In a blow to workplace comedy fans, Netflix has decided to bring another one of its series to a halt. The streaming giant will not be renewing Unstable for a third season, according to recent reports. Created by and starring Rob Lowe, a beloved member of the Brat Pack, and his son Owen Lowe, the show struggled to gain traction among Netflix viewers, which led to the cancelation.
Unstable centers around the eccentric and chaotic world of a biotechnology company run by the charismatic but narcissistic-adjacent Ellis Dragon (Lowe) and his introverted son Jackson (Owen), who only arrives on the scene in order to save his father from spiraling and sending the company in ruins as he mourns the loss of his wife. The series explores the complicated relationship shared by the father-son duo and satirizes the dysfunctional workplace. Lowe and Owen act as executive producers alongside Victor Fresco, the showrunner and producer of Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet.
Despite its refreshing plot, the second season of Unstable, which premiered on August 1, failed to leave a lasting impression on the viewership charts and didn’t even make it to the Netflix Top 10 list. According to Deadline, it garnered only 1.4 million viewers in the opening weekend and less than 1.3 million viewers in the entire first week. Since Netflix merits views over cost, it decided to cancel Unstable following the second season.
Netflix Has Pulled the Plug on a Bunch of Shows This Year
Netflix is rapidly shrinking its catalog of original shows. The streamer is currently intolerant towards titles with a lukewarm reception, conditioning shows to meet certain criteria for renewal. That 90s Show, the spin-off sequel to That 70s Show was canceled due to low viewership numbers than what was initially expected, considering the parent show’s popularity. Only three parts of the show were released, and it was reported that the series would be shopped elsewhere. Kaos, a modern reimagining of Greek mythology, was axed before it could find its footing. Similarly, The Brother’s Sun, Dead Boy Detectives, and Everything Now also faced cancelation due to reasons like creative differences and budgeting concerns.
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Additionally, it has become difficult for canceled Netflix shows to find a new home on other streamers or cable networks. This is because many of Netflix’s productions are tied to exclusive contracts and can only be picked up by linear buyers following cancelation. Rob Lowe and John Owen reached out to Fox about possibly reviving Unstable, but the deal was unlikely since Fox already has its own programming slate to focus on. That said, the streaming landscape is ever-changing, and it seems more crucial for shows now to keep viewers engaged in order to survive. For dedicated fans, Rob Lowe and John Owen have other projects they have collaborated on before, such as the Fox series The Grinder and 9-1-1: Lonestar.
Unstable
Unstable is a television comedy centered around Ellis Dragon, an eccentric biotech entrepreneur played by Rob Lowe, and his son, Jackson, portrayed by John Owen Lowe. The series explores the complex relationship between father and son as they navigate the challenges of running a high-stakes company. Both characters grapple with their personal and professional dynamics, creating a blend of humor and family tension.
- Release Date
- March 30, 2023
- Seasons
- 2