Netflix announced the show in 2017 and steadily disclosed snippets of information. We understood roughly what the plot would contain and the superb cast, which includes Jeff Daniels, Jack O’Connell, Michelle Suzanne Dockery, Merrit Wever, Sam Waterson, and Kim Coates.
Netflix is no stranger to taking chances on limited programmes, but the streaming giant has to start somewhere. That starting point was 2017’s Godless, Netflix’s first in-house limited series.
Much like how HBO creates its shows, Netflix sometimes offers series with a limited distribution run. HBO has done the same with classics such as Band of Brothers and The Pacific, and more this year, Netflix has been following the same with hits as recent as Alias Grace.
Netflix, from the beginning, has highlighted that this is a limited series, which means any opportunity for a sequel wouldn’t come in the form of a series.
The show earned generally excellent reviews and even multiple Emmy nominations (and wins). However, after its initial handful of episodes, Netflix never resumed the series.
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Why Was Godless Cancelled?
Netflix didn’t cancel Godless but instead created it as a limited series. It was a seven-episode miniseries they never intended to finish. Unlike conventional television series, miniseries or limited series are “one and done” events.
They have a precise plot, and the creators deliberately plan for multiple episodes. Limited series tend to have better production values and bigger stars, which allows them to pack as much punch as possible into their brief durations.
As star Thomas Brodie-Sangster put it, “Godless has got a nice beginning, middle and end.” When discussing the possibility of more episodes, Brodie-Sangster told The Hollywood Reporter,
“For me, unless they do something amazing with the writing and as long as it’s appropriate, I think it’s nice to have a Netflix show that comes out like this, where you have the beginning, middle and end.” Just after the series ended, The Hollywood Reporter spoke to the actors and crew about restarting the series.
Given the open nature that the series finale left us with, though, we assume Godless may return in another form as desired by Jack O’Connell when he spoke to TVGuide. He stated: “I’m hopeful they make Godless 2,” which definitely shows he may know something that we don’t.
Given how brilliantly the climax played out in an approximately 90-minute season finale, we anticipate that Netflix may develop a movie to follow up on the show and close off those open questions. As for a definite release date, don’t expect it to be anytime soon.
References
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/tv-highlights-godless-premieres-on-netflix/2017/11/21/2c38b228-ced1-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html
- https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2460075/what-netflix-has-cancelled-and-renewed
- https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/godless-season-two-actors-dont-want-netflix-series/