Several high-profile TV series have been canceled by streaming services in recent years with Max (formerly HBO Max) being one of the prime culprits but now, the critically acclaimed series Warrior has found a new home after being picked up by Netflix.
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What is Warrior about?
First released in 2019, Warrior takes place in 1870s San Francisco during the Tong Wars, a series of violent disputes that erupted in Chinatowns throughout the United States.
The series follows Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a martial arts prodigy who emigrates from China in search of his sister, only to be sold into one of the most powerful crime families in San Francisco.
Warrior began life in the hands of legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee who devised the show’s original concept. Following its debut season on Cinemax, Warrior was renewed for a second and third season, the latter airing on Max in the summer of 2023 before its cancellation in December.
On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, Warrior has an average rating of 93%, with its second and third installments boasting perfect 100% scores.
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Warrior creators discuss move to Netflix
After Warrior’s cancellation by Max, Netflix stepped in to acquire the streaming rights for the three existing seasons.
In a statement to Deadline, creator Jonathan Topper said: “Warrior is a show that simply refuses to die. Through platform and regime changes, the writers, producers, cast, crew, and our stunt team continued to make something powerful, relevant, and wildly unique. And now, thanks to Netflix, we’ve been given yet another lease on life, and I’m thrilled for everyone involved that millions more viewers around the world will discover it.”
Shannon Lee, executive producer and daughter of Bruce Lee added: “If anything can be said about Warrior, with Bruce Lee in our corner, our indomitable spirit is real!
“And so, my wish is that the huge global Netflix audience loves Warrior and from that love more goodness flows – in the form of greater recognition for our talented cast and crew who deserve all the things, in the form of passionate fandom for this relevant kick ass show and, if I dare to dream, in the form of an opportunity to continue our story for our amazing fans who, thanks to Netflix, will have grown in number and enthusiasm!”
Netflix revival boosts season 4 chances
Thanks to Netflix picking up the streaming rights to Warrior, the series finds itself in a promising position for the first time in a while.
According to Deadline’s sources, a fourth season of the drama could be on the cards if the original three seasons perform well – similar to what happened with Manifest after it was canceled by NBC.
However, the process of reviving Warrior for a fourth season could prove troublesome as the cast of the series have been released from their contracts following its cancellation, with lead actor Andrew Koji already signing on for a major role in the Sky and AMC+ series Gangs of London.
Seasons 1-3 of Warrior are available to stream on Netflix.
