Exploding Kittens Series Axed by Netflix After One Season Despite Season 2 in Progress
Netflix has opted to cancel its adult animated series, Exploding Kittens, after just one season. This decision halts any plans for the show to evolve into a long-term franchise on the streaming platform.
Series Overview
Exploding Kittens premiered in July 2024, adapting the popular tabletop game into an animated narrative. The storyline featured divine beings, God and the Devil, taking on cat forms and residing with a human family. This peculiar twist transformed their neighborhood into a canvas for cosmic conflicts and comedic chaos.
Production Details
The series consisted of nine episodes, produced by Bandera Entertainment with a notable voice cast. This cast included:
- Tom Ellis
- Sasheer Zamata
- Abraham Lim
- Ally Maki
- Mark Proksch
Despite its intriguing premise and talent, the show generally received mixed reviews from audiences and unfavorable critiques from critics.
Viewership and Performance
Viewership data played a crucial role in Netflix’s cancellation decision. Exploding Kittens spent several weeks in Netflix’s daily top 10 across over 60 countries, reflecting a modest audience reach. However, it failed to enter the global weekly top 10, a vital metric for renewal decisions.
The show earned a 72% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, yet its inability to achieve higher viewership metrics impacted its chances for a second season.
Future of the Series
Despite cancellation, work on a second season had already commenced, including development plans. Sources confirm that a roadmap was established to continue the series. However, Netflix chose to cease production instead of moving forward.
Impact on the Exploding Kittens Brand
Although the animated series is concluded, the Exploding Kittens franchise thrives. The mobile version of the game remains accessible through Netflix Games, and the physical card game continues to perform well globally.
Trends in Netflix’s Animation Portfolio
The cancellation of Exploding Kittens aligns with broader changes in Netflix’s adult animation strategy. Other recent cancellations include Twilight of the Gods and Good Times, both after their first seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Exploding Kittens cancelled?
Reports indicate that underwhelming viewership led to its cancellation. While it appeared in daily top 10 lists, it did not meet the critical weekly benchmarks.
Will the series still be available on Netflix?
Yes, despite the cancellation of a second season, the episodes from Season 1 will remain on Netflix.
Is there a chance for revival on another platform?
Currently, there are no credible indications that another platform intends to revive Exploding Kittens. The show’s original ties to Netflix complicate potential transitions.
