How Netflix Transformed Canceled Show Into Worldwide Phenomenon
Netflix is often both celebrated and criticized for its decisions regarding TV shows—green-lighting some fan favorites while axing others prematurely. However, the streaming giant has also earned a reputation for reviving shows that other networks have given up on, transforming them into worldwide hits.
A prime example of this is "Manifest," a show that went from being canceled by NBC to becoming one of the most-watched series globally, thanks to Netflix's intervention.
"Manifest," a series centered around the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of a commercial flight, first aired on NBC in 2018. The show follows the passengers and crew of Montego Air Flight 828, which vanished without a trace during a flight from Jamaica to New York in April 2013.
To everyone's shock, the plane reappeared in November 2018, five and a half years later, with those onboard having no awareness of the time that had passed. As the passengers attempt to reintegrate into society, they realize that their return comes with more questions than answers, leading to a thrilling exploration of fate, time, and the supernatural.
Despite its intriguing premise and loyal fanbase, NBC decided to cancel "Manifest" after three seasons in June 2021, leaving many plotlines unresolved. The cancellation sparked an outcry from fans who desperately wanted closure.
Just two months later, Netflix stepped in, acquiring the rights to the show and commissioning a fourth and final season, giving the series a chance to conclude its story properly.
The decision to revive "Manifest" proved to be a masterstroke for Netflix. Upon its release, the show quickly became a global phenomenon.
According to a 2022 report by Variety, the first batch of episodes from season four racked up an impressive 57.1 million hours viewed within just three days of being available on the platform. This surge in viewership not only cemented "Manifest" as one of Netflix’s most successful acquisitions but also showcased the platform's ability to turn a previously canceled series into a cultural juggernaut.
The critical reception to "Manifest's" fourth season has been overwhelmingly positive.
It boasts an 88 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising the show for maintaining its suspenseful and emotional storytelling. Nicole Gallucci from Decider remarked, "Trust us. Manifest pulls out all the stops in its final batch of episodes to prove itself worthy of surviving its own Death Date back in 2021."
NetflixJay Snow from Collider echoed this sentiment, stating that the show "is back and better than ever," while Lauren Piester from The Wrap noted that the final season "will not disappoint fans of the show, though it is likely to break their hearts and/or get those hearts racing."
Netflix"Manifest" serves as a powerful reminder that a show once considered finished can be brought back to life and achieve even greater success under the right circumstances. Originally canceled by NBC after three seasons, the series found a new home on Netflix, where it not only survived but flourished.
This transformation from a nearly forgotten show to a global phenomenon highlights the impact that streaming platforms like Netflix can have on the television landscape. By picking up "Manifest" and giving it the platform it needed, Netflix allowed the series to reach a broader audience, proving that sometimes, the best stories truly do deserve a second chance.
