Netflix’s Territory project in ANZ faces setbacks as it comes to an end

Netflix’s original series, Territory, won over audiences worldwide but unfortunately won’t be returning for a second season. The Australian production, set on a cattle farm in the Northern Territory, debuted in late October to rave reviews. It quickly climbed the ranks to become the second most-watched English TV show on Netflix globally. With 6.4 million views in just four days, it was a hit in 74 countries, topping the charts in 11, including Australia and New Zealand.

Despite the success and a cliffhanger ending in season 1, Netflix decided not to renew the show. The director of content for Netflix ANZ, Que Min Luu, expressed gratitude for the cast and crew and praised the beauty of the Australian outback that was showcased in the series. While the reasons for the cancellation remain undisclosed, industry insiders believe that production timing and scheduling conflicts may have played a part.

Territory received funding from government agencies and was featured in a tourism campaign for Tourism NT in partnership with Netflix. Industry leaders, such as Screen Territory MD Jennie Hughes and CEOs of Easy Tiger and Ronde Media, expressed disappointment over the show’s cancellation but remained proud of its success.

The series, representing the largest local screen production in both the NT and South Australia, provided jobs to over 200 cast and crew members during production. During the series launch week, Netflix’s co-CEO Greg Peters emphasized the importance of Australian creatives telling stories on home turf. He assured them that Netflix was committed to showcasing these ambitious and authentic stories to a global audience without the need to venture to Hollywood.

While Territory may not return for a second season, its impact on the Australian production industry and its ability to captivate audiences around the world have left a lasting mark.