Netflix axes two shows with higher Rotten Tomatoes scores than Squid Game.
Netflix has long been popular for delivering binge-worthy content that keeps viewers glued to their screens. From the 'flawless' opening episode of Lupin to global hits like Squid Game, Netflix's content library appears strong enough to retain subscribers despite rising subscription costs and password-sharing crackdowns.
The latest casualties in Netflix's ongoing content wars are two promising series that managed to earn better critical scores than some of the platform's biggest hits. After just one season, the streaming giant is reportedly pulling the plug on Pulse and The Residence, according to Deadline.
Despite showing early promise and attracting strong critical reception, neither series was able to generate the engagement or viewership necessary to remain on the platform.
Launched on 20 March, The Residence stars Uzo Aduba, best known for her role in Orange Is the New Black. In an entertaining political murder mystery, Aduba plays a detective investigating a murder that occurs during a state dinner at the White House.
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The show earned impressive critical recognition, securing an 85% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a 78% audience rating, - topping the scores for Squid Game.
One review summary said, “The Residence on Netflix is one of the most meticulously crafted screwball comedy whodunits I’ve watched in years."
However, it was the show's expensive production that led to its end. In fact, The Residence was one of the most expensive White House recreations ever made for television, as per Deadline.
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Moreover, the timing of the show's release also worked against it.
The Residence had the misfortune of debuting just one week after Adolescence,' which became an unexpected massive hit and quickly evolved into one of Netflix's most-watched English-language series of all time.
Meanwhile, Pulse arrived on Netflix on 3 April. Set in a Miami trauma centre during a hurricane, the medical drama follows a group of ER residents through medical crises and personal drama. As for recognisable talent, the show stars Willa Fitzgerald from Reacher and Jessie T. Usher from The Boys.
However, Pulse struggled much more than The Residence when it came to critical reception.
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The show managed only a 48% score on Rotten Tomatoes and received the same rating of 48 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating mixed to negative reviews from professional critics.
One review from Variety described it as an 'appalling depiction of sexual harassment and a few insufferable characters don’t exactly make for a pleasurable watch.'
Pulse managed to reach around 20 million views during its first four weeks, which might sound impressive but falls short when compared to the platform's major successes. Squid Game Season 3, for example, drew 60 million in only three days.
For viewers, the loss of The Residence and Pulse shows that even promising shows can disappear after just one season. That said, the platform giant has saved the day for other shows and gave them the ending they deserved.