Why Tom Ellis’ 93-Episode Fantasy Series Was Resurrected Twice—and Why It’s So Good

From Fox to Netflix

Lucifer first aired on Fox, where it ran for three seasons from 2016 to 2018. Ellis played the devil, who takes a break from ruling Hell and settles in Los Angeles.

His life grows more complicated after he meets LAPD detective Chloe Decker, played by Lauren German. She is the only human immune to his powers of persuasion. The series paired a crime-procedural format with biblical and urban fantasy elements.

Despite a loyal following and a full 22-episode third season, the show did not reach the ratings Fox needed to renew it. Fans launched the #SaveLucifer campaign, and Netflix picked up the series three weeks after Fox announced its cancellation.

Two More Netflix Renewals

Netflix ordered a fourth season of 10 episodes, which premiered in 2019. A month later, the streamer announced another season, initially described as the show’s final one. In 2020, before the first half of season five’s 16 episodes arrived, Netflix renewed Lucifer for a sixth season. The streamer called it the “final, FINAL” season, while posting, “The devil made us do it.”

The 93-episode series ultimately ended in 2021 after six seasons. Its time on Netflix gave the show three additional seasons beyond its Fox run.

A Broader Fantasy Story

Lucifer’s early episodes often followed a case-of-the-week structure. The central stories also tracked Lucifer’s relationship with Chloe, his resistance to his duties in Hell, and tensions within his family in Heaven.

On Netflix, the writers moved toward longer story arcs and darker themes. The show brought in more angels, demons and biblical figures, including Eve, played by Inbar Levi, and eventually depicted God on Earth.

The expanded stories also gave supporting characters more to do. Mazikeen, Amenadiel, forensic scientist Ella and detective Dan developed their own relationships and storylines beyond their ties to Lucifer and Chloe.