Three years after its debut, Netflix's Lockwood & Co. remains a prime example of a series that was cut down before its time. Based on Jonathan Stroud's beloved book series, this eight-episode fantasy adaptation earned a passionate following, a top-ten spot in numerous countries, and even a National Film Award nomination for Best TV Drama Series 2023. Yet, Netflix pulled the plug after just one season, leaving fans—and the story—hanging.
The show's cancellation is especially frustrating because it ended on a massive cliffhanger. In the final moments, Lockwood (Cameron Chapman) finally opens the forbidden room at 35 Portland Row, a mystery that had been teased throughout the season. For viewers who haven't read the books, what lies beyond remains unknown. For those who have, it's a tantalizing reveal that sets up deeper character exploration—especially for Lockwood himself, whose emotional depth and secrets were just beginning to surface.
Unanswered Questions That Demand Resolution
Beyond that room, Lockwood & Co. left several major threads dangling. The biggest is The Problem itself—the mysterious surge of dangerous ghosts that has turned the world upside down. Only children can fight these spirits, but why did they appear in the first place? George (Ali Hadji-Heshmati) was hot on the trail, and his enthusiasm made that storyline one of the show's most compelling. That answer was meant to come in a later season, but now it's lost.
Then there's the Orpheus Society, whose lyre symbol appears on the goggles George took from Fairfax (Nigel Planer) and on the box Penelope Fittes (Morven Christie) gives to Golden Blade (Luke Treadaway). This secretive group is dedicated to understanding The Problem, but their role was barely explored. Penelope herself, granddaughter of the Fittes Agency founder, is clearly up to something—but how far does her meddling go? And what about Norrie (Lily Newmark), Lucy's friend who is ghost-locked rather than dead as in the books? Could she wake up? These are just a few of the mysteries that deserved answers.
So Much More Story to Tell
The books offer a wealth of material that the show barely touched. The third novel introduces Holly Munro, a new assistant who brings fresh dynamics to the team—especially a potential friendship with Lucy (Ruby Stokes), who sorely needed a female confidante. Lucy's own abilities, particularly her talent for listening to spirits like the foul-mouthed Skull (Michael Clarke), were just beginning to grow. In the books, she communicates with many more ghosts, adding layers to her character.
The supernatural scope would have expanded dramatically, too: haunted department stores, ghost-overrun towns, and even a glimpse into the other side. The series was building toward something larger, stranger, and more emotionally rewarding. For fans of fantasy storytelling, this was a gem that deserved more time to shine.
Netflix has a history of canceling promising shows too soon, and Lockwood & Co. is a painful example. With its strong cast, dedicated crew, and vocal fan base, a second season could have resolved its cliffhanger and delivered the rich, satisfying story the books promise. Three years later, it's still not too late to give this series the second chance it deserves.
