Netflix's new Young Adult drama Penelope could break streamer's 'cancel curse'

The young adult drama, Penelope, has the potential to be another unexpected hit for Netflix, although some fans may already be concerned about its future on the streaming platform. Netflix has gained a reputation for cancelling popular shows after just a few seasons.

Some dramas only get one chance to become a major success before they're abruptly cancelled, often leaving cliffhangers and unresolved storylines hanging. However, the new series Penelope, which follows a 16-year-old girl who decides to leave her family and live in the woods, might not face the same fate.

Megan Stott stars in the lead role and the series' straightforward premise - and crucially, its low budget - could make it "cancel proof". TechRadar suggests that co-creators Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn's decision to take the "indie route" could be what saves Penelope in this competitive streaming landscape.

Because the eight-part series was so inexpensive to produce, Netflix could either commission a second season despite lower viewing figures, or it could be aired elsewhere. The outlet's article explained: "The show is trying something that's common in indie film-making but still relatively rare in streaming TV. Rather than get a big streamer such as Netflix to commission and pay for the show to be made, the show's creators made the whole series themselves and then signed a short-term deal for Netflix to distribute it."

The series that garnered high praise at the Sundance Film Festival has its creators hopeful for a strong viewership to guarantee its continuation.

"We brought it [to streamers] and everybody was like, this is so beautiful and unique, so deeply connected to something that I've lost," Mark told the Hollywood Reporter.

"Ideally, we see how we