Petition launched after Netflix cancels Sense8

The popular Netflix show Sense8 which was partly shot in Kenya was last week cancelled after its second season and diehard fans are not happy. They are petitioning the network to give it another season.

After the news broke that the show will not be returning for a third season, hundreds of thousands of fans took to social media to petition on its behalf. The series, created by Matrix directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski, has been widely celebrated for its inclusive cast of racially diverse and unusual characters. It centred on eight strangers around the globe who found themselves interconnected.

One of the main reason for its popularity locally is that Nairobi was one of the eight cities where it was filmed and more than 20 Kenyans were featured in the cast, many of whom are known either for their roles in local television sit-coms, films like Nairobi Half-Life or for their work on stage with hundreds coming in as extras.

DIVERSITY AND RESPECT

“After 23 episodes, 16 cities and 13 countries, the story of the Sense8 cluster is coming to an end,” Cindy Holland, Netflix’s vice president original content, said in a statement.

“It is everything we and the fans dreamed it would be: bold, emotional, stunning, kickass and outright unforgettable,” she continued. “Never has there been a more truly global show with an equally diverse and international cast and crew, which is only mirrored by the connected community of deeply passionate fans all around the world.

We thank Lana, Lilly, Joe and Grant [Hill] for their vision and the entire cast and crew for their craftsmanship and commitment.”

Over 400,000 signatures for the online streaming network have so far been amassed petitioning them to give it another chance.

“Being fans of the series, we would like to know a valid explanation [for why Sense8 was] cancelled,” part of the petition reads. “We believe it is necessary that TV shows and movies provide the world with a message of love, diversity and respect. All these values have been brought to life by the characters of the show, and the message it has is extremely important for society.”

In the first season of the show, Nairobi’s matatu madness featured heavily in the American television series, which put the city on the world map with an all too familiar scene for most Nairobians: A matatu hitting a saloon car from behind.

One of the best shots on the streets of Nairobi includes a scene in Gikomba market and the all well too familiar car chase along the Globe Cinema Roundabout.