Netflix has officially canceled its Greek mythology-inspired series "Kaos" after just one season, dealing a blow to fans who were hoping for more mythological drama. The show, which starred Jeff Goldblum as a whimsical and paranoid Zeus, had generated significant buzz before its release but ultimately failed to secure a large enough audience to justify a second season.
"Kaos" was initially greenlit in 2018, with Charlie Covell, best known for "The End of the F***ing World," at the helm as its creator. The series, produced by the UK-based Sister, was ambitious in scale, featuring an ensemble cast including Janet McTeer as Hera, David Thewlis as Hades, and Cliff Curtis as Poseidon. The narrative followed a modern-day twist on Greek mythology, where Zeus's insecurities about his reign spiraled into chaos.
Despite its strong start, "Kaos" struggled to maintain momentum after its release on August 29. Although it reached the top 10 on Netflix's charts for a few weeks, peaking at number three with 5.9 million views, it ultimately fell short of expectations. Critics like Aramide Tinubu of Variety pointed out that the series "failed to delight" due to its sprawling narrative that "buckled under the weight of its own ambition." The mixed reviews, combined with a lackluster viewership, led to its cancellation despite creator Covell's vision for at least three seasons.
Aurora Perrineau, who played one of the mortal characters, Eurydice, broke the news of the show's cancellation in a heartfelt Instagram post that was later deleted. In her post, Perrineau expressed deep disappointment and reflected on her personal journey as part of the cast, highlighting the meaningful experience and connection she felt with the characters and her fellow actors.
Covell's ambition for the show was clear; she had already spoken about her plans for extending "Kaos" into multiple seasons. "I didn't want to do an ending that was a total cliffhanger," she said before the cancellation news. "I hope that it feels satisfying as a season one in its own right, and there's always hope for more because I really would love to do more."
The show left several plotlines unresolved, as the narrative hinted at a larger conflict between the gods and mortals. Covell's storytelling style, which mixed dark comedy with mythological elements, seemed promising for future episodes, but Netflix decided not to move forward with the project.
Perrineau's now-deleted Instagram post also revealed her struggle to accept the show's end. She described the project as "special" from the moment she auditioned, praising Charlie Covell's writing as resonant and impactful. She also expressed gratitude for the friendships she formed with co-stars Misia Butler, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Killian Scott, who became her "life-long friends, family, and lifelines" during the filming in Spain.
"When I got cast, I couldn't believe that someone saw me-a girl who's not only a minority but also a survivor of SA-as worthy of being one of the leads of a show," Perrineau wrote. Her reflection underscored the personal growth she experienced through her role on the series and her pride in the work they accomplished together.
The decision to cancel "Kaos" has left many fans and cast members disappointed. The show, with its unique approach to Greek mythology and a modern spin, held potential for exploring deeper themes and narratives about the gods and their interaction with humanity. The absence of a follow-up season means that viewers are left with unanswered questions about the fate of Zeus, Hera, and the mortal characters who dared to challenge the divine order.
Despite the setback, the show's ambitious narrative, diverse cast, and creative take on classic myths earned it a loyal fanbase that hoped for its continuation. With Charlie Covell's imaginative storytelling and a cast led by seasoned actors like Jeff Goldblum, many believed "Kaos" was poised to grow into a more significant part of Netflix's lineup.
