Netflix’s 24-Episode Series Deserves Kudos for Putting Power in Viewers’ Hands
A Sci-Fi Story About Connection
Sense8 follows eight strangers who discover they are mentally and emotionally connected. They can share abilities, and must work together when they learn they are in danger. Created by The Wachowskis, the series blends action with a focus on love and human connection. It was filmed across 13 countries, giving its ambitious story a setting beyond a studio environment.
Fans Push Back on Cancellation
Netflix canceled Sense8 while the show’s story remained unresolved, including Wolfgang’s capture. The decision angered fans, who feared the series would end without a proper conclusion, as Firefly had.
A Change.org petition gathered more than 500,000 signatures. Fans also used the hashtag #BringBackSense8, wrote letters and contacted Netflix customer service.
A Finale and Lasting Reputation
In 2017, officials reconsidered the cancellation, and Lana Wachowski thanked fans for their letters, petitions and collective support. The series received a two-hour finale rather than the multi-episode final season some viewers wanted.
The finale gave the characters endings that the story could carry forward organically. Sense8 has Rotten Tomatoes scores of 86% from critics and 85% from audiences, and is remembered for a human approach to science fiction.
Key points
- Sense8 follows eight connected strangers who can share their skills.
- The series was filmed in 13 countries.
- A fan petition gathered more than 500,000 signatures after Netflix canceled the show.
- A two-hour finale gave the characters endings in 2017.