Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Netflix cancels costly show The Get Down after one season, Baz Luhrmann reacts

The 70s-set hip hop series was the Moulin Rouge! director's first foray into television

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 25 May 2017 10:02 BST
Comments

Netflix has cancelled Baz Luhrmann's musical drama The Get Down after just one season.

While the reasoning is unconfirmed, it seems that the streaming service's decision could be down to budget - the hip-hop themed series was one of Netflix's most expensive shows with the first 12 episodes costing approximately $120 million (£92.5m). Royal drama The Crown is reported to be the most costly.

Starring Jaden Smith, the series - set in 1970s New York - was Moulin Rouge! director Luhrmann's first TV project. Production was plagued with delays which consequently saw the first season staggered over two halves, the first debuting last August and the concluding part airing in April.

The Get Down - Part II teaser

Following the cancellation, Luhrmann - who previously stated that Netflix was “very driven” about the idea of a second season - suggested in a Facebook post the key factor in its decision was his inability to commit full-time to the project.

“This exclusivity has understandably become a sticking point for Netflix and Sony, who have been tremendous partners and supporters of the show,“ he said. ”It kills me that I can’t split myself into two and make myself available to both productions… But the simple truth is, I make movies.”

Lurhamnn's previous credits include Romeo + Juliet, Australia and The Great Gatsby.

You can find a list of everything joining Netflix in June hereyyyy.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in