There sad news for fans of classic hip-hop and Baz Luhrmann tonight. Netflix has canceled The Get Down after only one season. Netflix doesn’t typically cancel many shows, even those that struggle for popularity against the likes of Stranger Things and Orange Is The New Black. In fact, the streaming platform has only canceled five shows since they started producing their own originals, including Bloodline which will return for a final third season.
Luhrmann teamed with Shawn Ryan to bring the idea to life and command a sea of hype to the show as his first television project. From there, the show saw a series of delays and other issues pop up while the costs of production allegedly ballooned to $120 million. Ryan also left the project after butting heads with Luhrmann over the show’s direction, leaving the film director by himself and reportedly sealing its fate.
The show’s reported cost made it the most expensive series on television, but Luhrmann denies this according to The Hollywood Reporter:
“I heard The Crown was the most expensive show ever made, that’s what someone told me,” he said last July. “Yes, it took longer and it’s been more difficult than I imagined. As for the number, it wasn’t cheap. But I don’t think it’s the most expensive show. I think it’s on the high end of storytelling.”
As for why the show was canceled, Luhrmann shared a note on Facebook to thank fans for watching and to provide an explanation of sorts for The Get Down‘s demise. It would seem that Luhrmann wanted to return to his film work and it pushed Netflix and Sony to make their decision:
When I was asked to come to the center of The Get Down to help realize it, I had to defer a film directing commitment for at least two years. This exclusivity has understandably become a sticking point for Netflix and Sony, who have been tremendous partners and supporters of the show. It kills me that I can’t split myself into two and make myself available to both productions. I feel so deeply connected to all those who I have worked and collaborated with on this remarkable experience.
All sorts of things have been thrown around for the future… even a stage show (can you imagine that? I can, concert version anyone? Next summer? Just saying.) But the simple truth is, I make movies. And the thing with movies is, that when you direct them, there can be nothing else in your life. Since The Get Down stopped, I have actually been spending the last few months preparing my new cinematic work…
Luhrmann also went on the praise the cast, crew, and famous names of hip-hop that inspired the show in the first place. It’s a classy way to usher a show into its conclusion and it treats fans of the show with a respect that doesn’t always happen when a show is canceled. Check out the full statement below:
(Via The Hollywood Reporter / Baz Luhrmann)
