The Best TV Shows And Movies Leaving Netflix In March 2023
Netflix has quite a few new movies and television shows joining its ranks this March. Some of these are exclusives or originals, such as the second season of "Shadow and Bone," while others like the "Riddick" trilogy are being acquired through licensing agreements. Needless to say, if you are subscribed to Netflix, the chances that you'll find something intriguing to watch that month are high.
Of course, when new programs are added, some have to leave. Netflix is certainly no stranger to having big-name titles come and go from their service, although the vast majority of its originals have retained their place. However, March will likely be the month where that exclusivity is tested. There aren't too many titles leaving Netflix that month, but the ones that are could set the stage for how the platform filters its so-called "content" moving forward. In the meantime, here are some of the works you should check out before they take off for other destinations in the streaming landscape.
Hap and Leonard
Oh, "Hap and Leonard," you truly were too good for this world. This underrated buddy dramedy was one of the few programs created and aired on SundanceTV, which probably means few people have seen it. Regardless, it is a breezy and intriguing treat that mystery fans should binge before it leaves Netflix.
Based on the novel series of the same name by Joe R. Lansdale, the series takes place in 1980s Texas and follows the exploits of two very different, yet remarkably similar men. Hap Collins (James Purefoy) is a blue-collar fellow who spent time in the slammer for jumping the Vietnam War draft, while Leonard Pine (Michael Kenneth Williams) is a veteran hiding both his extreme anger issues and his sexuality. The chemistry between these two is electric, even when they (frequently) butt heads, but the show is at its best when they're investigating mysterious crimes that the local police deliberately choose to ignore. If you enjoyed Shane Black's cult classic "The Nice Guys," you'll find a lot to love about "Hap and Leonard."
Brokeback Mountain
"Brokeback Mountain" is a movie that needs no introduction, but we'll give it one anyway. Ang Lee's seminal exploration of sexuality and masculinity is one that is nearly universally adored, at least if you're not Pedro Almodóvar. Sure, it is often remembered today as the movie where Heath Ledger almost broke Jake Gyllenhaal's nose during a kissing scene, or as the movie involving an unsavory depiction of beans. However, these tidbits seem to lessen the emotional impact the movie actually has, so if you've ever wanted to give it a watch, now is your chance.
Ennis (Ledger) is a sheepherder with seemingly the perfect life. Unfortunately, despite having a pleasant relationship with his wife Alma (Michelle Williams), he is emotionally distant due to a previous sexual encounter with a man named Jack (Gyllenhaal). When the two cross paths once more, their lives once again become entangled in both romantic and heartbreaking ways. If the plot and gorgeous cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto aren't enough to get you interested, perhaps its still-contested robbery at the 78th Academy Awards will.
Arrested Development (maybe)
Okay, so this addition is a bit weird, but let us explain. According to reports from earlier in February, Netflix has decided to remove all five seasons of "Arrested Development" from their platform on March 14. This includes the two seasons that the streamer itself produced, marking the first time a wholly-original title of Netflix's would be removed from its servers. Needless to say, fans were not happy, especially due to other similar situations happening on platforms like HBO Max.
Here is where things become a little less certain. The official release for Netflix's March plans does not list "Arrested Development" anywhere, especially not in its "Last Call" section. However, as of this writing, the March 14 removal notice is still attached to the official "Arrested Development" page on the platform. It's unclear what exactly is going on — perhaps 20th Century Television is working on a deal to buy back the rights to the cult classic comedy series. Regardless of the show's future on Netflix, we'll probably find out the answer soon.
Movies and TV shows leaving Netflix in March 2023
What may be surprising to subscribers is that, unlike February's list of removals, the list of titles leaving Netflix in March is a pretty small one. We're generally used to tons of titles being removed from the platform each month to make way for new ones. However, that doesn't seem to be the case this time around. Interesting, huh? Well, at least it is for us. Regardless of whether you think this lack of removed titles could signal a shift in the streamer's input or output, here's the full list of titles leaving in March.
Leaving March 5, 2023:
-
"Hap and Leonard" Seasons 1-3
(Potentially) Leaving March 14, 2023:
-
"Arrested Development" Seasons 1-5
Leaving March 16, 2023:
-
"Lee Daniels' The Butler"
-
"Outback Truckers" Seasons 1-3
Leaving March 18, 2023:
-
"Instant Hotel" Season 2
Leaving March 24, 2023:
-
"Shtisel" Seasons 1-3
Leaving March 25, 2023:
-
"Big Time Rush" Seasons 1-4
Leaving March 31, 2023:
-
"30 Minutes or Less"
-
"Brokeback Mountain"