Credit: Netflix

Netflix has given its official verdict on the fate of the gritty French crime thriller Bandi, and, unfortunately, it means the end of the Lafleur saga.

Local media houses were recently informed that the Caribbean thriller, co-created by Eric Rochant and Capucine Rochant, has pulled the curtains once and for all with its debut season. Bandi is not returning for a second season, so don’t hold your horses in anticipation.

Bandi was always a proposition with substantial exposure. It was filmed almost entirely on the Caribbean island of Martinique, featuring an ensemble comprising local crew. But the gamble felt worth it when, in the first week after its April 9th premiere, the thriller garnered 16million hours viewed globally, doubling with 40.5million hours viewed in the second week.

Social media rumours, fanned by local influencers, were persistent throughout last week that the show had already been cancelled. However, it was only on Thursday that the confirmation arrived.

Netflix released a statement to the local radio station RCI, spanning Guadeloupe and Martinique, confirming that Bandi has been cancelled after just one season. The streaming giant reasoned that the cancellation was a “hard decision that was not taken lightly,” clarifying that the streaming response was not in line with the thriller’s production expenses.

The cancellation was also reportedly influenced by the subscriber completion rate of the eight episodes, among other factors. That said, the statement acknowledged Bandi’s debut season as a “true cultural moment putting forward local Martinique talent, carried by the vision of Eric and Capucine Rochant, and the exceptional commitment of the cast and crew.”

Tallying viewership data against production costs is not exclusive to Netflix when it comes to renewals of high-profile international shows. While more than one significant factor is playing behind Bandi’s cancellation, the most crucial is that Bandi didn’t exactly find that strong a reception outside of France, making it a huge gamble for French programming.

Needless to say, the decision was met with major upset from netizens worldwide, with some even criticising Netflix’s approach to international programming.

While what’s done cannot really be undone, the disappointment makes sense, especially after the cliffhangers that remain after the shocking season one finale. Although it’s unlikely for Netflix to backtrack on its decision, for now, all fans can do is control what’s in their hand. So, if you’re someone who has yet to tune into Bandi, do it now, and decide for yourself what the hype is all about.