tess Cagle