The series followed figure skater Kat Baker, played by Kaya Scodelario, and not only her struggle with bipolar disorder but her mother (played by January Jones) also has it. The cast includes Willow Shields as Serena Baker, Will Kemp as Mitch, Evan Roderick as Justin, Mitchell Edwards as Marcus, Amanda Zhou as Jenn, Johnny Weir as Gabriel, and Zahra Bentham as Alana.
While it is unclear why Spinning Out was canceled, Newsweek speculated it comes down to the number of views versus how much the series costs to make.
I can’t help but wonder if Netflix is using this cancelation news as a marketing strategy to get more hype from the show. Talks of cancelation get fans to rally together and make a stink which in turn draws in more viewers, wondering why these fans are so passionate.
Only time will tell if Spinning Out will really be done or not. If Netflix is serious about not renewing it, it could end up on another network. After all, the Pop network originally picked up the series, but couldn’t find the correct economical model for it. Maybe there is truth to Newsweek’s theory of the cost of the series being too high.
Recent fan campaigns for canceled series like Anne with an E have not swayed Netflix, but who knows? Sense8 got a 2-hour movie finale due to the fans’ outrage.
Canceled or not, Spinning Out is a fantastic series bringing awareness to bipolar disorder and explores pressure kids feel from their parents to succeed. Fans of movies like The Cutting Edge and Black Swan will love the series’ elements of romance, skating, and at times, dark drama.
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Recently, Zahra landed the role of Alana on the Netflix figure skating drama series, Spinning Out, which is now streaming. Coming up, Zahra will star as Nettie Ransom opposite Octavia Spencer, Tiffany Haddish, and Blair Underwood in Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker.
Sandy Lo is an author, blogger, journalist, and digital strategist. Her personal story is inspiring. Sandy started StarShine Magazine, an online publication in 2001, at the age of 18. She wrote her first novel in 2009, “Lost In You,” followed by the “Dream Catchers” Series. She was the first person ever to professionally interview Taylor Swift and has received personal endorsements for her books from members of boy bands Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees.
