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Netflix Gets to Use the Axe: Sense8 Cancelled

Published June 2nd, 2017 - 07:48 GMT
The Sense8 cast in happier times: not sensating their imminent cancellation. (Netflix)
The Sense8 cast in happier times: not sensating their imminent cancellation. (Netflix)

Following Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings grumbles Wednesday about how Netflix was just so damn good at making TV shows that not enough of them were being cancelled, Netflix announced that Sense8, the sensational Netflix science fiction series created by the Wachowskis (The Matrix) and J. Michael Straczynski, has been axed. Perhaps Hastings can rest easier now, knowing that he has placated his inner, show-murdering beast.

Sense8 centred primarily on eight "sensates": people who share a possibly prophetic vision of a woman's death and who become connected, mentally and emotionally, allowing them to communicate and share knowledge and skills despite being spread around the globe (not including the Middle East, because of course). The show focused on how they live their lives amidst their investigation of the incident and its possible meaning—a process accelerated by the shadowy organization intent on hunting them down.

The show was noted for being more actively, at times flagrantly, inclusive, featuring a number of LGBTQ+ characters and actors. In a statement, Netflix's VP of Original Content Cindy Holland noted this quality, saying, “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.”

Reviews of the show resided in the “generally positive” area: the biggest criticism against the first reason was its often “wandering” plot and the lack of subtlety apparent in that title's "8". The show gathered its share of hardcore fans, though: Netflix reported that viewers often binged watched the first season four or five times in a row.

Its second season consisted of 10 episodes and a two-hour Christmas special; the 10 episodes released globally May 5th.

The cancellation happened despite negotiations Netflix had initiated with the cast for season 3. It starred Aml Ameen (The Maze Runner), Toby Onwumere, Doona Bae (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance), Jamie Clayton (HBO's Hung), Tina Desai (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Tuppence Middleton (The Imitation Game), Max Riemelt (Before the Fall), Miguel Ángel Silvestre (Winning Streak), and Brian J. Smith (the upcoming film The Last of Us). It also included regulars such as Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who) and Naveen Andrews (Lost).

The show itself was projected for five seasons. Fans, of course, are already petitioning the show's return. It remains worth a watch, despite the cliffhanger that ends season two; the writers often get creative with their characters' abilities. I won't dare spoil what I mean, but fans probably know what scene (or two) I'm referring to.

Anyway, some reactions from the cast, crew, and some rather upset fans:

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