Celeste Barber’s hit Netflix series has not been renewed for a second season, with the Australian comedian hitting out at the streamer in a shady social media post.
Barber, 41, starred as Australian food writer Liv Healy in the eight-part comedy Wellmania, which dropped on Netflix in March and rocketed to the platform’s global top 10 list.
Taking to Instagram with a video message on Tuesday, Barber said she was informed by Netflix bosses on Monday that the series wasn’t getting a second season.
“I understand, in the grand scheme of things with what is going on in the world at the moment, who f**king cares? But a lot of you do care and are asking me about it,” Barber said.
She continued: “We found out yesterday it’s not going to be renewed. Netflix said it’s something about numbers … Sure.
“I thought it smashed it, but I don’t understand how it works. This industry is kind of bulls**t.”
It’s unusual Wellmania wasn’t renewed at the time of its favourable debut earlier this year, likely leading to Barber’s frustration over the recent decision.
Barber went on to thank her loyal fans for their love and support, adding she was “bummed” she wasn’t able to explore the series further.
“It was so fun, we had such an excellent time and the way it was received was so overwhelming. I’m bummed I can no longer explore that excellent character of Liv Healy,” she said.
“As I said though, f**k, with the state of the world it’s not the biggest thing, but I just wanted to give you an update.
“Kiss your babies, watch Friends … Maybe not on Netflix though. Maybe pull out an old DVD.”
The post has attracted thousands of comments from fans, including US actress Sharon Stone, who wrote, “Well I think u r GANGSTER AND ALL THINGS FAB. I haven’t been renewed in decades. Who really cares. Keep being AMAZING AND SEE YOU OUT THERE IN FAB LAND.”
Another follower wrote, “The state of the world is horrific, but you are still allowed to be sad about this, and we are too. The show was amazing, I loved it.”
“Oh I’m sorry to hear this Celeste. I absolutely loved the show and expected it to be a no-brainer to be renewed.”
News.com.au approached Netflix for comment.
Barber, who is currently filming the movie Runt in Perth, previously said she was “so proud” of the success of the series, which was co-created by Brigid Delaney and Benjamin Law, and adapted from Delaney’s nonfiction book, Wellmania: Misadventures in the Search for Wellness.
“Oh, my gosh, it’s been unbelievable. We were number seven, globally, for two weeks on Netflix,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in April.
“ We’re a pretty little Australian show and we’re up against these massive productions. The fact that we’re trending globally just blows my mind.
“I’m so proud of the show and everyone involved. And I love — love! — my audience. My peeps who follow me and have supported me for however long. The fact that they’re now enjoying what I first and foremost have always wanted to be — which is an actor and comedian, not just an Instagram person — is so fulfilling and fantastic.
“I’m getting inundated with messages from people asking about season two, from places like America to Lithuania. It’s just incredible.”