The Surprising Reasons Behind the End of Arcane: Why Netflix Canceled the Hit Animated Show
Arcane, Netflix’s groundbreaking animated series based on the wildly popular League of Legends game, stunned both critics and audiences with its incredible animation, emotional depth, and compelling storytelling. Despite its success and a passionate fan base, Arcane is coming to an end after just two seasons. The show’s unexpected cancellation has left many wondering why such a hit series was cut short, especially considering its immense critical acclaim and popularity.
“While Arcane fans may be disappointed, there are plenty of amazing fantasy movies to escape into. If you’re craving a world full of magic and adventure, check out our list of the top fantasy movies to ignite your imagination.”
To give you a better sense of what Arcane is all about, check out the official trailer below that highlights the stunning animation and gripping storylines.
Watch the *Arcane* Official Trailer
The Creator’s Original Vision for Arcane‘s Conclusion
One of the key reasons behind Arcane‘s end is the creator’s original vision. The show, co-created by Christian Linke, was always planned as a limited series with a specific story arc. From the beginning, Linke and his team had a clear vision for how the story of Vi and Jinx would unfold, and they believed it reached a natural conclusion after two seasons. Extending the story further might have compromised the integrity of the narrative. As a result, Arcane‘s cancellation was a creative decision, ensuring that the series stayed true to its intended arc
Arcane: A High-Cost Production That Struggled to Break Even
The massive success of Arcane did not come without its costs. The show had one of the highest budgets ever for an animated series, totaling $250 million for 18 episodes. The production took six years, with much of that time spent on development and refining its cutting-edge animation. While this level of investment contributed to the show’s groundbreaking quality, it also created a financial burden for Netflix and its parent company, Riot Games
Arcane, an animated League of Legends series was the #1 English Language Series in the world last week on Netflix with 38,420,000 hours of watch time
— Benji-Sales (@BenjiSales) November 25, 2021
It was Top 10 in 87 countries overall
This is one of the biggest success stories ever for a Show / Movie based on a Gaming IP pic.twitter.com/u1VY7uVxEE
Statistical Data: The first season of Arcane alone had a $60 million promotional budget, which was more than what Netflix itself spent on the series. Despite being a hit, these high production and promotional costs made it difficult for the show to be profitable
Riot Games’ Struggles in the Entertainment Industry
Riot Games, the company behind League of Legends, initially set out to become a major player in the entertainment world, with plans to produce movies, TV shows, and other media. However, despite the success of Arcane, Riot Games has struggled to expand beyond the world of gaming. By 2023, Riot’s entertainment division was disbanded, and the company failed to replicate Arcane‘s success with any other projects. The departure of Riot’s CEO, Nicolo Laurent, also contributed to the company’s inability to continue its entertainment ventures
Limited Franchise Potential for Arcane
While Arcane was a critical success, it didn’t have the same widespread appeal or franchise-building potential as other Netflix series like Stranger Things or The Witcher. These franchises have successfully expanded into other forms of media, including spin-offs, games, and merchandise. However, despite its popularity, Arcane did not generate the same level of interest for further expansion, which made it harder for Netflix and Riot to justify additional seasons
Financial Struggles and Lack of Profits from Arcane
Despite Arcane‘s massive viewership and critical acclaim, the show failed to break even financially. Riot Games earned $3 million per episode from licensing fees paid by Netflix, but when factoring in the costs of production, promotion, and merchandise, the show did not generate enough revenue to cover its expenses. As a result, Arcane did not turn a profit, making it difficult for both Netflix and Riot Games to continue funding the series
Conclusion: Why Arcane Ended After Two Seasons
In the end, the decision to cancel Arcane was influenced by a combination of creative vision, high production costs, and financial challenges. While the show was beloved by fans and received critical acclaim, its massive budget and limited franchise potential made it difficult for Netflix and Riot Games to justify continuing the series. Although Arcane is ending after just two seasons, its legacy as one of the most ambitious animated series in recent years is secure.
“Just as fans were shocked by the abrupt end of Arcane, the world of entertainment continues to surprise us. For those who enjoy a chilling twist, you can explore the newly announced Orphan 3 horror sequel by Lionsgate, which promises even more suspense and horror.”
netflix canceled the show because they can’t bare to see sapphic badass women run the shit. avatrice hottest couple. confirmed. #savewarriornun pic.twitter.com/nnM7jhDsd0
— a. (@bbavgsaz) December 15, 2022
The final season of Arcane will release its first three episodes on Netflix on November 9, 2024, with additional episodes following on November 16 and November 23
Watch the Arcane Season 2 Official Trailer
“As Arcane leaves fans wanting more, if you’re looking for another gripping thriller, check out Beauty in Black on Netflix: Thriller for Ages 16, which promises an equally captivating and intense experience.”
FAQs
- Why was Arcane canceled after just two seasons? Arcane was always intended to be a limited series with a clear and defined ending. The creative team felt that the story had reached its natural conclusion, and extending it further would have compromised the narrative.
- What was the budget for Arcane? The budget for Arcane was a staggering $250 million for 18 episodes, making it one of the most expensive animated series ever produced.
- Is there a chance Arcane will return in the future? While Arcane will conclude after Season 2, the world of League of Legends has vast lore, and there may be future projects based on the franchise. However, no official plans for a continuation of Arcane have been announced.
For more details about Arcane and its production, check out Variety’s report on the show’s cancellation.