Territory show: Netflix pulls plug on NT’s largest-ever TV production after one season

The Northern Territory’s most ambitious television production has come to an unexpected halt, leaving fans without answers and the local film industry reflecting on its impact.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 21: (L-R) Philippa Northeast, Sam Delich, Kylah Day, Clarence Ryan, Sara Wiseman and Sam Corlett attend a Netflix Special Screening Of "Territory" at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

Netflix has confirmed it will not be renewing highly-anticipated Territory program for a second season, despite the NT-filmed drama achieving global success.

The high-budget series, which showcased the vast landscapes of Tipperary Station and Kakadu National Park, became an international hit but will end after six episodes.

Billed as the biggest production ever to be filmed in the NT, Territory followed the power struggle over the fictional Marianne Station, described as the largest cattle empire in the world.

The show climbed to number two ranking on Netflix’s Global Top 10 English TV list, reached the Top 10 in 74 countries, and claimed the number one spot in 11 – including Australia and New Zealand.

Territory reached number one globally on Netflix on October 29, 2024, according to industry data aggregator, FlixPatrol. Picture: FlixPatrol

Despite this, Netflix has chosen not to proceed with a second season, with sources citing logistical challenges and delays as key reasons.

It’s understood the streaming giant was concerned about the time required to deliver a follow-up, fearing audiences would lose interest.

More than 200 cast and crew members lived and worked on location in the NT for months, with the series injecting millions into the local economy.

Its cancellation marks a blow to the Territory’s emerging film industry, which had hoped to capitalise on its exposure.

Still from new Netflix show Territory.

Producer Ben Davies described Territory as a “huge success” and praised the team behind it, while Netflix ANZ content director Que Minh Luu expressed eagerness to work with the show’s creators on future projects.

For now, fans will be left with an unresolved cliffhanger and no return to the dusty landscapes of Territory.

But with its global appeal, industry insiders speculate another platform could revive the series, keeping hope alive for those wanting more of the Lawson family’s saga.

Originally published as Territory show: Netflix pulls plug on NT’s largest-ever TV production after one season