If there’s one thing Netflix seems to have mastered, it’s the ability to both thrill us with its offerings and devastate us with its cancellations. And few cancellations have stung quite as sharply as The Society. A show that captivated audiences with its timely themes, diverse characters, and gripping drama, The Society was poised to become a defining series of its generation. Instead, it was cut down before it could fulfil its promise. Today, I want to look back at what made this show special, why it resonated so deeply, and the void it left behind when Netflix abruptly pulled the plug.
Origins and Premise
Created by Christopher Keyser, best known for Party of Five, The Society premiered in May 2019. Its intriguing premise was simple yet rich with potential: a group of high school students returns from a cancelled school trip to find their entire town deserted. Everyone else has vanished without explanation, and the students soon discover they are completely cut off from the outside world. What follows is their attempt to create a functioning society while grappling with power struggles, moral dilemmas, and the mysteries of their predicament.
What made the concept so compelling was its mix of relatable teenage drama with the weighty themes of survival and governance. It was Lord of the Flies meets Lost, but with a distinctly modern sensibility. For me, the hook was immediate. Who hasn’t wondered how they might fare in a situation where the usual rules no longer apply?
Cast and Characters
One of the show’s greatest strengths was its ensemble cast, led by Kathryn Newton as Allie Pressman. Newton brought a quiet intensity to the role of Allie, a young woman thrust into leadership after the murder of her older sister Cassandra, played by Rachel Keller. Allie’s arc was both compelling and heartbreaking as she struggled to maintain order and bear the weight of responsibility in an increasingly chaotic world.
The rest of the cast was equally impressive, with standout performances from Alex Fitzalan as the manipulative Campbell, Jack Mulhern as the brooding but principled Grizz, and Gideon Adlon as the fierce and determined Becca. Each character felt fully realised, with their own strengths, flaws, and motivations. This depth made the show’s conflicts feel organic and deeply personal.
The chemistry among the cast was palpable. The relationships they built, from friendships to romantic entanglements, were messy, authentic, and often heartbreaking. Watching these characters navigate the highs and lows of their new reality was both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
Themes and Social Commentary
At its core, The Society was about the question of how to build a functioning society from scratch. What rules should govern this new world? Who should lead? How do you balance individual freedom with the needs of the group? These questions felt especially urgent in the late 2010s, a time when political divisions and social upheaval were dominating headlines.
The show didn’t shy away from difficult topics. Issues of class, privilege, and justice were woven into the fabric of the narrative. The students quickly discovered that the same inequalities and prejudices that existed in the world they left behind were manifesting in their new society. Watching them confront these challenges was both sobering and thought-provoking.
For me, one of the most powerful aspects of the show was its exploration of power and its corrupting influence. As alliances formed and rivalries deepened, it became clear that even those with the best intentions were not immune to the darker sides of human nature. This unflinching honesty gave the show a weight and complexity that elevated it above your typical teen drama.
Reception and Fan Response
The Society was met with widespread acclaim upon its release. Critics praised its ambitious storytelling, strong performances, and sharp social commentary. Fans quickly rallied around the show, with many taking to social media to dissect every twist and turn. Theories about the origins of the students’ predicament—was it an alternate dimension? A government experiment? Something else entirely? —spread like wildfire.
The show’s diverse cast and focus on underrepresented voices also earned it praise. Characters like Sam (played by Sean Berdy), a deaf student navigating this new world, and Becca, a pregnant teen, brought unique perspectives to the story. These representations resonated deeply with audiences who rarely see themselves reflected so authentically on screen.
A Promising Future Cut Short
The first season of The Society ended on a tantalising cliffhanger. Just as the students were beginning to adapt to their new reality, the final moments revealed a shocking twist that hinted at a much larger and more complex mystery. It left fans clamouring for answers and eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
Season two was announced in July 2019, and production was set to begin in 2020. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. As production delays and rising costs plagued the industry, Netflix made the heartbreaking decision to cancel the show in August 2020. The announcement was a gut punch, especially considering the series’ popularity and critical acclaim.
I remember feeling both stunned and frustrated. Here was a show that had so much more to say, so much potential yet to be realised, and it was being cut down before it could truly spread its wings. The cancellation felt emblematic of the streaming era, where even beloved series can be deemed expendable in the face of budget constraints and algorithmic calculations.
Legacy and What Might Have Been
In the years since its cancellation, The Society has remained a favourite among fans who continue to mourn its untimely end. The unanswered questions—What happened to the adults? What was the meaning of the parallel universe imagery? How would the students’ society have evolved?—linger in the minds of viewers, sparking endless speculation and fan theories.
The show’s legacy lies in its ability to tackle complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. It resonated with young audiences who saw their own struggles reflected in the characters’ journey. Its willingness to explore difficult topics like mental illness, sexual assault, and systemic inequality gave it a relevance that few teen dramas achieve.
I can’t help but wonder what might have been. Season two was reportedly set to delve deeper into the mysteries of the students’ situation while continuing to explore the challenges of governance and survival. How would Allie and her friends have navigated the escalating tensions? What truths would they have uncovered about their predicament? These are questions we may never have answers to, but the possibilities are endlessly intriguing.
Why The Society Still Matters
The Society was more than just another Netflix drama. It was a bold, thought-provoking series that dared to ask big questions and hold up a mirror to our own world. It captured the fears, hopes, and resilience of a generation navigating an uncertain future. And it did so with heart, intelligence, and a commitment to authenticity.
While its story remains incomplete, the impact of The Society endures. It’s a reminder of what television can achieve when it combines compelling storytelling with a willingness to tackle real-world issues. For fans like me, it’s also a reminder of the bittersweet nature of loving a show in the age of streaming—where even the brightest stars can be extinguished far too soon.
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