Netflix axes Cobra Kai creators' other hit action comedy show Obliterated after one season

Mission terminated

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Netflix has pulled the plug onObliterated, the action comedy series fromCobra Kai’s creators, after a single season.

According toDeadlineandVariety, the over-the-top, R-rated series has not been renewed for a second outing onNetflixafter the streaming giant canceled the project. No reason has been given for the show’s axing, but it’s likely that, despite proving popular among the streamer’s global user base,Obliterateddidn’t live up to expectations.

On the surface, it seemed thatObliteratedwould be a good fit for the world’sbest streaming service. It was helmed by Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald – the trio behind the hugely popularKarate KidTV spin-offCobra Kai– and appeared to be a raunchy, extravagant action romp that would make for an easy watch.

In spite of its poor critical reception –Obliteratedholds a 45% critics-based rating onRotten Tomatoes– it performed well on Netflix. The series spent six weeks on Netflix’s Top 10 TV show chart following its 30 November 2023 release, and even held the number one spot in its second week on the platform. Despite its relative success, though, Netflix has decided not to give it a second runout.

Why was Obliterated canceled after a single season?

Netflix hasn’t explained whyObliteratedwas canned after one season. The streaming titan refuses to comment on TV original cancellations, too, so I’m not holding my breath for a definitive answer on theObliteratedfront.

Usually, Netflix consigns a first-party TV series to the scrap heap if they underperform. Shows that fail to deliver on the viewership front aren’t seen as being cost-effective, especially if they were expensive to make. If they don’t produce value for money, Netflix’s executive team doesn’t need a second invitation to throw them in the trash.

The problem withObliterated’s cancellation, though, is that its performance indicates it was successful enough to warrant a sequel. Sure, it isn’t one of thebest Netflix showsever made, but there aren’t many Netflix TV originals that stick around on the streamer’s in-house TV charts for almost two months. The fact that it did so amid serious competition fromSquid Game: The Challenge,The Crownseason 6,My Life With the Walter Boys, andThe Brothers Sunproves it had the staying power that ordinarily justifies a Netflix show’s renewal.

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Whatever the reason is forObliterated’s axing, it won’t be back for a follow-up, and that’s sure to disappoint anyone who was entertained by what it had to offer. If you’re one of those fans, you can console yourself with the fact thatObliteratedis still available to stream, so you can watch its eight-episode run to your heart’s content. Alternatively, you should check outCobra Kai’s five seasons to date ahead of the launch ofCobra Kaiseason 6, the series' final entry, later in 2024.

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As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

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