Netflix Has Killed Blockbuster (Again)
History has a funny way of repeating itself. After nearly two decades of headlines about streaming services killing off DVD rental services, Netflix is once again delivering the deathblow to Blockbuster Video.
Last month, the streamer made the very ironic call to launch a new 10-episode series called "Blockbuster," embracing the idea of a throwback with a single-camera workplace comedy about the employees of the last Blockbuster video store. The concept turned heads for pretty obvious reasons: long before the era of 'Netflix & Chill,' Netflix was just a lowly DVD rental service being crushed by the cultural domination of Blockbuster Video. But overtime, they went from underdog to usurper and eventually, forced Blockbuster out of business. So making a chummy, lighthearted comedy about the company's destruction seemed a bit petty — but that's nothing compared to the latest update.
Per Variety, Netflix has decided not to renew "Blockbuster" for a second season. We thought it was the nail on the coffin for the streamer to create a series about the last remaining video store, but at this point, canceling said show is like dancing on the company's grave.
From the outside, "Blockbuster" had strong foundations. Series creator Vanessa Ramos was a veteran workplace comedy writer, coming off of "Superstore" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"; the series included cast members like Randall Park ("Fresh Off The Boat"), Melissa Fumero ( "Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and J.B. Smoove ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"); and, it boasted a simple underdog premise, following the staff of the last Blockbuster trying to keep their store alive. But unfortunately, the series didn't take-off as intended.
RIP Blockbuster (again)
Ultimately, the cancellation news is no big surprise. "Blockbuster" never cracked Netflix's weekly Top 10 and didn't garner much buzz (outside of the jokes about Netflix desecrating Blockbuster's corpse — jokes that are still going strong, in case you haven't noticed). The series also failed to strike a chord with critics, earning only a 22% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. /Film's Valerie Ettenhofer dubbed the series a "funny but frustrating" contradiction, writing in her review:
"'Blockbuster' ultimately lives and dies by its scripts, which are the definition of a mixed bag. By season's end, it has established itself as a goofily funny series with some great comedic moments, but also as one that adheres to convention in frustrating ways. More disappointingly, the series not only makes somewhat poor use of its unique setting, but disrespects it by side-stepping the truth of the bleak circumstances that led to an entire industry's downfall."
The tricky thing about half-hour comedies is that they often need time to find their footing, grow into their full potential, and figure out the dynamics that make the series soar. Popular and extremely rewatchable shows like "New Girl" and "Happy Endings" also needed time to settle into their stride. How many times have people recommended "The Office" with the caveat of 'give it a few episodes'?
Maybe "Blockbuster" would've fared better on a different platform, or maybe it needed another season to show us what it could become. But in the era of streaming, those shows are at a serious disadvantage — especially on a platform like Netflix that so heavily values immediate results in the form of viewing hours.
Sadly, Blockbuster had a bummer ending
Below are spoilers for season 1 of "Blockbuster."
Where the season left off, there was plenty of room for growth and showrunner Vanessa Ramos was certainly laying the groundwork for future seasons. Timmy's (Park) relentless optimism finally took a hit in the season finale: after a fight causes the store to erupt into customer chaos, the place gets trashed. Before he can even get the small win of Eliza (Fumero) admitting her feelings, he dejectedly declares that he's done caring about anything and walks away.
It's certainly a low point to end the season on, but anyone who has ever seen a sitcom knows that everything would've worked out in the end. But since Netflix has officially pulled the plug on "Blockbuster," the fate of the story, Timmy's happiness, and the will-they-won't-they romance will forever remain in flux.
If it's any consolation, the real-life last Blockbuster store is still open in Bend, Oregon.