Netflix may be rewriting the TV rulebook with TV shows lasting two to three seasons

Deadline

One Day at a Time is the latest Netflix show with a loyal fanbase that was canceled after two or three seasons, joining shows like American Vandal, Love, Bloodline and the Marvel series. "For decades, the success of a TV series had been measured by its longevity," says Deadline's Nellie Andreeva. "The standard series regular contracts are for six years, which has been considered a threshold for a show to be deemed reasonably successful. Netflix may be rewriting the rulebook with a business model that involves shows often running for two to three seasons. The Internet network also is assuring its series will remain Netflix exclusives even after their cancellation, with a moratorium allegedly built into deals that prevents axed shows from moving to a new home. That is despite the streamer readily taking in series canceled elsewhere, like Lucifer and Designated Survivor." Andreeva adds that One Day at a Time's viewership rose between Seasons 1 and 2 and between Seasons 2 and 3. Yet for the beloved show to keep going, it would've needed to be nominated for awards -- not support from TV critics. "I hear that, according to Netflix’s data, beyond Season 2-3, middle-of-the road series — even those with loyal fan base like One Day at a Time — would not generate significant new signups," she says. "But new shiny things will. Netflix’s strategy to grow subscription base is focused on introducing new series all the time, sometimes multiple ones each weekend. According to industry observers, fans of some of the canceled series would be disappointed by their demise but not upset enough to drop Netflix as there is new product coming out all the time that catches their attention."