An Original Netflix Series Is Leaving Forever
Hemlock Grove is officially leaving Netflix forever.
One of Netflix’s first-ever original series, Hemlock Grove will be leaving the platform forever. The announcement was made via the company’s newsletter (via ComicBook) which contained programming changes for the coming month. Based on Brian McGreevy’s novel of the same name, the horror-fantasy series will be removed from the streaming service on October 22nd after a successful three-season run.
In terms of removals, Netflix also partners with content and studio providers to license rights for other titles. These titles may only be available in certain countries or for a limited time. However, the unceremonious dropping of Hemlock Grove has caused some waves with viewers and industry analysts. It also marks a major change in the platform’s content strategy which is likely motivated by the streaming wars between studios.
Developed for Netflix by Brian McGreevy and Lee Shipman, Hemlock Grove premiered in April 2013. The story examines the strange happenings in a fictional Pennsylvania town where the darkest evils hide in plain sight. When a young girl is murdered, rumors mount a prime suspect in her killing is thought to be a werewolf. That’s when Roman, heir to the town’s wealthy Godfrey family, and the town’s newcomer Peter Rumanc decide to find the killer themselves.
All 13 episodes of the Eli Roth-produced project were immediately made available for online viewing. While the first season received a mixed response from critics, after its opening weekend, Netflix announced that Hemlock Grove was viewed by more people globally than House of Cards. Following its success, the series was renewed for a second season of 10 episodes. The show also earned the streamer its first Primetime Emmy Award nominations for original online-only streaming television in 2013.
The horror series also helped Netflix break into the prestige lane previously reserved for HBO. Hemlock Grove’s world of supernatural characters also earned a cult-following long before social media provided the larger platform for projects generating interest in the digital space. Additionally, a new bunch of young actors was introduced through the series. While the inclusion of established talent proved the legitimacy of a career in streaming television.
The most notable breakout from the Netflix original was Bill Skarsgård, whose unsettling screen persona snagged him the role of Pennywise in Warner Bros.’ IT movies. The Hemlock Grove alum is now a horror icon currently starring in Barbarian. The rest of the cast featured Famke Janssen as Olivia Godfrey, Landon Liboiron as Peter Rumancek, Penelope Mitchell as Letha Godfrey, and Freya Tingley as Christina Wendall.
Other actors who appeared in the Netflix series included Kaniehtiio Horn as Destiny Rumancek, Joel de la Fuente as Dr. Johann Pryce, Camille De Pazzis as Annie Archambeau, and Dougray Scott as Dr. Norman Godfrey. Nicole Boivin and Madeleine Martin starred as Shelley Godfrey, Roman’s heavily deformed but good-hearted sister. Although Boivin and Martin are the main actresses bringing the character to life, Shelley’s large figure when seen from a distance is provided by Amazon Eve for the first five episodes. Michael Andreae took over body double duties for the remainder of Hemlock Grove.
