Netflix has unveiled a wide variety of progressive films and shows in recent years. Now, however, the creator of a popular children’s show on the streaming platform has revealed her show is cancelled. Additionally, she adds, this Netflix children’s show is “the first preschool show that has a non-binary character coming out.”
Chris Nee, creator of the series, took to Twitter to discuss the series. She explained as much not long after some Netflix subscribers decided to “review bomb” the series online. Although some viewers were glad to see representation for non-binary viewers – others weren’t so happy.
Here’s how Chris Nee describes the episode of Ridley Jones which features the non-binary bison character named Fred:
“Doesn’t surprise me that Netflix has quietly dumped the first preschool show that has a non-binary character coming out,” Nee begins. “Ridley Jones 5 episode Happy Herd Day Fred tells their Grandma played by #CyndiLauper that they’ve changed their name and pronouns. Watch it. Tweet about it.”
Doesn’t surprise me that Netflix has quietly dumped the first preschool show that has a non-binary character coming out. Ridley Jones 5 episode Happy Herd Day Fred tells their Grandma played by #CyndiLauper that they’ve changed their name and pronouns. Watch it. Tweet about it. pic.twitter.com/IUQ05ftshb
— Chris Nee (She/Her)🏳️🌈 (@chrisdocnee) March 8, 2023
Some users questioned if only the episode featuring the non-binary character was censored or if the entire series was cancelled. Nee confirms that this is indeed the end of the complete show.
“Oh and yes, this is the end of the series. They cancelled us after what they just put out. They threw all the specials, the xmas special (now?), the feature length special, the CYNDI LAUPER episode and just quietly slipped it onto the service. So this is it.”
Oh and yes, this is the end of the series. They cancelled us after what they just put out. They threw all the specials, the xmas special (now?), the feature length special, the CYNDI LAUPER episode and just quietly slipped it onto the service. So this is it.
— Chris Nee (She/Her)🏳️🌈 (@chrisdocnee) March 9, 2023
An additional tweet from Nee claims that the series is “a roadmap for coming out” in addition to “having someone else tell you they’ve changed their pronouns and/or name.”
I realize in this day and age dumped means many things. Just zero promotion of the episode. So go watch it. Show your kids. It’s on Netflix. It’s important. It’s a a roadmap for coming out but also for having someone else tell you they’ve changed their pronouns and/or name. pic.twitter.com/D7r4Ym8Scp
— Chris Nee (She/Her)🏳️🌈 (@chrisdocnee) March 9, 2023
An official announcement for the show’s cancellation has yet to be released by Netflix. Up until this point, however, the series has received several awards since its 2021 debut. It’s also worth noting that one of the show’s characters – a mummy named Ismat – has two dads. Though there’s been less backlash against that aspect of the show.