“Shows never get a chance to grow anymore”: Netflix’s Infuriating Move With ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ Could Start a Terrible Trend That’ll Kill TV Shows For Good
- Netflix’s abrupt decision on Dead Boy Detectives' future has sparked concerns about the future of TV shows on streaming platforms.
- The show’s connection to the Sandman universe and its unique blend of supernatural elements, detective thrill, and emotional depth made it a fan favorite.
- Fans are frustrated with Netflix’s decision, fearing it sets a trend of not allowing shows to grow and develop a larger viewership.
Spearheading the shift from cable to OTT television, Netflix has also remained the largest streaming platform despite stiff competition. A prime factor in maintaining this status would be its large library of shows and movies, both original and licensed.
Moreover, many of its in-house productions, like Stranger Things, The Witcher, and Heartstopper, have gone on to become some of the most sought-after ones worldwide. One such fan-favorite show, Dead Boy Detectives, however, has received a rather confusing status update.
Starring George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri as the primary leads, the supernatural drama is connected to the DC Comics as part of the Sandman universe. Additionally, it also carries elements of horror and thrill, a fact that made it a genuinely good watch for several viewers. Yet, the latest decision by the streamer not only spells bad news for the show’s audience but also for streaming television as a whole.
Netflix confirms its future plans for Dead Boy Detectives
After airing its first season of eight episodes in April 2024, Netflix has officially canceled Dead Boy Detectives, reported Variety. The move came across as rather confusing as its debut was well-received with a 92% and 90% critical and audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively.
For audiences, the narrative was appealing. A unique mix of horror-detective thrill, supernatural elements, humor, and heart gave it an emotional depth and appealed to young viewers. Furthermore, the show’s attachment to the Sandman universe gave the streaming giant even more reasons to continue with a second season.
Averaging 22.2 million hours of viewership in its first week alone, the show sat within Netflix’s Top 10 charts for three weeks post-release. While it did dip afterward, a niche viewer base had already formed and was eagerly waiting for a renewal. Thus, the streamer’s abrupt move to cancel it even before six months of airing has angered fans and general audiences alike.
Fans bombard Netflix for its sudden move
Following the breaking of the news, several viewers took to social media to express their displeasure at Netflix’s cancellation of Dead Boy Detectives. Many highlighted how an intense character development arc that had them invested and looking forward now turned into broken pieces.
Notably, Netflix had bought the rights for Dead Boy Detective from HBO Max after the James Gunn-led DC reboot deemed it unfit for its developing universe. Since Sandman is already receiving a season two with the streamer, this show being developed alongside appeared to be a good idea. Yet, it has now turned to vain.
The streamer’s cancellation of the show after such a short period over initial underperformance was in the spotlight. Moreover, many also recalled the similar fate dealt to the likes of The OA, Santa Clara Diet, and Mindhunter. The consensus formed that if such stats drove the chances of a show getting renewed, then the chances for a good storyline and thus, proper television may end once and for all.
Dead Boy Detective Season 1 is streaming on Netflix.
