Creating a truly successful fantasy series from scratch has proven difficult. While shows based on existing fantasy books or stories, like The Witcher, have found success on streaming services, these are rare. Streaming platforms often cancel fantasy shows that don’t immediately become hits, as seen with a series like Cursed.
It’s a shame when promising shows are cancelled before they can reach their full potential, and that happens a lot. Sometimes it’s because not enough people watch, or the streaming service simply loses interest. This is especially common with fantasy shows, which are notoriously expensive to make. That’s why it was particularly disappointing to see The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself not get a second season.
The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself Received A Mixed Reception
Netflix released the 8-part British fantasy series, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, in 2022. The show intentionally featured a cast of largely unknown British actors, aiming to showcase new talent. Like Bridgerton before it, the series had the potential to launch the careers of these actors and grow into a long-running franchise, while also providing a significant project for the British film industry.
Like many popular series, this show was adapted from existing material. It’s based on Sally Green’s young adult fantasy novel, Half Bad, which gained international recognition as the most-translated debut novel. The story centers around a sixteen-year-old boy who discovers his father is a witch. He’s closely watched, as people fear he’ll inherit his father’s dangerous abilities, and it seems he’s destined to develop these powers before turning seventeen. The series was confidently told and visually striking, making for a compelling story.
This story pits good against evil, but the distinction isn’t always clear. Young Nathan Byrn finds himself caught in a chaotic struggle between different groups, relying on a small circle of friends for support. The series follows a familiar formula popular in young adult fiction, and The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself aims to be a standout example. It strikes a perfect balance between darkness and appealing characters, demonstrating a strong understanding of both the original story and the genre it belongs to.
The actors deliver strong performances, especially Jay Lycurgo, who’s quickly becoming a well-known name thanks to roles in shows like Titans and the upcoming Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Nadia Parkes, previously seen in The Spanish Princess and with Hit Point on the horizon, also shines. However, Emilien Vekemans arguably steals the show, hinting at even greater potential. While the leads had great chemistry, it wasn’t enough to keep the show going, as Netflix ultimately decided to cancel it.
The Streaming System Dictated That It Should Be Dropped
The initial release of The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself was met with varied reactions, and marketing played a role. The show wasn’t heavily promoted, lacking a major star or a widely recognized book series to draw viewers in. While it received significant attention in the UK through TV appearances and interviews, it didn’t get the same level of promotion elsewhere, resulting in a quiet international launch.
The critical response was just as confusing. Despite this, the series maintains a high Rotten Tomatoes score of over 90%. Though it didn’t receive as much attention as other recent Netflix shows, it earned a strong reputation thanks to positive reviews from various sources. Critics praised the show’s smart writing, impressive visual effects, and the lead actors, who seemed perfectly cast in their fantasy roles.
While the show gained some followers, book fans weren’t impressed. Despite building a fanbase, it didn’t attract many viewers on Netflix. It appeared the original novel’s readers disliked the direction of The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself. The series aimed to broaden the story for a larger audience, but like many adaptations, it lost the support of those who had eagerly anticipated a live-action version.
Despite good reviews and positive buzz, the series The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself failed to attract a large audience. It seems the show got lost in Netflix’s algorithm, and after only one season, it was canceled. Like many shows on the platform, it was cut quickly, with no clear plan for its future, simply because it didn’t become an instant hit.
The Fantasy Series Was Misunderstood & Had Long-Term Appeal
Netflix often cancels shows too quickly, before they have a chance to find an audience or fully develop. This was the case with The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, which needed time to improve and find its footing. A second season would have demonstrated Netflix’s commitment to the story and allowed the show to establish a clear creative path. Unfortunately, the series immediately felt like another Netflix fantasy show destined for cancellation after just one season.
The core problem is this: even good shows with ongoing stories or unresolved endings need a chance to finish. If viewers suspect a show won’t get a proper conclusion, they’re unlikely to invest their time in it. It’s frustrating to watch eight episodes only to be left with an unanswered cliffhanger. The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself suffered from poor marketing and a lack of promotion on the streaming service, which led many to believe it wouldn’t get a second season.
Even just a few years later, it’s clear the show didn’t get the appreciation it deserved. It should have resonated more with viewers, and it’s a shame because a series like this is exactly what audiences are looking for right now. Netflix should really give it another push – letting it disappear into the platform would be a lost opportunity to attract new fans.
I was so excited when The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself came out – critics loved it! But sadly, it didn’t really catch on with viewers the way Netflix hoped. It felt like the show always had limitations, and Netflix ultimately decided it wasn’t enough to justify continuing. It’s just tough these days for a show like this to find an audience big enough to survive. I really hope another streaming service will give it a chance to finish the story, but honestly, I’m worried it’ll just disappear and we’ll never see what happens next.
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2026-02-24 01:37