Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
There will be no second season for Baz Luhrmann’s ambitious musical drama The Get Down.
Netflix’s decision to cancel their freshman series is curious to say the least. While The Get Down was among the most expensive original programs in Netflix history — costing an estimated $120 million to produce — it’s rare for a Netflix original not to receive a second season. As Variety reported back in July of 2016, the series had been plagued by issues – starting, stopping, and stalling so many times that some of the writers were referring to the show as “The Shut Down.” Despite a passionate fanbase, the series didn’t attract as wide of an audience as some of Netflix’s more popular shows. Variety reports that the first part of Season 1, which premiered in August of 2016, drew about one fifth of the audience that viewed Season 4 of Orange is the New Black in its first 31 days.
Luhrmann, who is best known for directing films like Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Australia, and The Great Gatsby, addressed the cancelation via a lengthy Facebook post. He notes that he wishes he could continue with The Get Down and make movies, but that he can’t split himself into two and make himself available to both productions.
“The simple truth is, I make movies. And the thing with movies is, that when you direct them, there can be nothing else in your life.”
Fans of the series have taken to Twitter to voice their immense displeasure in regards to the controversial decision to cancel the series. Many have alleged the cancellation is due to the show’s diverse cast, while also questioning how Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why received a second season instead of The Get Down.
Luhrmaan concluded his Facebook post with a simple message:
“Humbled and honored, and to quote Mylene’s beautiful ballad, ‘I’ll see you on the other-side…'”
