It’s an old meme that streaming giant Netflix likes to cancel its original series.
Few TV fans can escape Netflix’s penchant for axe-wielding when it comes to some of our favorite shows.
Now, the gods are not smiling on the modern Greek mythology series Chaos.
Kaos offers a truly unique and refreshing take on the genre series
There’s nothing on the air right now that compares to “Kaos,” but unfortunately, there aren’t any shows at all now.
“Kaos” is a really interesting show that takes a similar approach to “The Boys” in many ways when it comes to tackling a specific genre that either focuses too much on or doesn’t approach in a unique way.
Greek mythology has its appeal, and of all the various forms of mythology, it is probably the most popular.
But Kaos presents gods, titans, and various mythical beings in a modern way that will likely appeal to die-hard mythology fans and those with little to no exposure to the genre.
Kaos is also one of the most beautifully shot series I’ve seen in a long time.
The cinematography is a work of art in itself – every aspect of the series features truly stunning visuals, transporting you into the sweeping landscapes of Greece through sweeping shots of ancient historical sites and more.
Tune into Kaos and the series immediately draws you in and everything around you disappears.
Kaos taps into star power to boost entire cast
The series then gives recognizable faces to names and characters you may have only read about in basic history classes (oh my god, Jeff Goldblum plays Zeus).
The actors breathe life into these names and characters, making them familiar and compelling characters, as the writing allows the series to explore these characters from different angles and perspectives.
As we know, it’s arguable that star power is the reason most projects are sold or greenlighted, but Kaos was smart enough to market Jeff Goldblum only to have him remain mostly on the periphery of the story.
We often discuss the frustrating habit today’s TV series have of recruiting big stars rather than creating them.
Kaos manages to do both, with Jeff Goldblum and Janet McTeer turning heads while viewers may then fall in love with Hustler’s Aurora Perrineau, Misiah Bart Le, Nabane Rizwan, Killian Scott and Laila Farzad.
Perrineau’s “Eurydice” or “Riddy” are particularly intoxicating, but anyone familiar with her previous work will know that.
Reedy laid the foundation for the series with a deep exploration of identity, purpose, grief, pain, and love.
Kaos successfully uses black comedy to express social themes
Kaos deftly addresses issues of politics, oppression, genocide, gender politics, prejudice, class, sexuality, and more with dark humor that resonates in a way that perhaps most people won’t be able to appreciate.
However, “Kaos” isn’t a perfect show, and for most, it’s probably an acquired taste.
Sadly, reviews have been generally mixed. The show likely cost immeasurable money to produce but failed to generate worthy ratings.
The show never made it to the top of Netflix’s top ten, and its stay on the list was short-lived.
It barely made a splash.
“Kaos” wasn’t a perfect show, but it never had a chance
But there were some problems with the launch of the series.
It’s a victim of Netflix’s complete lack of promotion, so most people don’t even know it exists.
It certainly didn’t get the Emily in Paris or Bridgerton treatment.
As far as we know, only a handful of coveted shows are currently getting the promotion they deserve.
The cancellation of Kaos was so bad that it was even asserted that it was a completely understandable outcome.
The show didn’t stand a chance in a lot of ways, so one might have guessed the writing was on the wall when we saw almost nothing about the series outside of its coterie.
One can accept that the numbers are inconsistent and that Chaos is moving down the River Styx to meet its fate.
The limited series approach will please audiences
But it’s frustrating that this strange and serious series ended on a cliffhanger, and now we never know what the future of this universe will look like.
Kaos is a slow-burn series.
I believe a well-intentioned story or series of stories will unfold over time, but it takes some time.
The problem is, for Netflix, time is never on the show’s side.
“Kaos” has encountered a number of obstacles, from the series’ astronomical cost to its entire premise, which may not attract a stable and reliable audience.
Despite its talented cast, compelling characters, and the potential every production has, “Kaos” is destined to be missed.
But it didn’t have to be this way.
Limited collections that offer more choice are the best way to gain trust
When you consider the risks involved with a series like this, one question that comes to mind is why Netflix doesn’t option most of its new series as limited series in the first place.
This will allow them to continue producing projects spanning all genres and creativity, while still taking precautions.
While it would have been nice if “Kaos” could have continued for multiple seasons, the premise actually calls for it to be a limited series with a tighter storyline and tighter ending.
It’s hard to ask viewers to keep watching the streamer and all of its original programming if they’re afraid of investing in a show that doesn’t make it through one season and ends on a cliffhanger.
However, the intentionally limited series leaves viewers with a wide range of choices. If we already know going in, we’ll have a beginning, middle, and end to the thing we’re adjusting to.
The great thing about limited series, as we know from the critically acclaimed Shogun, is that if the series does become a success, there’s always an option to continue it.
Netflix intends to limit series cancellations – “Happy Trigger Finger”
It’s a win-win situation for everyone, especially if a series wants to continue to attract some of the biggest and most famous stars who typically don’t want to commit to projects long-term.
When it comes to that, the pipeline from limited series to anthology series can and does work too.
Netflix is already full of limited series and anthology series, and at this point, it has to be more cost-effective to continue producing them.
There is a way for viewers, streamers, and content creators and producers to find a happy medium and contentment here.
An upfront commitment to a limited series will gain the trust of viewers and talent because they know what they’re getting into from the start.
Countless Netflix series have gone to the grave due to changes in loyal and passionate fan bases, and after a few tweaks and closures, it’s easy to fall into the limited series format.
In the end, most viewers are committed to the characters and story, and prefer the story to be told in its entirety in some way.
Netflix needs a more complete story and ending
Given that many shows are already treating their entire seasons as one ten-hour movie, wouldn’t it be best if their commitment to that included an ending and no cliffhangers?
By now, it’s clear that cliffhangers aren’t going to work as a way to trick networks into greenlighting series renewals.
If the numbers, graphics, crystal balls, or other things that determine the future of the series (which, at this point, none of us know) don’t align, so be it; Netflix can move on to the next project.
But at the same time, we are not deprived of a unique series like Kaos, nor are we cut off before the story is completed.
In fact, the shift to a greater focus on limited series (with more to choose from) means we’ll be getting a full range of creative collections. This will allow Netflix to take bigger, more interesting risks that could lead to better returns.
Because we can’t go on like this any longer, with wonderful, compelling works like “Kaos” being shortened or mutilated and continuing to pay the price along with the audience.
Over to you, TV fanatics.
Watch Kaos online
Should Netflix choose original shows as limited series?
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Are you upset about the cancellation? Let’s hear your thoughts below.
