The new Young Adult drama Penelope is shaping up to be Netflix's next sleeper hit, yet some fans are already fretting over its longevity on the platform notorious for axing beloved series after just a few seasons. Netflix has gained notoriety for cutting popular shows short, often leaving viewers hanging with unresolved plots and cliffhangers. But Penelope, which charts the journey of a 16-year-old girl who abandons her family to live in the forest, may escape this fate.
Megan Stott shines as the lead in Penelope, and the show's straightforward concept coupled with its modest budget might just render it "cancel proof". According to TechRadar, the indie approach taken by co-creators Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn could be Penelope's lifeline in the ruthless world of streaming. With the eight-part series being relatively inexpensive to make, Netflix might renew it despite modest viewership, or it could find a home on another platform.
TechRadar's piece highlighted: "The show is trying something that's common in indie film-making but still relatively rare in streaming TV. "Instead of securing a hefty commission from a major streamer like Netflix to fund production, the creators produced the entire series independently and then struck a short-term deal for Netflix to distribute it." The series, which garnered glowing reviews at the Sundance Film Festival, has its creators hopeful for a strong viewership to cement its longevity.
"We brought it [to streamers] and everybody was like, this is so beautiful and unique, so deeply connected to something that I've lost," Mark told the Hollywood Reporter. "Ideally, we see how we do on Netflix. In the event that it's a blowout success, you might see a bigger scope for season two," he teased about the show's future.
Should the series achieve only moderate success, "we might write it for a smaller scope. Sky has brought back its viral free trial, meaning you can bag a Netflix subscription and Sky Stream for £0 for the first month, offering customers a saving of £31. This means members can enjoy binge-worthy shows like House of the Dragon , The Walking Dead and Bridgerton without paying a penny.
"But at least we're in the driver's seat now as to whether we get to keep making this show." This autonomy will delight fans, ensuring no studio interference with the character Penelope's trajectory in upcoming seasons. With the release just around the corner, Young Adult drama enthusiasts are encouraged to stream it immediately upon release to help guarantee the continuation of the story.
Featuring Euphoria's Austin Abrams and Krisha Fairchild from Krisha, the series showcases a promising new lead. Penelope is set to hit Netflix on Tuesday, September 24..
