I Am Not Okay With This creator Jonathan Entwistle has finally shed some light as to why Netflix cancelled the series after just one season – and it wasn’t all completely down to coronavirus.
The beloved teen drama, starring IT’s Sophia Lillis, premiered in February, but come August it was binned by the streaming giant alongside The Society leaving fans inconsolable.
Explaining why the show was pulled, Entwistle revealed that there were a number of factors that led to its demise.
‘There was obviously the impending writers’ strike, which was definitely a huge thing at Netflix,’ he began.
‘We were working almost week to week, not knowing how long it was going to last before somebody pulled the trigger on something that would have an effect [on us].
‘When the pandemic hit, we moved out of the office and there was definitely a shift within Netflix.
‘We finished the scripts, and it was hard work in the Zoom-writer’s-room. No writer tells you those things are good. It’s not good.’
Entwistle continued to Insider that although the scripts had been written, he believed Netflix thought the costs to make the show wasn’t worth it, given its ‘perceived’ value.
‘We just realised that to Covid-proof the show was going to cost a lot more money,’ he said, sharing that they had considered delaying production, however that idea was shelved as it would cost a lot to keep actors.
‘I do think when they were looking at all the finances, the show was more expensive than they figured it was worth doing.’
Entwistle added that he did attempt to re-cut the finale episode of I Am Not Okay With This once its cancellation had been announced, seeing as the show ended on an almighty cliffhanger, but his request was denied.
I Am Not Okay With This is available to stream on Netflix.
