Netflix's Kaos was a dark comedy that had everyone talking. It took a unique approach and reimagined Greek mythology, with a dash of modern social commentary. Starring Jeff Goldblum as a hilariously insecure Zeus, the series premiered in August 2024, and many were rooting for a season 2.
A Shocking Cancellation
Unfortunately, Netflix decided to cancel Kaos after just one season, leaving viewers stunned. This was surprising because critics loved it. The Rotten Tomatoes scores speak for themselves with a 76% critic score and 83% audience score.
Many praised Goldblum's performance as Zeus, but there were also huge fans of other characters, Janet McTeer playing Hera, Stephen Dillane portraying Prometheus and Aurora Perrineau who gave life to the inspiring Eurydice.
The first season ends with an engaging storyline and was a setup that truly could have had more stories for this amazing team to deliver. Sadly, those that were watching got an end sooner than expected.
Viewership Numbers
So what happened? Variety revealed the show was canceled for not meeting Netflix's viewership goals. The show was in the top 10 for four weeks globally and at its peak, the second week, it reached 5.9 million viewers. The global top 10 numbers seem great, but apparently this wasn't enough. Other shows such as The Perfect Couple which made 21.9 million viewers during their second week completely outperformed. That was a major setback!
There was even a clear comparison made! Kaos was even below shows like Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story which got almost 20 million in the second week and Emily in Paris, got over 11 million! Even shows with much lower viewership during their first week had such great success as time progressed. That suggests Kaos failed to grow its audience significantly during its first month!
If it was not successful during its initial release on Netflix. It might not become as successful later as these initial viewership metrics seem to be a major part of whether or not a project gets renewed by Netflix.
A Disappointing Trend
This unfortunately happens with more than Kaos and many amazing shows get canceled early on Netflix. Other shows got canceled as well even though they were received extremely well. A list of shows with similar fate!
- The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
- The Society
- 1899
- Lockwood & Co.
Many viewers were left disappointed as many had so many amazing ideas for a second season, particularly given that this new retelling of classic Greek myths added new and intriguing stories!
LGBTQIA+ Representation
Even more disappointing, it had huge support for those in the LGBTQIA+ community! This wasn't something that should get canceled early on. Characters like Caeneus who's a transgender man, and Charon and Prometheus with a heartfelt romantic arc! All this representation didn't receive a second season. This isn't the only time Netflix chose to end their relationship with projects such as:
- I Am Not Okay With This
- Uncoupled
- Shadow and Bone
It's truly frustrating to see great projects fail to gain the spotlight because there was so much potential in these projects.
Reactions From The Cast
Most of the cast has not gone public with the details as of this time, but Aurora Perrineau shared her thoughts and reactions via Instagram. This wasn't what she imagined after her role was cast. The ending she didn't expect to be so abruptly given!
It looks like her work with this team is one of those experiences that leaves you feeling incredibly full, with an opportunity to take many great lessons from her character in Kaos.
Overall, the early cancellation of Kaos, highlights what seems to be a frustrating trend that affects many platforms and many other viewers of Netflix are left heartbroken at this cancelation. Viewers hope that other platforms might be interested in continuing the storyline of this special series, for the benefit of those looking for great comedic, dark and edgy shows about a Greek mythology twist and to showcase what was clearly important stories that never got to get out to those who are already big fans of Greek mythology, for those who may not yet fully embrace the history. Those fans, certainly might also be interested in this unique project and if you want some great Netflix suggestions to replace this canceled one! Tune in!
