Creator of canceled Netflix show just fired back at streaming service

Netflix on TV with remote control in foreground
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Update: At least one Netflix show is safe from cancelation, with Black Mirror reportedly getting a sixth season

The blows keep coming over at Netflix, as the under-fire streaming service is now facing the wrath of the creator of its latest canceled show. 

The streamer was in the process of adapting Jeff Smith’s graphic novel series Bone into an animated show, but it confirmed last week the series has been axed due to a shakeup of its animation division. The show had been in development at Netflix since 2019 and this cancelation wasn’t the first time that a planned adaptation of Smith’s popular comic book series was unceremoniously axed. 

Smith himself is very clearly not pleased with the decision. He has recently taken to social media to vent his frustrations. In response to Netflix binning its adaption of Bone, as well as similar decisions over the year from Nickelodeon and Warner Bros, Smith posted a short comic strip that is a clear nod to Charles Schultz, the creator of Charlie Brown. 

In the 10-panel strip, Fone Bone, one of the main characters of Bone, can be seen trying to kick a football only to have the studio (first Nickelodeon, then Warner Brothers and finally Netflix) pull the ball away at the last second. And, if that wasn’t subtle enough, the cartoon ends with Fone declaring “never again." (Editor's note: this isn't the only drama coming to the public's eye at big red: a star of Netflix's No. 1 show Sunset Strip just called that show's stories fake).

This comic strip certainly suggests that Smith has no plans to shop Bone around to another studio or network for a fourth attempt at adaptation. It seems, at least in the short term, the adventures of Fone Bone and his cousins will be confined solely to the medium of comics. Smith’s frustration at the situation is pretty clear, and to further demonstrate this he captioned the social media post with a single word: “Sigh."

The response to the post has been universally sympathetic with many fans of the series expressing their own frustration that Bone won’t be receiving the animated adaptation it seems perfectly suited for. The original comic book series ran from 1991 to 2004, spanning 55 issues, and has gained a passionate fanbase over the years. It has also attracted controversy for its adult themes and in 2010 a Minnesota parent unsuccessfully tried to have Bone banned from all elementary school libraries.

Netflix has faced a storm of criticism over the past few days and this very clear swipe at the streamer's latest canceled show in 2022 will surely only add to it. In response to the news that Netflix lost subscribers quarter-over-quarter for the first time in a decade, the streamer announced that it was exploring several new options to prevent further bleeding including an ad-supported tier and a crackdown on password sharing.

If you're looking for good things to watch, check out this new Netflix show that just cracked the top 10 with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. And see the 5 best movies to stream this week on all the major streaming services.  In other huge news, Sony's cast Bad Bunny in its El Muerto Spider-Man spinoff, giving the Spider-Verse a huge injection of star power.

Rory Mellon
Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team. 

Read more
(l to r) Máiréad Tyers as Jen and Sofia Oxenham as Carrie salute on Extraordinary
Hulu's 'Extraordinary' was one of my favorite shows of the last 5 years — and it just got canceled
Somebody Somewhere; Kaos; My Lady Jane
7 best canceled shows of 2024 that deserved another season
Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo and Finn Wolfhard (L-R) on the set of "Stranger Things" season 5
Netflix has a big TV show problem — what's their next hit going to be?
Omar J. Dorsey (front), Sebastian Maniscalco in Max's "Bookie".
Max just canceled this comedy series with 90% on Rotten Tomatoes after just two seasons
"The Recruit" and "The Night Agent" in a composite image.
'The Night Agent' probably got 'The Recruit' canceled — here's why
Emily Lawson (Anna Torv) and Susie Lawson (Philippa Northeast) (L-R) on horseback in Netflix's "Territory"
Netflix just canceled its ‘Yellowstone’-inspired drama after one season — and I’m not surprised anymore
Latest in Netflix
Crystle Stewart as Mallory in Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" on Netflix
Tyler Perry’s suspenseful drama series just crashed the Netflix top 10 — and you can stream new episodes now
Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon in "Running Point" now streaming on Netflix
Netflix top 10 shows — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
Juana Acosta and Manolo Cardona in "Medusa" on Netflix
Netflix just got a new dramatic thriller show packed with mystery — and it’s already crashed the top 10
Matt Damon in Elysium
4 overlooked sci-fi movies on Netflix you (probably) haven't seen
John Mulaney on Netflix
New on Netflix this week — 7 movies and shows to stream
Rachel Weisz as Marlee in "Runaway Jury"
Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
Latest in News
An image of a CAPTCHA
Hackers are using reCAPTCHA to trick users into infecting their own PCs with malware — how to stay safe
Gmail logo on iPhone
Gmail just got a huge AI upgrade that will save you a ton of time
Xbox handheld
Xbox handheld reportedly arriving this year, new PC-like console in 2027
Concept image of foldable iPad
Apple reportedly has an 18.8-inch foldable iPad prototype with under-display Face ID
Adam Scott in "Severance," now streaming on Apple TV Plus.
'Severance' season 2 finale runtime just revealed — expect a violent finale
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses next to AirPods Pro 2
New report says Apple is working on Meta-style smart glasses and AirPods with cameras
  • BeholdersEye
    That is why I am cancelling Netflix, way too many shows I was watching being cancelled for no good reason...I am tired of it...plus movie selection for me on Netflix really sucks...
    Reply