Netflix has had a wide reach in streaming for the past decade, with programming that even extends to children. Recently, however, kids' programming has felt the cold grasp of cancellation. The animated series,Summer Playlist, was a Netflix original and only reached the platform in June. With only 14 episodes, the series is suddenly getting pulled not just from production, but from the platform altogether. Only two months in circulation, andSummer Playlistwill leave the platform in August.
As far as content goes,Summer Playlistwas fairly innocuous. Geared toward a younger audience, the series was a smattering of animated tales, all revolving around the concept of summer. Netflix celebrated the drop of the series seven weeks ago on Instagram, stating: “Summer Playlist is now playing on Netflix! Join your kid’s favorites on fun adventures with this brilliant mix of bright and cheery tales.” The clip used was from “Chip and Potato: Chip’s Holiday” as two delightful dogs enjoyed the benefits of a hot tub. Rated 10 and older,Summer Playlistwas an antidote to summertime sadness and a way to entertain any child. News is sparse about what happened to the program, but it is sadly not a rarity in the streaming age.
Netflix Has an Unfortunate Reputation
WhenNetflix series are canceled, the streaming service typically uses metrics to explain the decision. Shows with high budgets and a niche audience rarely last past three seasons and sometimes not even one. What is so shocking about the removal ofSummer Playlistis that it doesn’t seem to fit this category. Though it may not have had the biggest audience, it was a relatively low-stakes endeavor. High-budget shows such asStranger Thingshave survived because it was such a breakout hit across the board.
Fans of the likes ofWarrior Nunand even the shoe-inThat ‘90s Showwere devastated when their favorites met the chopping block. TheThat ‘70s Showspin-off only had about three locations and was filmed all on sets. Investing in television series on Netflix gets more heartbreaking as time goes on. The best way to commit to the platform is to invest in limited series that have open and shut stories. 2025’sAdolescencewas critically acclaimed and only had four episodes to its name. In some cases, shows in the Netflix graveyard may find new homes, but it is unclear whereSummer Playlistwill land. Soon, viewers won’t even have old episodes to fall back on.Summer Playlistreportedly leaves Netflix on August 14.
