Altered Carbon generated some positive buzz in its first season and could have continued for several years if the show had not been cut short by Netflix.
What Is It?
This series–based on the Richard K. Morgan novel of the same name–takes place in a future world where human memories and consciousness can be stored and “re-sleeved” in new bodies. Takeshi Kovacs is a former dissident and elite warrior who is brought back after 250 years to solve a murder in a world where technology has made death nearly obsolete.
Aired: Netflix, 2018-20, 2 Seasons Totaling 18 Episodes
Developed By: Laeta Kalogridis
Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Anthony Mackie, James Purefoy, Martha Higareda, Chris Conner, Dichen Lachman
Why Was It Cancelled?
This cyberpunk series started out with positive buzz from critics and viewers, and word is that the first season performed well for Netflix (though neither that streamer nor Nielsen was publishing viewership numbers at that point). The second season saw a change in the lead role from Joel Kinnaman to Anthony Mackie and viewers were not happy with how the series progressed in its sophomore year (the Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes dropped from 91% to 37% year-over-year). Netflix decided not to carry the show into a third season, and the decision was based on the streamer’s “viewership vs. cost renewal review process” according to Deadline. That was also right at the point that Netflix was cancelling several shows due to the COVID-related production delays (The Society and I Am Not Okay With This are two genre entries that were impacted by this), but that was not mentioned as a factor in the cancellation of Altered Carbon.
The show was allegedly very expensive to produce with Joel Kinnaman claiming that the budget for Season 1 was “bigger than the first three seasons of Game of Thrones“. And while the first year apparently drew decent viewership, Netflix execs were not able to justify keeping the show going based on how much it cost. That was also right at the point that the streamer started to show less patience with its originals and its cancellation rate increased notably.
Can It Be Revived?
As mentioned above, this was an expensive show to produce and that presents a challenge for continuing it on Netflix or another venue. But it is likely that the rights have reverted back to the studio and/or production company seeing as it has been over three years since the second season aired. So it is possible that this one could be shopped around to other venues, and the fact that the lead role can be replaced at any time makes a revival very possible. Season 2 showrunner Alison Schapker said in an interview with Inverse that she still has hopes that the series can continue:
I am not going to give up. I still harbor a dream that someday, somebody will come knocking and want to continue that story. Quellcrist Falconer was off to foment a revolution! We had a great season 3 written, and I’m sorry we were not able to bring it to people. Sometimes that happens.
After Altered Carbon was cancelled, I don’t recall seeing much in the way of fan efforts to save the show. That may have been because the second season was not as well received, but there is still a possibility that a revival could happen if enough fans get behind it. The format of the series makes it much easier to bring it back despite the gap between seasons, and there is a good chance that Netflix no longer has a lock on the property. If fans were to make an effort, it sounds like Alison Schapker would stand with them, and perhaps Anthony Mackie would back those efforts as well (a device was created that could keep him involved with the show even if he is not in the lead role). The cost of the show definitely presents a hurdle, but if fans could generate some interest in a revival, perhaps the story of Takeshi Kovacs could live on.
Where Can You Watch It?
Both seasons are still available for streaming on Netflix, though it is possible that the show could leave that service at any point. The first season is available to purchase VOD from providers like Amazon.com.
Did you watch Altered Carbon, and would you support fan efforts to revive the show?
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Just when you think you can get into a show. They pull the rug right from underneath you. Please 🙏🏾 find a way to get this show back. The anime series was great, and that also was pulled. If you write it then show it.
I enjoyed watching this show when it was on and was disappointed (again) when it was cancelled. Any talk about a revival seems like an exercise in futility.