Only five years ago, Netflix seemed like it was rewriting the rules of television, making huge deals for bold projects that would have been unthinkable on network TV (BoJack Horseman, What/If, and The Order are just a few examples.) Creators were lining up to work with the company, which promised a laxer working environment and a place to experiment. The first major streaming service was making a name for itself as a safe haven for serious, ambitious television.
In 2019, that haven looks a lot less safe. Recently canceled shows like Tuca & Bertie and The OA have spurred a conversation about whether shows are getting a fair chance at finding an audience. Tuca & Bertie showrunner Lisa Hanawalt called out Netflix’s algorithm as being a big…