Remembering Sense8: Netflix Canceled Its Award-Winning Sci-Fi Series After 2 Seasons
One of Netflix's most ambitious shows, which won awards and was created by two iconic filmmakers, was suddenly canceled nine years ago this month. The science fiction show, which has been deemed one of the streaming service's "best ever" original series, had a dedicated fan following that quickly demanded its revival. The epic series' rise and fall marked a fascinating turning point in how Netflix approached its original programming.
Why Fans Were So Shocked by the Cancellation
Nine years ago this month, a report from The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Netflix had suddenly canceled its ambitious sci-fi show Sense8. That article noted that the show ending the way it did was a "rare" move since the streamer had "renewed the vast majority of its slate as part of an aggressive push into scripted originals." That is why the news shocked so many observers, and the series' fans most of all.
After Sense8 was canceled, Netflix's Vice President for Original Content, Cindy Holland, praised the show in a statement that The Hollywood Reporter quoted. "It is everything we and the fans dreamed it would be: bold, emotional, stunning, kickass and outright unforgettable. Never has there been a more truly global show with an equally diverse and international cast and crew, which is only mirrored by the connected community of deeply passionate fans all around the world. We thank Lana, Lilly, Joe, and Grant [Hill] for their vision and the entire cast and crew for their craftsmanship and commitment."
Since the cancellation of Sense8, Netflix's entire approach to renewing TV series has changed dramatically. Now, it seems like many subscribers are more surprised when a series gets renewed rather than axed.
What Made the Show One of Netflix's 'Best Ever' Original Series?
Sense8 lasted just two seasons, spanning 24 episodes, before it was ended by Netflix. With Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski also serving as writers on the series, it won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series and a Location Managers Guild Award. The show was also nominated for other notable accolades, including at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
In addition to earning awards, the show built an extremely passionate fan following that adored it so much they created a Change.org petition within days. The effort called on Netflix to reverse its decision and make Sense8 Season 3 happen. While that never materialized, a Sense8 movie was produced to finish its story and premiered almost exactly a year after the cancellation was first announced, on June 8, 2018.
Even though it has been years since the series ended, its legacy continues to be celebrated. In March 2025, ComicBook.com published an article that named Sense8 one of Netflix's "Best Ever" series. Similarly, a Collider article from August 2020 ranked the show as the 12th best original series produced by the streaming giant.
There are many reasons why Sense8 has continued to be so celebrated years after it ended, including that it was a gorgeous show that filmed in so many real locations. It also featured a genuinely original story that won't be spoiled here, a talented cast of diverse backgrounds, and emotional depth. On top of all that, one of the reasons why it had so many passionate viewers is that it trusted its fans by refusing to simplify its story or pick up the pace purely to chase casual viewers.
Next: Netflix Secretly Renews a Top 10 Show With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes Score
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 6:15 AM.