The web series starring Lorenzo Richelmy and Benedict Wong becomes the first Netflix original scripted series to get canned before reaching season 3.
- Dec 14, 2016
AceShowbiz - Netflix cuts off "Marco Polo". The streaming giant decides not to pick up the web series about the early years of the iconic merchant traveler for a third season. Originally developed as a straight-to-series order at Starz back in 2012, the show starring Lorenzo Richelmy and Benedict Wong reportedly cost Netflix a $200 million loss.
Before the cancellation was announced, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos defended the show. "Marco Polo is one of those shows for us [where viewership doesn't matter to international audiences]," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's hugely popular all throughout Asia and Europe, and there's a lot of focus on if your neighbors might be watching it. And it's really irrelevant because it's doing what it's supposed to do."
"Marco Polo" Joins "Bloodline, which is confirmed to end with the upcoming third season, and "Hemlock Grove", which also concludes after three seasons. It becomes the first original scripted series to never reach season 3 at Netflix.
