10 Netflix Shows That Deserve a Second Chance

If “Daredevil: Born Again” demonstrates anything, it’s that a cancelled Netflix series doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone forever. However, it might not always have the same creator and, to add to that, it may not always return to Netflix. In fact, if there’s one thing Netflix is known for (apart from “Stranger Things”), it’s canceling some of its exceptional shows well before they reached their full potential. This can make it challenging to become invested in a Netflix series because, let’s face it, even shows as intelligent as “Santa Clarita Diet” or as emotionally resonant as “GLOW” have been abruptly ended. So, what can’t be saved?

The list below includes Netflix series that didn’t get as many seasons as they deserved. Some of them were beloved by fans, some were highly praised by critics, and some managed to win both groups over. Ranging from animated comedies about zombified wives to shows exploring the dark world of serial killers through interviews, these Netflix productions deserve a comeback.

The Chair

Originally developed by Annie Julia Wyman and Amanda Peet (known for their work in “Identity” and “Saving Silverman”), and serving as a secondary endeavor for Sandra Oh while not filming “Killing Eve”, Netflix’s show “The Chair” unfortunately didn’t achieve the same level of success. Unlike “Killing Eve” on BBC America, its story revolved around Sandra Oh’s character, Ji-Yoon Kim – the first female chair of the English department at a fictional university named Pembroke.

In this rephrased version, I’ve aimed to make the text more accessible and engaging:

“The excellent ensemble cast in ‘The Chair’ was skillfully utilized, with Bob Balaban and Holland Taylor from ‘Two and a Half Men’ portraying senior faculty members at Pembroke. However, it is Oh’s series that truly shines. Critics both praised and questioned the show’s ambitious approach to tackle diverse topics, suggesting that ‘The Chair’ may have been hampered before it could fully achieve its potential.”

By using a more conversational tone and rearranging some of the sentence structure, I hope this version is easy to understand while still retaining the original meaning.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Among all the shows listed, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” seems to be the least likely to require another season at this point. Initially airing across four seasons, it proved popular on Netflix. However, the emergence of COVID-19 led to its production being halted and ultimately canceled. While unfinished plotlines often warrant renewals, the current state of “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” suggests that it may not be returning for more episodes.

In the case of “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”, many plot threads were wrapped up thanks to its sister series, “Riverdale”. Yet, there’s certainly a lot more ground to explore and new stories to concoct with “Sabrina”. Kiernan Shipka’s stardom is soaring, with roles in upcoming productions like “Twisters”, “Longlegs”, “The Last Showgirl”, and “Red One” in 2024. If she were open to filming another season, possibly even a shortened one, it’s not something Netflix should dismiss out of hand.

GLOW

Among the surprising cancellations on Netflix, none seems more puzzling than the show “GLOW”. This series garnered widespread critical acclaim and appeared to have a substantial fan base, though Netflix tends to be secretive about its viewership figures.

Remarkably displaying the skills of Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin, the series GLOW boasted an exceptionally well-matched supporting cast. Moreover, it maintained a tone that seamlessly blended sweetness and sincerity. This show has an extraordinary ability to captivate audiences who were unaware of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling circuit, drawing them into the lives of these characters. Regrettably, this is what made it heartbreaking to witness GLOW come to an end, as there was only one season left. It’s undeniable that this final season should be produced and enjoyed by all.

I Am Not Okay With This

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I found it incredibly hard to accept the cancellation of “I Am Not Okay With This,” particularly since the show had already been greenlit for a second season before the unfortunate turn of events brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sophia Lillis and Wyatt Oleff delivered exceptional performances in this gripping series, making it a must-watch for fans like me.

Even though Lillis has been away from the spotlight for a while, he remains a beloved performer. The concept of blending superpowers with the challenges of high school is intriguing and ripe for exploration. If Lillis isn’t too old to reprise his role now, it could be worth reviving the project. However, since its only season was released five years ago, it might be challenging to keep the original cast together.

Inside Job

Shion Takeuchi, who worked on shows like “Inside Job” from “Regular Show”, “Gravity Falls”, and “Disenchantment”, had a more raw style compared to her other projects aimed at families. Unlike these series, “Inside Job” didn’t continue for as many seasons as expected. Originally, Netflix commissioned 20 episodes, but after canceling a second season, viewers were left with only 10 episodes to rewatch.

