Netflix surprises DC fans by saving underrated series from cancellation

In a time when there’s a lot of confusion and changes underway for fans of DC Comics movies and shows, there’s actually some good news. After HBO Max seemingly canceled (or merely sold) another of its forthcoming series, Netflix stepped in to offer Dead Boy Detectives a new home.

While the news could be met with, “Ugh, another DC show ditched by HBO Max?!” and followed up by, “Well, Netflix will probably just cancel it after one season anyway,” the streamer coming in like a caped crusader to rescue the Greg Berlanti-produced property is actually a good thing.

Dead Boy Detectives, the new series headed for Netflix, will be based on the comics by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner, and at least one of those names will be familiar to Netflix viewers. Gaiman created The Sandman comics and developed the hit Netflix series of the same name.

That’s a sign of good faith that Netflix could potentially be amping up its own roster of comic book series (and we know Marvel fans are still reeling from the loss of The Defenders series). DC fans should get excited for Dead Boy Detectives, and here’s why.

Dead Boy Detectives saved by Netflix from HBO Max

While the title might not have been super familiar to most at the time of the announcement, Dead Boy Detectives was saved by Netflix in its latest partnership with DC. According to The Hollywood Reporter, HBO Max executives allowed producers to shop the series to a new streaming service because they wouldn’t have been able to “market the show until 2024.”

All being told, it seems like by moving Dead Boy Detectives to Netflix, DC fans will be able to start binge-watching the series much sooner than if it had stayed put at HBO Max. It could have also been shelved altogether, a fate some titles have been slapped with in the past year.

If you’re wondering what the show is about, here a look at the synopsis per THR:

"“…a fresh take on a ghost story that explores loss, grief and death through the lens of Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland … and their very alive friend, Crystal Palace. It’s a lot like a vintage detective series — only darker and on acid.”"

Dead Boy Detectives stars Kassius Nelson as a character named Crystal, Briana Cuoco, Ruth Connell (in her Doom Patrol role as Night Nurse), Yuyu Kitamura, Caitlin Reilly, Max Jenkins, and Jenn Lyon. The series was adapted by Steve Yockey, the creator of HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant, and director Lee Toland Krieger helmed the pilot. As previously mentioned, Greg Barlanti serves as producer.

Are you excited to watch Dead Boy Detectives on Netflix? Stay tuned for more news and updates about the series from Netflix Life!