The demise of Marco Polo season 3 was a huge blow to viewers as the finale of the second season left a cliffhanging plot. The series was supposed to introduce a new story and conflict with the arrival of Prester John and the Crusaders on Kublai Khan's land.
But in December 2016, Netflix announced that Marco Polo season 3 would not continue. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show cost the streaming giant a $200 million loss thus it was time to cut the series loose.
Marco Polo was an expensive show to make as it was a period drama that required detailed or accurate costumes, settings, and backdrops similar to Game of Thrones on HBO. However, Marco Polo did not have the same audience as Game of Thrones. In short, it was a big show with a small audience; thus, regardless of the cliff-hanger, it was no longer profitable for Netflix to continue producing the series.
However, fans may argue that Marco Polo was slowly building up and with some aggressive marketing and promotion, it could likely gain more audience for Marco Polo season 3. Viewers who have just discovered the series years after its cancellation has expressed their disappointment on Twitter.
"I have just finished watching season 2 of Marco Polo and am gutted to find that there will not be a season 3! This is one of the best historical drama series I have ever watched, and I can't believe that it wasn't successful. Perhaps not well enough advertised?" a fan posted.
"Recently discovered Marco Polo on Netflix. For those who love Game of Thrones, Marco Polo is a fantastic show with Benedict Wong. Wish Netflix had kept it going, especially since it was hitting its stride just as Game of Thrones was winding down. They should make Season 3," another viewer reacted.
A potential Marco Polo season 3 revival is also highly unlikely at this point as it has to find another studio. This show was a joint production with The Weinstein Company, whose founder Harvey Weinstein is currently facing indictment for alleged sexual misconducts. The Weinstein Company also declared bankruptcy in 2018 and has a long legal process to hurdle, per Deadline. Its new owner, Andy Mitchell won't likely be keen on making another series unless all the other problems of the studio are resolved.
Meanwhile, Marco Polo creator John Fusco is currently developing another period drama titled Hispaniola, the story of the explorer Christopher Columbus. A network or platform has yet to be announced.