It’s unfortunate that a smart, adult-oriented animated sitcom with an offbeat humor is no longer airing. This series managed to be absurd yet never excluded its audience, and boasted a fantastic ensemble of voice actors, including Lizzy Caplan and Christian Slater. With the rise of conspiracy theories becoming more prevalent in American society’s understanding of science, there couldn’t be a better time to bring back a show that satirizes these theories for laughs.

Lockwood & Co.

The supernatural detective series, Lockwood & Co., was terminated after its first season despite receiving positive feedback and being unique like Attack the Block in style. Created by Joe Cornish, it’s visually appealing and true to itself, but its niche nature may have contributed to its cancellation. However, since it’s based on an existing intellectual property, there’s a possibility of a revival in the future.

In the case of shows like Lockwood & Co, which features a younger cast, there’s always the challenge of keeping the main actors on board for future seasons. Since the first season of Lockwood & Co was only released in 2023, it’s still relatively early, so there’s definitely a chance for returning the same principal players, unlike shows such as I Am Not Okay With This. The supernatural British series shares some similarities with Ghostbusters, and its lead actress, Ruby Stokes, gained a significant fanbase from her role in Bridgerton, so it’s not impossible to expect their return.

Mindhunter

Among the cancelled Netflix shows that have sparked both curiosity and frustration, none has done so quite like David Fincher’s “Mindhunter”. Luckily, it appears the cast is open to returning, which means there’s still a glimmer of optimism for this project. Whether we see another season or a Fincher-directed film, fans would undoubtedly be overjoyed if the story found new life again.

The TV series “Mindhunter” was a hot topic at water coolers during its run from 2017 to 2019 over two seasons. It significantly boosted Netflix’s credibility as a creator of original content. If the talented trio of Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv (alongside Fincher) were still involved, there’s not much reason not to continue the storyline. After all, the true crime genre remains very popular.

Santa Clarita Diet

Victor Fresco, the creator of Santa Clarita Diet, has expressed his readiness to bring a fourth season into existence, but unfortunately, neither Netflix nor another streaming service has agreed to this yet. The series finale left many fans disappointed as it ended on an inconclusive note with several unresolved plots that had promising paths for further development in the upcoming year.

Unfortunately, it’s highly improbable that we’ll see more episodes in the humorous take on the zombie subgenre, given that one of its main actors is currently hosting a talk show. Just like with shows such as Party Down and Arrested Development, it’s been suggested before, but their situations were different.

The Society

As a passionate movie connoisseur, I can’t help but express my disappointment over the sudden termination of “The Society” following its first season. This unexpected move came as quite a shock, considering the series had already been granted a second season. It was undeniably frustrating for both myself and fellow enthusiasts, who had eagerly anticipated the continuation of this captivating narrative.

In a contemporary reimagining of “Lord of the Flies,” the cast shone brightly with big-name stars. Among them were Kathryn Newton from “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” Natasha Liu Bordizzo known for “Ahsoka,” Olivia DeJonge famous for “Elvis,” Rachel Keller starring in “Fargo” Season 2, and Gideon Adlon recognized for “Sick.” While these talented individuals were on the brink of major success, it could prove challenging to restart the series, which faced cancellation largely due to COVID-19, but it would undoubtedly be a commendable endeavor.

Tuca & Bertie

The animated series Tuca & Bertie, created by the same team as BoJack Horseman, did not achieve the same level of success on Netflix that the Will Arnett-led show did. Despite being acclaimed as one of the top new shows in 2019, Netflix ultimately chose to discontinue it after only one season. Luckily for its supporters, Adult Swim later took up the series, but even there it ran for only two more seasons.

This tale of two comedic bird roommates residing in the same building complex was undoubtedly designed for hilarity. The lineup included Tiffany Haddish, Ali Wong, Reggie Watts, and Richard E. Grant. If they’re interested in reprising their roles, this type of critically acclaimed series could thrive on another streaming platform as long as the content and social commentary continue to evolve. It’s worth noting that shows like Family Guy were initially canceled but later found success, while Tuca & Bertie has surpassed anything Seth MacFarlane has ever produced.

2025-02-23 07:11