Television

“I hate it here”: Dead Boy Detectives fans in “mourning” after Netflix cancels series

By Jordan Robledo

31st August 2024

Dead Boy Detectives has been cancelled, and fans are distraught.

Back in April, TV viewers were first treated to the queer-inclusive dramedy– which takes place in the same universe as The Sandman.

Based on the DC Comics characters created by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner, the series stars George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri as Edwin Paine and Charles Rowland, best friends who decide to ditch the afterlife to remain on Earth to investigate supernatural crimes.

Aided by a “clairvoyant named Crystal (Kassius Nelson) and her friend Niko (Yuyu Kitamura)”, Edwin and Charles “crack some of the mortal realm’s most mystifying paranormal cases”.

Following its release, Dead Boy Detectives received universal acclaim from fans and critics, with many praising the show for its immersive supernatural elements, LGBTQIA+ representation, and diverse storytelling.

It also faired well in viewership, landing on the streamer’s top 10 list for three weeks after its premiere.

However, despite its success, Edwin and Charles’ adventures have unfortunately come to an end.

On 30 August, Variety confirmed that Dead Boy Detectives would not be returning for a second season.

Since the news was announced, fans have flocked to social media to express their disappointment over Netflix’s decision.

One viewer on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “I feel so bad for every single person who worked on Dead Boy Detectives and put all their love into it. I hope every single member of the cast has a wonderful career from this tv show. Dead Boy Detectives did not deserve this cancellation.”

Another fan tweeted: “The worst part is that all those people that didn’t give dead boy detectives a shot bc they thought “netflix cancels everything they will cancel this one too so why bother” were actually right.”

A third user added: “Streaming services are my biggest enemy. #DeadBoyDetectives was such an incredible show that deserved to be told to it’s fullest potential. I loved creating art for it and I adore the people I met through it! So much love to all of you!”

Amid the fan outcry, the Dead Boy Detectives creative team have shared heartwarming statements thanking viewers for their support of the series.

Showrunner Beth Schwartz wrote: “What an amazing experience and special show. So grateful to have worked with the most talented writers, cast and crew. Thank you to our passionate and hilarious fandom. I was told the show would live on the platform forever, just like our boys. So keep on watching!”

Co-showrunner Steve Yockey echoed similar sentiments on his Instagram Story, writing: “Incredibly proud of Dead Boy Detectives and the small army of passionate writers, actors and artists, technicians, and craftspeople who brought it to life. Extremely grateful this weird, extremely queer show ever made to air.

“And a huge thank you to the amazing fans who loved the show, supported these characters, and are currently posting heavily online about committing arson. We love you. Please don’t burn anything down.”

Dead Boy Detectives star Jayden also shared a comforting message to fans, describing them as the “heartbeat” of the show.

“Just wanted to come on here and say how forever grateful I am to Dead Boy Detectives. I met some of the most talented people I know & above all, met you all. You’re the heartbeat of this show & our legacy will live forever in this community,” he wrote on X.

As of this writing, Dead Boy Detectives has not been picked up by another streaming service.

Check out more fan reactions below.