The business model here reflects a broader issue where companies announce their intention to build communities but retreat when immediate success isn’t evident. This shortsightedness curtails the formation of fan bases and vibrant communities before they can even get started.

For those trying to keep updated on the current wave of cancellations, resources like Vulture’s list of 2024’s axed shows and Forbes’ report on Netflix’s recent cancellations highlight the uncertainty in the industry. The sudden ending of a promising series such as My Lady Jane further emphasizes the unpredictable nature of streaming decisions.

To break this cycle and rebuild viewer trust, streaming platforms must shift their approach to support diverse and innovative stories more genuinely and stop relying on low-hanging fruit. Viewers deserve more and streamers need to do more than stuff content into platforms while upping the price every time you turn.