Even with the massive amount of content Netflix is able to churn out year after year, the streaming platform also has a bad habit of failing to renew fan-favorite shows for subsequent seasons. With dozens of new shows released each year, there is always a concern amongst viewers that their new favorite show may not receive a second or third season despite the show's popularity and viewing numbers. Whether it's shows like I Am Not Okay With This, getting canceled after just one season, or shows like Luke Cage and The Punisher getting the ax when they were just starting to pick up steam, fans never know what to expect from the streaming giant.
There are a lot of reasons that go into why Netflix cancels so many shows, even when they're popular. Mainly, Netflix tends to make more money from releasing new shows frequently, meaning existing shows aren't as high of a priority. Despite the current model that favors new content there are tons of shows on Netflix that are more than deserving of getting another season.
Heist
With the release of Zack Snyders' Army of the Dead, it seems like the heist genre will possibly be getting another renaissance, at least on Netflix. The popularity of the docuseries Heist also bodes well for the genre. As of now, there hasn't been any real discussion of season 2, but with the show just releasing, Netflix will likely wait and see just how popular it becomes.
There are plenty more real-life heists to be explored in the event of a season 2, some of the biggest known heists weren't even covered in the show, specifically the infamous Lufthansa heist, that was brought into the spotlight by Martin Scorceses' Goodfellas. Even 1-part episodes covering lesser-known heists that were significant in some ways would be something fans of the show would be more than happy to learn about.
Tiger King
During the early parts of the Covid-19 lockdown, it seemed the entire world had watched Tiger King, and for good reason. The show is hilarious, jaw-dropping, and shocking. Even with the titular Joe Exotic still in prison, there is definitely more to the story that needs exploring.
Characters like Carole Baskin and Doc Antle are plenty interesting on their own and Netflix wouldn't have to stretch for material should they decide to make a sequel or a spin-off. There are already plenty of news updates about the real-life story since the documentaries released and multiple adaptations of the story in development.
Sweet Tooth
Perhaps the most popular new show on Netflix in 2021 so far, Sweet Tooth was a bit of a surprise for many viewers. Taking place in a post-apocalyptic world, the show follows the story of a boy who is half-deer and the father-like figure who tries to protect him. In regards to the narrative of season 1, leaving the story on a cliffhanger is a good indicator that the same plot will be continued, should it be renewed.
With many of the hybrid children captured by General Abbot, there is plenty more story that needs to be told. As of now, there have been no official reports of season 2, but it seems unlikely that Netflix won't capitalize on the success of one of the best post-apocalyptic shows in years.
High On The Hog
Part cultural documentary, part food documentary, Netflix's High on the Hog is a fascinating look into how food can help shape culture over generations. Based on the Stephen Satterfield book, the documentary series traces African-American food back to its roots in Africa before embarking on a culinary journey across the American south.
With the series focusing primarily on the American south, the impact of African cuisine on other parts of the country could easily be explored as well as the cultural impact of other cuisines on the United States.
I Think You Should Leave
The off-beat and quirky comedy series from SNL alum Tim Robinson was a huge hit after season 1 and season 2 was no different. Full of wacky jokes and sketches that border on deranged, the series is as refreshing as it is hilarious. The show is just one of the best comedy sketch shows that have made their way onto the platform.
With season 2 feeling like an extension of the first, most fans would be hoping for an expansion of some of their favorite skits, perhaps with returning characters in new skits. The guest stars Robinson pulled in was also an improvement on the first season, and something fans will be hoping for.
Fresh, Fried & Crispy
Another food documentary that went in a slightly new direction, Fresh, Fried & Crispy leaves behind the often pretentious world of fine dining in favor of all things fried. Exploring cities not normally associated with culinary tradition like Denver and Clevland, the series was able to showcase some delicious food in lesser-known parts of the country.
Although it was nice to see underrepresented cities, host Daym Drops could explore lesser-known restaurants in New York City, Chicago, and Washington DC. Even exploring the wide world of fried food at state and county fairs would be an interesting approach. There is no shortage of fried food in America, and fans are hoping a season 2 will explore even more crispy deliciousness.
The Sons Of Sam
Audiences' obsession with all things dark and weird is stronger than ever and The Sons of Sam offers a surprisingly new take on the true-crime documentary. Instead of reporting on the widely accepted facts of the infamous case, the documentary explores a new narrative that Berkowitz was not acting alone.
Throw in an increasingly unreliable narrator and Netflix created a formula to take a standard true-crime doc and turn it into a near edge-of-the-seat thriller. There are plenty of serial killers and infamous criminals that have not gotten their own documentary and the format in The Sons of Sam could be used again and again.
Last Chance U: Basketball
A basketball-based spin-off of the popular Last Chance U was a no-brainer for Netflix and was an immediate hit with fans of sports documentaries. Following the men's basketball team at East Los Angeles College, the docuseries is almost identical in format to the original show.
With plenty of drama, lots of sports, and tons of heartfelt moments, the series is immensely inspiring. The original Last Chance U already has 5 seasons under its belt so it seems likely that there will be more seasons to come, whether they continue to follow the same school and group in the first season or switch schools altogether. Moving from football to basketball also opens the door for a spin-off with yet another sport.
Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel
The riveting and unsettling story of a young tourist's disappearance at an infamous hotel in Downtown Los Angeles explored the uglier side of the city of angels. The show follows law enforcement efforts and the attempt to solve the case by a group of internet sleuths. It quickly becomes clear that is not the first unusual thing to happen at the Cecil Hotel, in fact, it's just one of many odd things to happen there.
The show makes the hotel out to be its own character and many viewers would love to see more of the strange and surreal happenings from the hotel over the years. A season 2 could focus again on a specific case or take the route of anthology series and discuss a different Cecil Hotel story in each episode.
The Movies That Made Us
Cultural documentaries generally stray into heavier topics of world events and their cultural impacts, however, the star-studded Movies That Made Us, takes a much lighter approach to what shaped American culture.
Aside from those already discussed, there are plenty of influential movies from the '80s and '90s nostalgic fans would love to see discussed like John Carpenter's The Thing or coming-of-age classics like The Breakfast Club. No matter the movies, pulling in more guest stars for subsequent seasons should be one of the biggest priorities. Season 2 recently premiered and a season 3 would be welcome.