‘Cowboy Bebop’ Fans Petition Netflix to Bring the Live-Action Series Back for Season 2
Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop debuted to a divided viewership in November 2021, with many longtime fans criticizing the streamer’s take on the classic anime. Of course, some subscribers enjoyed the adaptation — and it seems they’re petitioning Netflix to bring Cowboy Bebop back for a season 2.
Netflix isn’t moving forward with its live-action ‘Cowboy Bebop’
Just two weeks after the live-action series premiered, Netflix made the decision to cancel its Cowboy Bebop adaptation. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, citing reports of poor performance during its second week on the platform.
Netflix’s call came relatively early compared to most of its cancellations. It seemed to nip any chance of continuing Spike Spiegel’s (John Cho) story in the bud. And even with so many negative reviews, the decision came as a blow to viewers.
The creators behind the Cowboy Bebop adaptation clearly had big plans for season 2 — and the first batch of episodes left a number of questions to be answered. Perhaps that’s why fans are rallying behind the series in the hopes of saving it.
Fans started a petition to bring back Netflix’s live-action series
The live-action Cowboy Bebop is far from the only Netflix series to get the axe over the past few years. And if all the streamer’s cancellations have one thing in common, it’s this: they tend to have a dedicated fanbase that will fight for their continuation.
That’s what’s happening with Cowboy Bebop, as fans have started a Change.org petition to bring the show back for season 2. They’ve already collected more than 100,000 signatures. The description of the appeal reads as follows:
“For those people who want a second (or more) of the live-action Cowboy Bebop. It wasn’t a direct copy of the anime, but the world they put together was amazing and deserve a second season.”
It’s certainly true that the creators left plenty to expand upon in future episodes. So, do fans stand a chance of convincing Netflix to bring the show back for a second outing?
Could a ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Season 2 happen eventually?
Netflix’s quick cancellation of its live-action Cowboy Bebop doesn’t bode well for a change of heart. However, fan movements have saved popular shows before. In fact, the streamer seemingly caved to pressure from Lucifer fans more than once when it came to getting the series a proper send-off.
Manifest was also canceled, then renewed, following a push from fans. But for every series that’s been saved thanks to a fan campaign, there’s a show still waiting for its vindication. Anne With an E is a perfect example of a series whose dedicated fanbase has fought without success to bring it back.
Only time will tell if Netflix changes its mind about Cowboy Bebop. In the meantime, there are several other live-action adaptations to look forward to — including Avatar: The Last Airbender and One Piece.
Cowboy Bebop Season 1 is currently streaming on Netflix.
