Netflix subscribers have voiced their collective frustration after the trailer for a new ice-skating series sparked accusations that it is a carbon copy of a beloved, prematurely cancelled show.
Deja Vu on Ice
The source of the controversy is Finding Her Edge, an adaptation of Jennifer Iacopelli's 2022 young adult novel, which is set to premiere on Thursday, January 22. The romantic drama follows figure skater Adriana Russo, played by Madelyn Keys, as she navigates family pressures and financial woes. Her solution involves a fake dating arrangement with new partner Brayden (Cale Ambrozic), all while managing unresolved feelings for her former skating partner Freddie (Olly Atkins).
However, for many viewers, this plot feels eerily familiar. Their ire is directed at the memory of Spinning Out, a Netflix drama that aired its first and only season in February 2020 before being axed. Starring Kaya Scodelario, that series also centred on a talented figure skater, Kat Baker, who formed a volatile partnership with a 'bad boy' skater, leading to a powerful romantic connection.
Fans Cry Foul Over Cancellation
While Spinning Out delved into darker themes like a bipolar diagnosis and PTSD following a career-threatening fall, the core similarities have proven too much for fans to ignore. Across social media platforms, particularly YouTube, a wave of disappointment has emerged, with viewers questioning Netflix's decision-making.
"So why cancel Spinning Out (which was a fantastic show) to make one that looks exactly like the other show?", one frustrated fan demanded online. Another predicted a grim fate for the new arrival, commenting: "This is basically Spinning Out that Netflix will cancel after one season…"
The sentiment was echoed by others who see the new release as a poor substitute. "ALL THESE SAME NEW SERIES after cancelling Spinning Out ? Makes no sense," wrote a third. The underlying accusation is that the streaming giant is disregarding its audience's loyalty, with one user asking if the move was "taking the mick out of the people watching."
A New Chapter or a Recycled Plot?
Despite the backlash from fans of the cancelled series, Finding Her Edge does have its own supporters, primarily readers excited to see Iacopelli's novel, which was inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, adapted for the screen. The show promises a blend of high-stakes sports drama and YA romance against the backdrop of the Junior World Championships.
Nevertheless, the shadow of Spinning Out looms large. The key question for Netflix will be whether Finding Her Edge can skate past the comparisons and establish its own identity, or if viewer resentment over the previous cancellation will impact its success. The drama begins, both on and off the ice, when the series lands on Netflix next week.
