Netflix is known for canceling shows as soon as they begin airing. Sometimes this means a series may not last more than a few seasons. Truth be told, many of the streamer’s originals are lucky to have three seasons. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for these shows to become one-offs. Such was the case with “Dead Boy Detectives,” a TV show set in one of the strangest corners of the DC Universe. Despite these DC ties, it only lasted one season. But why?
“Dead Boy Detectives” was a spin-off from the “Doom Patrol” universe, but it was also part of “The Sandman” universe on Netflix. “Doom Patrol” has always had a strange place in the DC Universeand it eventually spawned a spin-off that took place in a different universe. Regardless, the series came at a time when DC was in flux, trying to get its ducks in a row on the big and small screens.
Initially, “Dead Boy Detectives” was in development at HBO Max before becoming simply Max. As things began to change behind the scenes, the series ended up being sold to Netflix, as part of a growing universe of series based on the works of writer Neil Gaiman. It made sense on paper. Unfortunately, once the show happened, it didn’t really work.
Variety reported in August this year that “Dead Boy Detectives” was canceled after just one season by Netflix. It didn’t take long for the powers that be to make the decision either, as the series premiered in April. As the outlet noted at the time, the show reached No. 2 on Netflix’s most-watched TV charts, racking up 3.1 million views in its first three days. Unfortunately, it completely disappeared from the top ten by the end of its third week. This is undoubtedly the most significant factor at play in its early demise.
Dead Boy detectives faced an uphill battle throughout the process
“Dead Boy Detectives” centers on Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), “the brains” and “the brawn” of the Dead Boy Detectives agency. The teenagers were born decades apart and met in death, becoming best friends who happen to be ghosts. They now solve mysteries with the help of a psychic named Crystal (Kassius Nelson) and her friend Niko (Yuyu Kitamura).
The series was developed for television by Steve Yockey, who serves as co-showrunner alongside Beth Schwartz. Television megaproducer Greg Berlanti, one of the chief architects of the CW’s Arrowversewas also on board. Unfortunately for Yockey and the team, “Dead Boy Detectives” had a rocky path in its development, starting as a backdoor pilot in “Doom Patrol” before being edited for HBO Max, and ultimately sold to Netflix.
Another problem is that the show probably wasn’t cheap. Gaiman previously explained that ‘The Sandman’ Season 2 Might Not Happen Because The Show Was Too Expensive. This show was renewed, but it also attracted a lot more viewers. For Netflix, it’s all about how much attention a show receives from their subscriber base, while comparing that to the cost of producing said show. “Dead Boy Detectives” apparently hasn’t cleared that bar.
The other thing to consider is that Gaiman was accused of sexual misconduct earlier this year, in July. Various productions based on the author’s works were subsequently discontinued, according to The guardian. This could also have factored into Netflix’s decision. Although critics largely liked the series, it wasn’t enough to overcome everything else at stake.
“Dead Boy Detectives” is now streaming on Netflix.
