Netflix’s Head of UCAN Scripted Series Jinny Howe has addressed the success of I Will Find You, the future of Virgin River, recent season two viewership declines, and the cancellation of The Boroughs. According to Deadline, the executive discussed several of the streamer’s recent successes and challenges following Netflix’s 111 Emmy nominations. 

Based on Harlan Coben’s (Tell No One, Safe, Run Away) novel of the same name, I Will Find You has become a major success for the streaming platform. The series has accumulated 74.1 million views during its first 18 days of release and could potentially enter Netflix’s list of its 10 most popular English-language series. 

The series stars Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans, Terminator Salvation) as David Burroughs, a man serving a life sentence for the murder of his son. After receiving evidence suggesting that his son may still be alive, David attempts to uncover the truth surrounding his disappearance. 

I Will Find You marks Netflix’s first American adaptation of Coben’s work. The streaming platform has released 13 series based on the author’s novels across multiple countries, with additional adaptations currently in development. An upcoming series based on Coben’s Myron Bolitar novels will star Colin Woodell (Pulse, The Flight Attendant, Ambulance).  

Howe also addressed recent discussions surrounding the “sophomore slump” phenomenon, as several Netflix series have experienced significant viewership declines between their first and second seasons. Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Four Seasons, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Beef, and A Man on the Inside reportedly experienced declines of more than 55% during their season two opening weeks. 

Despite the declines, Howe explained that Netflix does not consider the trend a major concern. Several of the affected series have already been renewed for third seasons. Meanwhile, romantic series including Bridgerton, Virgin River, Emily in Paris, and Nobody Wants This have experienced more modest season-to-season declines.

Howe also discussed the future of Virgin River, Netflix’s longest-running original scripted series. The romantic drama is currently filming its eighth season, and the executive suggested that the series could continue as long as audiences remain interested. 

The series stars Alexandra Breckenridge (She’s the Man, Big Fat Liar, This Is Us) as Mel Monroe and Martin Henderson (The Ring, Smokin’ Aces, My Life Is Murder) as Jack Sheridan. Based on the novels by Robyn Carr (Sullivan’s Crossing, Love Between the Covers, Thunder Point), the series follows Mel as she moves to the small town of Virgin River in search of a fresh start. 

Howe additionally addressed Netflix’s cancellation of The Boroughs, a supernatural drama executive produced by Stranger Things creators Matt Duffer (Hidden, We All Fall Down, Wayward Pines) and Ross Duffer (Hidden, We All Fall Down, Wayward Pines). The series starred Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2, Boogie Nights, Magnolia), Geena Davis (Thelma & Louise, A League of Their Own, The Long Kiss Goodnight), Alfre Woodard (Star Trek: First Contact, 12 Years a Slave, Love & Basketball), Denis O’Hare (Dallas Buyers Club, Garden State, The Proposal), Clarke Peters (The Wire, John Wick, Da 5 Bloods), and Bill Pullman (Independence Day, Spaceballs, Lost Highway). 

Although The Boroughs received positive reviews, the series struggled to attract a large audience and was reportedly expensive to produce. Howe explained that multiple factors contributed to the cancellation while emphasizing that Netflix remained proud of the series and its creative team. 

Netflix has not announced an end date for Virgin River or future plans for I Will Find You. Virgin River season eight is currently in production.