Perhaps Blockbuster Video and Netflix are like oil and water, as the former rivals just can’t seem to coexist. Years after the video rental industry was decimated by the rise of Netflix and other streaming services, the new sitcom blockbuster tried to capitalize on the nostalgia many felt as they remembered what it was like to walk the aisles looking for a movie or two for the weekend. The series was set in the last brick-and-mortar Blockbuster Video store in the United States, as the staff struggled to stay in business.
But blockbuster hasn’t caught on as well as Netflix execs had hoped, as rumor has it that the show won’t move forward. Variety reports that Netflix has officially canceled the show after just one season, though the news isn’t particularly surprising. It struggled with viewership and failed to crack the Netflix Top 10 in the US after its premiere, although it did succeed in Australia and Canada. In addition to its low viewership, the series received poor reviews, earning a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 45% rating.
This is just the latest show in a long line that has been canceled from Netflix after just one or two seasons. Recently, Warrior nun was axed after two seasons, though fans are hoping to salvage the show with a social media campaign. The bastard son and the devil himself, The midnight cluband resident evil were also all canceled in recent months after several seasons.
Blockbuster is being canceled by Netflix. Ironic?
blockbuster was created by Vanessa Ramos. The cast included Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Ola Merediz, Tyler Alvarez, Madeleine Arthur, JB Smoove, Kamaia Fairburn, Leonard Robinson and Keegan Connor Tracy. Ramos and Park executive produced with John Davis, John Fox, David Caspe and Jackie Clarke. Bridger Winegar, Robert Petrovic and Payman Benz produced.
Netflix was hopeful about the series when it was first ordered. At the time, Ramos said working on the project was a “dream come true”, crediting Netflix for being “on board with so many weird jokes”. The feeling was mutual, as Netflix’s Tracey Pakosta said it was a “no-brainer” to move forward with the show.
“When Vanessa and David first came in and shared this idea for a comedy series, we were immediately excited,” said Pakosta. “Ultimately, this is the story of a dedicated group of employees, with a lot of heart.”
You can watch the first and only season of blockbuster on Netflix.