Another big name will soon join the ranks of Netflix’s cancellations: Élite. In contrast to other cancellations, the news only sparked a few outraged reactions. Why is that?
Streaming giant Netflix produces more originals than any other streaming service. The provider is particularly strong in the series sector. Productions like “Stranger Things”, “Wednesday” and “Sex Education” are the flagships. In addition to their success, they have another thing in common: the predominantly young target group. Netflix is the king of coming-of-age productions. “Élite” is definitely one of these successes. The Spanish production has had an impressive seven seasons so far – the seventh starts on Netflix this month. A number that the streaming giant’s many canceled projects can only dream of. An eighth season has already been confirmed – but after that it will finally end. TECHBOOK classifies the situation and the not-so-negative reactions from the fans – which our streaming expert Marlene Polywka certainly shares.
Élite is being deposed – these are the reasons
In 2018, the first season of “Élite” landed on Netflix. Back then, hardly anyone had the Spanish series on their screen, as is often the case with the big Netflix hits. But success came virtually overnight. Seasons 2 and 3 are still on the today Ranked 9th and 10th among the most successful non-English Netflix series. Before the start of season 7 on October 28th, Netflix announced the sequel – at the same time as the final end of the series.
There’s not much to see in the tweet other than the familiar “Élite” lettering and an 8 that rotates 90 degrees to the infinity symbol. Only the text above reveals that it is the announcement of the final season.
Even if Netflix doesn’t give any reasons for the cancellation, they are obvious to many. With the latest seasons (5 and 6), the streaming service was no longer able to build on the series’ early successes. The ratings also steadily decreased. While season 1 was able to achieve an average rating of 7.9 on the IMDb rating platform, season 6 is only 6.3 – the worst average of all “Élite” seasons.
What counts more for Netflix than the ratings are the viewing figures and, above all, how many new subscriptions a production receives. And here in particular, Spanish production seems to have recently become unconvincing.
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What are the opinions on the cancellation?
If you look at the reaction on social networks, many are forgiving about the decision. The general tenor is in a slightly nostalgic, relaxed direction. But some commentators also find clear words like “It’s finally over” or “Well, who cares about this series anymore?” This is particularly noticeable when you compare it with the reactions to other canceled Netflix series.
It is time
“If I’m being completely honest, I share the cautious joy at the news that Netflix is canceling “Élite”. The first seasons in particular were really worth watching and offered an exciting approach. In my opinion, however, there is little left of this original spirit. The cast has also changed extensively in the meantime. This is also reflected in the ratings – season 2 is slightly ahead of season 3, but after that it goes down significantly.
The fact that the series was able to last so long is probably due to the cost-benefit factor, which is very advantageous for Netflix. Because of this, expensive blockbuster series like “1899” failed miserably. But with the eighth season, “Élite” could at least get a well-rounded and quite symbolic ending – that’s what Netflix seems to be aiming for with its announcement teaser.” – Marlene Polywka, editor
That’s what Elite on Netflix is all about
The series by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona is about an elite school, Las Encinas. The impetus for the plot of the first season is the closing of the San Esteban school in the city’s poor district. Three San Esteban students are then awarded a scholarship to Las Encinas. Two worlds then collide in everyday school life. The whole thing ultimately culminates in a lot of personal drama – and a murder.
Right from the start, “Élite” was compared to other successful series such as “Gossip Girl”. Each season consists of eight episodes. With its eight seasons, “Élite” is also one of the longest-running series on Netflix. Competitors like “Riverdale” only have seven. The final season will most likely start in about a year, i.e. in autumn 2024.