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/justtvalerie/status/870358408674914305
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
Imagine. We live in a world where 13 Reasons Why gave us all 13 reasons & earned a 2nd season, but #Sense8 gets cancelled on a cliffhanger.
— kharis. (@kharisizm) June 1, 2017
Dear Netflix, here you are. #Sense8 pic.twitter.com/k8R4sTojOQ
— … (@lovingindie) June 1, 2017
13RW gets renewed when there’s no plot left, but #Sense8 gets cancelled when there are at least 2 more seasons of content,@netflix really? pic.twitter.com/oqFrdC2qrq
— Gil García (@gilgc1905) June 1, 2017
Everyone could agree, however, that the cancellation totally sucks.
Goodbye, the best show in the world❤️ #Sense8 pic.twitter.com/hNZK9VE2nC
— лэнс (@_dannywho_) June 1, 2017
Hey @HBO Please pick up #Sense8 – one of the best shows on TV.
— Vengeful Librarian (@vengeful_librar) June 1, 2017
I can’t believe Lito was describing the people who got #Sense8 cancelled pic.twitter.com/UYjsjynrqC
— ً (@nycyonce) June 1, 2017
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!”
https://twitter.com/FreemaOfficial/status/870352244985782273
https://twitter.com/FreemaOfficial/status/870350033132154882
Sorry guys. Thanks for your passion and support these last few days, was very moving to see your love for the show. En Evant! https://t.co/77H3Ob7OGB
— Brian J. Smith (@BrianJacobSmith) June 1, 2017
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Sensates forever. pic.twitter.com/SClwiY3rwy
— Sense8 (@sense8) June 1, 2017
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.”
