Netflix announced the cancellation of Parallel Lives, the science fiction drama that became the streaming platform\'s most-watched original series ever with 847 million hours viewed in its first month, triggering an immediate and furious fan response that has generated over 12 million signatures on a petition demanding the show\'s renewal and trending hashtags in 67 countries.
Parallel Lives became Netflix\'s most-watched original ever before being cancelled after one season. Photo: Unsplash
The cancellation shocked both fans and industry observers because by every conventional measure of streaming success, Parallel Lives was a phenomenon. It was discussed in more social media posts than any other streaming series in the first quarter of this year. It generated more than 200 podcast episodes dedicated entirely to fan theory and analysis. Three of its actors appeared on the covers of major magazines simultaneously. And merchandise sales were robust enough that major retailers had already placed orders for season two themed products.
Netflix\'s Explanation
Netflix released a brief statement saying the decision was based on a comprehensive analysis of viewing data that goes beyond total hours watched and that the company wishes the cast and crew well. The statement did not elaborate, which only intensified speculation about the real reasons for the cancellation.
Industry insiders, speaking anonymously, suggested the issue was the cost of production relative to the profile of viewers who watched it. Parallel Lives attracted a passionate but demographically narrow audience, and Netflix\'s internal metrics weight viewership by the subscriber demographics that are most valuable to advertisers on its ad-supported tier.
Industry insiders say Netflix\'s internal metrics valued the show\'s audience less than raw viewership numbers suggested. Photo: Unsplash
The Creator\'s Response
Series creator and showrunner Dr. Amara Osei posted a long statement on social media expressing deep disappointment and gratitude to fans. She revealed that the writers\' room had already completed detailed outlines for seasons two and three and that the story was planned as a five-season arc. She thanked fans for their passion and said she hopes to find a way to complete the story, either through another platform or through a different format.
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