Netflix Exec Confesses That Your Favorite Show Can Be Canceled Even If It Lands On Netflix’s Top 10 List

Netflix executive Peter Friedlander opened up about the streamer’s infamously infuriating cancellations, calling it the “hardest part” of his job.

The streaming giant has canceled many fan-favorite titles this year with the most recent victim being Warrior Nun, which led to angry tweets and a growing petition from fans.

The rulings behind these cancellations often come with public scrutiny, especially if the shows are well-received, managed to trend on Netflix’s Top 10 lists, and garnered a passionate fan base. However, Friedlander told Variety that the process is more complicated than that.

Friedlander was asked about the “several new shows canceled this year after one or two seasons,” giving Archive 81, Raising Dion, First Kill, Resident Evil, Fate: The Winx Saga (which received harsh words from the franchise creator), and The Midnight Club as examples.

“I think you will hear this from many folks, but the cancellations are the hardest part of this job,” said the Head of U.S. and Canada Scripted TV.

Friedlander added, “When I think about the work that both the creators and all the people at Netflix put into them, we care passionately about them, and it’s not something that we take lightly.”

He expressed that cancellations are “just a frustrating part of the job” that have been “part of our business forever,” emphasizing that it isn’t a “new experience”.

When asked about the role the Top 10 list plays when considering TV show renewals, he said that it is “just one variable.”

“I think the Top 10 is a useful tool for people to find shows, discover shows, talk about shows and also helps you for viewing. The Top 10 really serves in that way, and I think that’s something that speaks to the popularity in that moment, and I think that’s what it’s really about in that moment,” said Friedlander, who, earlier in the interview, gave Wednesday a shout-out for its breakout popularity on TikTok.

He added, “And then when we have to make our decisions, it’s about the long term and the longer term viewing. We always are looking at many variables, too. The Top 10 is just one variable in that.”

This is a viewpoint that was echoed earlier by Deadline upon the announcement of Warrior Nun’s cancellation following the November release of its second season. Despite the show having buzz on the streamer and social media, the outlet suspected that the show’s “small yet passionate fan base” wasn’t enough to carry the show for future seasons.