In a rare move, Netflix has announced the cancellation of Marco Polo after two seasons. The show is one of the few Netflix original properties to be canceled.
The 13th-century drama, which was produced by The Weinstein Co., followed the titular traveler, played by Lorenzo Richelmy, as he served Mongol Emperor Kublai Khan (Benedict Wong) in the late 1200s. The show lasted a total of 20 episodes, plus a 2015 Christmas special.
Executive producer Harvey Weinstein said in a statement:
Netflix has been incredible to give us the room to make a series with a cast true to every principle of diversity. It’s a bold network that allows you to do that and support us in the way that Netflix did. As many people know, Asian history and the world of martial arts have fascinated me for all of my career—I’ve made many movies around these topics and this genre, and now this TV show I’m so proud of. John has been a great partner and we’re both fascinated to continue exploring this exciting period in history on future projects together.
Marco Polo’s cancellation is rare for Netflix, but it’s not unheard of. Series like Bloodline, Hemlock Grove and Lilyhammer were all canceled after three seasons.