Summary

• Acclaimed Max show Scavengers Reign moves to Netflix after a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
• It's a non-exclusive Netflix deal, which means the show will still be available on Max.
• Netflix could renew Scavengers Reign for season 2.

Scavengers Reign, the acclaimed Max show with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, is coming to Netflix. Created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner, Scavengers Reign is an adult-animated sci-fi series that debuted on Max in October 2023. The story unfolds on an alien planet where a damaged interstellar freighter ship gets stranded. From there, the remaining crew works to locate their ship and missing crewmates while they navigate a hostile world that has thrived without human interference.

After first being reported by What's On Netflix, it's been confirmed by Variety that Scavengers Reign will begin streaming on Netflix in the U.S. as of May 31, after Max cancelled the show. It's a non-exclusive deal, which means the animated sci-fi series will still be available on Max. Netflix is also considering renewing Scavengers Reign for season 2, but that decision won't be made until after season 1 arrives at the end of May.

Why Are Scavengers Reign’s Reviews So Good?

Could It Be A Good Sign For Season 2?

There is little divide between audiences and critics, as the sci-fi series holds 94% based on more than 250 scores from viewers.

Depending on how Scavengers Reign performs on Netflix, there is a path for the show to continue its story. Executive producers Sean Buckelew and James Merrill have mentioned in interviews that they have plans for more seasons, mentioning a deeper exploration of the characters and the planet itself. The ending of Scavengers Reign season 1 also allows for that, with the glowingly positive reviews serving as a sign of hope for those who enjoyed the sci-fi.

Based on 22 reviews, Scavengers Reign has an impressive overall score of more than 8 out of 10. Also, there is little divide between audiences and critics, as the sci-fi series holds 94% based on more than 250 scores from viewers. Critics praise the show's fully realized world and visual style and have regularly called for a season 2 renewal. The consensus argues that the animated show is a joy to look at while also being engrossing as a drama.

With a voice cast that includes GLOW star Sunita Mani, Loki's Wunmi Mosaku, and Arrested Development alum Alia Shawkat, in addition to actors Bob Stephenson and Ted Travelstead, there's no guarantee that Scavengers Reign will get a bump from its streaming move. But for those who have championed the adult animated sci-fi saga, Netflix's bigger platform is a welcome change.

Scavengers Reign Could Join A List Of Cancelled Shows Saved By Netflix

However, It Isn't Always A Massive Success Story.

But a closer look at Netflix's hit rate reveals that its success stories often depend just as much on timing and the show's specifics rather than just the power of Netflix as a platform.

Netflix has gained a reputation for its ability to offer its programs to a global audience. In the last quarter of 2023, the streamer had over 260 million subscribers worldwide. Although an impressive number, it hasn't always spelled success for its efforts. While it is true that Netflix can claim credit for turning the dojo drama Cobra Kai and the romantic thriller You into big hits after rescuing them, the streamer has also had its share of misses and cases that have yet to be determined. This proves crucial when considering the future of Scavengers Reign.

Netflix saved the show Designated Survivor, a political drama starring Kiefer Sutherland. But after just a single season on Netflix, Designated Survivor was cancelled. Sutherland noted that the cancellation reflected an issue with the actors only signing one-year contracts and that some cast members moved on to other jobs. Netflix recently grabbed The Tourist (from Max) and Girls5eva (from Peacock), but neither has been renewed nor cancelled yet. While the first two seasons of The Tourist appeared on streaming charts, the comedy Girls5eva hasn't made as much of an impact and may not get a season 4 renewal.

Nevertheless, the positive buzz surrounding Scavengers Reign might help its chances. But a closer look at Netflix's hit rate reveals that its success stories often depend just as much on timing and the show's specifics rather than just the power of Netflix as a platform. Another factor to consider is that, even if the animated sci-fi performs well enough, compared to its viewership on Max, it still may not rise to the numbers that Netflix is looking for with its originals, leaving its renewal questionable.

Source: What's On Netflix, Variety