Movies News Talk
Recall when Netflix developed its own response to Game of Thrones, trying to be HBO's toughest competitor? Though it turned out to be a huge flop, the streamer believed Marco Polo would be the next major trend. This is a sobering story on how a large budget might not always translate into success.
Marco Polo concentrated mostly on the exploits of the Italian adventurer in the Mongol Empire. There was a lot of money thrown at this large, costly production. Among the most costly TV shows ever produced, the first season ran at a staggering $90 million. Netflix aimed to produce a historical epic rival in popularity to Game of Thrones.
Still, there were some rather major problems from the beginning. Critics did not find very impressive. The programme was deemed to be derivative and dull. Marco Polo lost to Transparent after being nominated for only one Emmy, for the music. Though some viewers enjoyed it, the large budget wasn't justified.
Game Of Thrones was a critical darling, but Marco Polo struggled to create impact. Rotten Tomatoes gave the first season of the show just a 33% approval rating. The performance of the lead actor infuriated critics, who also felt the narrative lacked the intrigue of other historical epics.
It was too late even if the second season was somewhat better received. The show's early missteps meant it lacked the momentum needed to be a commercial or critical hit.
The great budget of Marco Polo was its undoing. According reports, Netflix and its associates lost $200 million on the show. Though with a better plot, the second season was insufficient to persuade them to keep making investments. It was canceled in 2016, hence it is the first Netflix Original without a third season.
Marco Polo was hailed for its varied cast and had a worldwide following, but the expenses were too great for a show that wasn't very successful.
Since Marco Polo canceled, Netflix has run its business differently. It's now more focused on producing smaller shows than on funding one or two productions extensively. They also rely more on well-known venues like "Wednesday" and "Cobra Kai" and have grown more open to postponing shows that lack instant popularity.
Although Netflix still generates big-budget projects like the "Sandman" adaptation, they have grown more frugal. Marco Polo's high cost could have imparted a lesson about not depending just on one basket.