I want to start by sincerely saying thank you so very much to everyone who signed, shared, and commented on the petition to renew Dead Boy Detectives for another season.
Unfortunately, we have received the official cancellation from Netflix. I remember when the streaming service was parodied for throwing money at artists to create however (in my opinion) the pendulum has swung too far in the opposite direction.
I do understand the need for cost cutting and the diversification of revenue streams as means to create and maintain a profitable organization. I personally do not believe Netflix will remain the predominant and preeminent streaming service in the upcoming years by continuing with the cancellation of original content on the platform. I sincerely hope the streaming service will recognize the need to recalibrate soon.
Netflix may have to invest more for subsequent seasons and while cancellations may save money in the short term, the renewal of these original series and the potential expansion of these incredible universes are the reason so many of us support the company and pay a monthly subscription fee to access the exclusive content on the platform. I sincerely believe there is an exceptional fan base for Fantasy and Sci-Fi TV and the continued cancellation of original series from Cowboy Bebop to Jupiter’s Legacy to Half Bad: The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself to Lockwood & Co. could (in my opinion) hurt the streaming service in the long term.
Dead Boy Detectives was a noteworthy contribution to female and LGBTQ+ representation on television - a medium that can reach millions. It is not merely a good to have, but a MUST HAVE, considering the major influence of media on society's perception. By elevating ethnic, cultural, and female narratives, we can start dismantling these damaging misconceptions while creating richer, more inclusive stories worth telling. Netflix, as a globally dominant streaming platform, has an immense capacity to drive change, challenge norms, and promote inclusivity.
Dead Boy Detectives promoted a more inclusive culture and contained inspiring stories with diverse and interesting characters that more accurately reflect the reality of the increasingly diverse societies around the world. Diversity and authentic representation matter and should be encouraged and celebrated for supporting more inclusive representation in front of and behind the camera.
Neil Gaiman, co-creator of The Sandman and Dead Boy Detectives, was accused of sexual assault when women came forward earlier this year. Gaiman denied the allegations. If you experienced an assault, please know you are not to blame and there are resources available (some below) should you need assistance or more information:
- United Kingdom: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
- United States: www.rainn.org
- Australia: www.fullstop.org.au
- New Zealand: www.rpe.co.nz
I really did hope we could create a petition for change and I am so sorry we did not succeed. I want to thank you so much again for supporting the petition and send my love and well wishes to each of you!
Note: A second petition has been created in response to the official news of the series cancellation and is actively collecting signatures: https://chng.it/KkTnGbWmg4
For anyone who may be struggling, remember you are not alone. Please visit www.wannatalkaboutit.com for mental health support information.