by The Cowl Editor on February 28, 2019
Film and Television
by Madeline Weaver-Nolting ’19 A&E Staff
Fans of the movie and TV streaming service Netflix might notice that there are major changes occurring in the types of TV shows on their service. Specifically, Netflix’s original Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV series are all taking serious hits. Despite the popularity of all five of them, each one was canceled in 2018 or will have its last season in 2019. The Defenders universe appears to be coming to a close, at least on Netflix. There is still hope that they could be picked up by Disney’s future streaming service.
Although it is not a shock that Disney is likely adding the shows to their own service, it is still a big deal that so many popular Netflix shows are being canceled and ultimately taken down. Daredevil, for example, was the fourth most watched Netflix original series. Marvel commented about the show’s ending, saying, “We look forward to more adventures with the Man without Fear in the future.” Netflix is definitely going to take a hit because Marvel TV shows, including The Defenders, made up a total of 12 seasons and 151 episodes.
The last Netflix Marvel TV show to be released will be Jessica Jones, which will be released later this year. It is a big deal that it will have the last released season as Jessica Jones is the only female New York superhero in the group. As one of the first MCU shows, it only seems fair that she closes the MCU off, at least on Netflix.
Netflix seems to be shifting its focus away from shows owned by other companies and instead on creating original content. By canceling all of these shows, Netflix is saying that they do not need them anymore. Netflix is focusing more on its own brand than anything else.
Despite the switching of streaming services, it is going to be a while before any of the shows can be revived. Netflix arranged a settlement so that any of the five shows cannot be aired for at least two years. Plus, it could be even longer or could require a completely new cast depending on if the original actors and actresses would sign on to continue the projects.
The Hollywood Reporter stated, “Put simply: Netflix did not have an ownership stake in any of its Marvel TV series. Each of the five Marvel shows was owned by Disney. Netflix paid a (steep) licensing fee for each season of its respective series.”
Not only are these shows ground-breaking, but they are the beginning of even more competition between streaming services. Soon, it will no longer just be Netflix versus Hulu; Disney and Warner Bros will join the fray, too.
For now, enjoy Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Punisher, and The Defenders on Netflix while you still have the chance.