Zeus Gets the Boot
By Tyler Letren; Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief
Oct 11, 2024
Should Netflix reconsider Canceling Kaos After Just One Season?
Netflix's decision to cancel Kaos after a single season left fans reeling, especially given its cliffhanger finale, which promised much more. The show, created by Charlie Covell (*The End of the F***ing World*), offered a fresh take on modern-day Greek mythology, with an ensemble cast led by Emmy Award-winning actor Jeff Goldblum as Zeus. Its untimely end has sparked comparisons to other supernatural dramas that initially struggled but found lasting success.
Kaos shares narrative similarities with Lucifer, the supernatural comedy-drama about the Devil himself, famously canceled by Fox in 2018 after three seasons. Like Kaos, *Lucifer* ended on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wanting more. The show’s premise followed Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis), the Devil and son of God, who abandons Hell to live among mortals in Los Angeles, running a nightclub and assisting LAPD detective Chloe Decker. Eventually, *Lucifer* found salvation with Netflix, which revived it and turned it into a six-season fan favorite.
Netflix has a well-documented history of reviving canceled shows, including Manifest, Designated Survivor, Longmire, and You. Manifest, for example, was canceled by NBC after three seasons but saved by Netflix in 2021. Like Kaos, Manifest left audiences hanging—this time with the mystery of Flight 828, which reappeared five years after vanishing mid-flight. Netflix’s intervention allowed the show to reach its intended conclusion, much to fans’ relief.
So why was Kaos axed after just one season? Reports suggest that Netflix’s decision was driven by evolving strategies in response to the streaming sector’s shifting economics. High-profile, big-budget shows, such as Kaos, require a large and consistent viewership to justify their costs. However, Netflix has become notorious for canceling shows before they have the chance to grow their audience. The streaming service's pivot to shorter-lived series raises concerns about the longevity of original content in an increasingly competitive landscape.
But canceling *Kaos* feels especially premature. The show’s use of Greek mythology, paired with Covell’s signature wit and dark humor, gave it a unique identity that could have attracted a dedicated fanbase over time. One of the most compelling storylines involved Dionysus, son of Zeus, who, in an act of love, helps the mortal Orpheus descend into the underworld to retrieve his wife, Eurydice. Dionysus, moved by Orpheus's unwavering devotion to his wife, offers Zeus's watch as payment to the Fates, allowing the journey to take place. This gesture added depth to Dionysus’s character, showcasing the complexity of relationships between gods and mortals—a storyline ripe for further exploration.
Zeus’s own struggle to control his rebellion around him from everyone who secretly defying his authority, was also at the heart of the show's narrative. The gods' plotting against Zeus's bad behavior mirrored his overthrow of his father, highlighting themes of power, betrayal, and family drama that resonate with viewers.
Even Covell expressed disappointment at Netflix's decision, stating they were "gutted" by the news. This reflects the frustration felt by many creators, as Netflix's swift cancellations often feel disconnected from the creative potential of their projects. While Netflix has the right to pivot its strategies, the early cancellation of Kaos denies viewers the payoff of a rich storyline that had only just begun.
Given Netflix’s long-term success with Lucifer—a show it now holds the rights to until 2031—it’s clear the platform has a vested interest in keeping mythological and supernatural themes alive. Reviving *Kaos* could not only capitalize on the growing interest in modern-day mythological retellings but also deliver the kind of longevity fans have come to expect from Netflix’s earlier rescues.
It's not too late for Netflix to reverse this decision. The show has the potential to build a strong, loyal audience over time, much like Lucifer did. With Greek mythology and supernatural themes continuing to captivate global audiences, Kaos deserves a chance to grow into a lasting success.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgnp8n0dm4o
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8550732/