Netflix’s Territory Canceled Despite Global Success—What Happened?
The Australian production sector has been dealt yet another gut punch as Netflix ANZ confirms that Territory, one of the most ambitious original series to come out of the region, will not be returning for a second season. The news comes as a shocking twist, especially given the show’s remarkable global success and its positioning as the biggest returnable project Netflix has ever undertaken in Australia and New Zealand.
A Promising Start—Then the Unthinkable
The high-end neo-Western drama, often compared to Succession but set against the rugged backdrop of the Northern Territory cattle industry, launched globally in late October 2023. From the moment it hit screens, Territory was a certified hit. Within its first week, it reached the coveted second spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 English TV Shows list, racking up a staggering 6.4 million views in just four days. It also secured a spot in the Top 10 rankings in 74 countries and claimed the number one position in 11, including Australia and New Zealand.
With those numbers, a renewal seemed all but certain. The series concluded its first season on a gripping cliffhanger, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter. Sources close to the production revealed that the ensemble cast, returning crew, and creatives were already in place and ready to begin work on a second season. All signs pointed to Netflix hitting the green light.
But behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding.
Netflix’s Silent Decision—And the Fallout
Reports suggest that Netflix had already made the decision to cancel Territory weeks ago, but the news was only confirmed after media leaks forced their hand. Netflix’s Director of Content for ANZ, Que Min Luu, released a brief, carefully worded statement:
“We are incredibly thankful to have had the chance to work with the wonderful cast and production team to bring Territory and the stunning Australian outback into the homes of millions around the world. Although we won’t be continuing with another season, we eagerly anticipate working with all of them again in the future.”
For a show of this scale and success, the explanation felt vague at best. Industry speculation has pointed to production timing and internal Netflix scheduling conflicts as possible culprits, though Netflix has not provided clarity on what exactly drove the decision. Some insiders suggest that despite its strong performance, Territory may not have aligned with Netflix’s evolving content strategy, which increasingly favors globally resonant franchises over region-specific dramas.
The news has left fans, industry professionals, and even government agencies stunned. Many are questioning what more a show must do to earn a renewal in today’s streaming landscape.
A Costly Investment—Now Left Hanging
The cancellation is particularly frustrating given the significant investment from Australian funding bodies. Screen Territory contributed A$1.3 million (US$830,000) through its Production Attraction Incentive Program (PAIP), while the South Australian Film Commission (SAFC) poured in A$7 million. SAFC also provided additional post-production support under the South Australian Post-Production, Digital & Visual Effects (PDV) rebate.
The series was more than just a show—it became a symbol of Australia’s capability to produce world-class content. Territory was heavily featured in a Tourism NT campaign in partnership with Netflix, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the Northern Territory. It also generated around 200 jobs for cast and crew, further solidifying its role in boosting the local screen industry.
Jennie Hughes, MD of Screen Territory, expressed her disappointment: “We’re deeply disappointed that season two is not going ahead.”
In a joint statement, Easy Tiger CEO Rob Gibson and Ronde Media CEO (and series co-creator) Ben Davies echoed those sentiments: “We’re incredibly proud of the series and its success, and grateful to the amazing writers, cast, and creatives.”
For the cast and crew, the abrupt cancellation is a frustrating reminder of the volatility of the streaming era. Many had already begun preparing for a second season, with production schedules tentatively in place. Now, they are left scrambling for new projects, with some expressing disappointment at the lack of transparency in Netflix’s decision-making process.
What’s Next for Australian Originals?
The cancellation of Territory raises pressing questions about the future of Australian originals on major streaming platforms. Just a few months ago, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters spoke in Sydney, delivering a promising message to Australian creatives:
“They don’t need to go to Hollywood, they don’t need to go somewhere else. They can tell hugely ambitious stories, authentic stories at significant scale right here, and we will help them find an amazing audience in Australia, in New Zealand, and around the world.”
With Territory’s abrupt cancellation, that promise now feels hollow. If a critically acclaimed, commercially successful series cannot secure a second season, what does that mean for future Australian productions? Will local stories continue to find a home on global platforms, or will they be overshadowed by Hollywood blockbusters and algorithm-driven content?
A Cliffhanger That May Never Be Resolved
For fans of the show, the biggest heartbreak is the unresolved storyline. Territory was built for longevity, designed to be an ongoing saga rather than a one-and-done limited series. Its shocking final episode left audiences craving answers—answers that now may never come.
Some industry voices are calling for another network or streamer to pick up the show, though the chances of that happening remain slim. Others are pointing to this as another example of why Australia needs stronger local content mandates for global streamers, ensuring that productions like Territory are not so easily discarded.
The decision by Netflix not to renew Territory despite its massive success is a bitter pill to swallow, not just for the fans but for the Australian screen industry as a whole. As international streamers continue to shape the landscape of entertainment, the fight for locally produced, globally successful content remains an uphill battle.
One thing is certain: Territory may be gone, but the discussion around its premature demise is far from over. As the dust settles, industry professionals, policymakers, and audiences alike will be watching closely to see what lessons—if any—Netflix and other platforms take away from this controversial decision.
