Netflix’s decision to axe new series First Kill has enraged Twitter users. Particularly since it is one of the few LGBTQ+ storylines that features a lesbian love story including a woman of colour.
A lesbian love story
First Kill is a supernatural teen drama. It features the common plot line found in similar TV series where a supernatural falls in love with a human – or worse, a hunter.
This time a lesbian love story is at the centre of a supernatural teen drama. This was a welcome addition to the genre and to LGBTQ+ representation more broadly. Especially since this is one few LGBTQ+ stories that isn’t centred around two white gay men. Seventeen praised the series for its adequate portrayal of gay relationships, as opposed to queer-baiting which is seen in many series.
Racism, sexism and even lesbophobia can exist within the LGBTQ+ community just as they exist in wider society. Representation in the media is one way in which we can start tackling these issues. This may explain why a lesbian love story including a woman of colour was so well received online.
No second chance for First Kill
On August 2, Netflix announced that First Kill would not be renewed for a second season. Since then, viewers have expressed their discontent with this decision. One viewer compared viewing figures between First Kill and another LGBTQ+ Netflix show, Heartstopper.
Their tweet shows that, in its first week, First Kill was watched for more than double the hours that Heartstopper was watched in its first seven days. Meanwhile a second and third season is already on the cards for Heartstopper. Despite this, we must consider that First Kill episodes are significantly longer than Heartstopper episodes so that may explain these figures.
Nonetheless, the main point here is that viewers are confused as to why Netflix cancelled First Kill given the support it has received online.
Aside from viewing figures, some viewers claim that this is another example of media including lesbian romances being disregarded. That is in direct contrast to media including gay male romance, which is much more common.
Apart from the issues linked to representation, Twitter users also voiced their shock regarding the fact that First Kill was axed when compared to some of the other content Netflix releases.
What happens next?
Chances are the show’s life is unfortunately over. Hopefully soon we’ll see more diverse LGBTQ+ stories that represent the very vast community appropriately.
In the future Netflix need to ensure they give the opportunity to create these stories. On top of that, they must give these stories the same opportunities to survive and thrive that they give to others.