Netflix has reversed one of its most talked-about decisions in its kids catalog: the preschool animated series Bad Dinosaurs has officially been renewed for seasons 2 and 3, after the platform had previously decided not to continue with the show.
The news comes as a major surprise within the streaming world, where reversed cancellations are extremely rare. According to Netflix, strong audience growth and the show's popularity among young viewers were decisive factors in the company's change of course.
Both new seasons will have eight episodes each, bringing a total of sixteen new episodes starring the mischievous dinosaurs created by Joel Veitch, Alex Mallinson and David Shute.
From canceled to renewed: what happened with Bad Dinosaurs
In late 2024, executive producer Paul Schleicher confirmed on the Kids Media Club podcast that Netflix would not green-light a second season of Bad Dinosaurs. In his words, recorded at the time: "Unfortunately, we don't get to make a second series of Bad Dinosaurs, which is a real shame. We had a lot of fun making it and saw so much potential for more. But the world of streaming has shifted. Originals without a proven audience or those needing incubation time aren't the priority. It's frustrating, but we're proud of what we created".
That cancellation seemed to definitively close the door on new adventures for the series. However, almost a year later, Netflix announced an unexpected turn within a lengthy statement about its children's and family catalog, confirming the show's return with two full seasons.
Why Netflix decided to revive the series
The audience data that backed the renewal
Netflix usually bases its decisions on concrete figures, and the numbers for Bad Dinosaurs offered solid arguments for its return. The series spent five weeks in Netflix's Global Top 10 and, since its 2024 premiere, the first season has accumulated close to 55 million global views on the platform.
Netflix's Engagement Reports put the figure at 154.1 million hours viewed since launch, which would equate to 54.4 million views according to that same metric — a very similar, though not identical, figure to the one previously mentioned by the platform itself.
The show’s impact on YouTube
The success of Bad Dinosaurs is not limited to Netflix. Through the Netflix Jr. channel on YouTube, the series has generated notable numbers that likely also influenced the renewal decision:
The full episode titled The Sliming / Sound Bite / Failure to Lunch surpassed 11 million views, while the compilation Baby T-Rex BEST Moments (+30 Minute Compilation) racked up more than 5.1 million views.
The combination of sustained performance on Netflix along with strong traction on YouTube appears to have been decisive in the platform reconsidering its initial stance.
What else Netflix announced for its children’s and family catalog
The renewal of Bad Dinosaurs was included within a broader statement signed by Heather Tilert, Vice President of Animation Series for children's and preschool content at Netflix. According to the company itself, children's and family content accounted for 15% of all Netflix viewing hours during the first half of 2024, which explains the strong push the platform is giving to this type of property.
Among the most notable announcements in this update are the following:
Netflix is developing a new Sesame Street movie together with Rideback and Sesame Workshop, in addition to having expanded its production agreement to include new seasons of the show through season 62. Season 57, volume 4, will arrive on November 23.
Gabby's sister, Doozie, will get her own mixed-format spinoff series called Doozie's Doghouse, premiering on November 9. Additionally, on December 9 the holiday special Gabby's Dollhouse: Makers and Bakers will arrive, featuring Aidy Bryant, Justin Willman and Melissa Villaseñor as judges.
Creator Matthew Fernandes presents Puppy Pirates, a new series centered on four adventurous dogs sailing the seas.
Netflix Playground, the ad-free gaming app for kids, will add new mobile titles related to Trash Truck (October 27), Numberblocks: Hide and Seek (September 29) and KPop Demon Hunters: Ready, Set Shine (September 29).
Within this whole package of news, the resurrection of Bad Dinosaurs stands out as the most talked-about surprise, given how unusual it is for Netflix to reverse a publicly announced cancellation.
Frequently asked questions about Bad Dinosaurs seasons 2 and 3
Did Netflix actually cancel Bad Dinosaurs before renewing it?
Yes. In late 2024, executive producer Paul Schleicher confirmed that Netflix would not continue with a second season. Almost a year later, the platform reversed that decision and confirmed seasons 2 and 3.
How many episodes will the new seasons of Bad Dinosaurs have?
Both season 2 and season 3 will have eight episodes each, according to Netflix's official announcement.
Why did Netflix decide to renew Bad Dinosaurs?
Netflix pointed to the show's strong performance, which spent five weeks in the Global Top 10 and accumulated nearly 55 million views, in addition to millions of additional views on the Netflix Jr. YouTube channel.
Who are the creators of Bad Dinosaurs?
The series was created by Joel Veitch, Alex Mallinson and David Shute.
When will the new seasons of Bad Dinosaurs premiere?
The available material does not specify a concrete release date for seasons 2 and 3, so this detail is still unknown.
