Netflix Licenses Heels, Potential For Show To Be Renewed

Starz’ wrestling drama Heels has found a streaming home at Netflix, with a potential chance for it to be uncanceled should it perform well. THR reports that Lionsgate Worldwide Television Distribution has licensed the two-season wrestling drama to Netflix and that the service will have non-exclusive rights to the show, which was among a swath of shows the cabler canceled back in September.

At the time of its cancellation, it was noted by creator Mike O’Malley that they were seeking a potential new home for the show. THR reports that while Netflix has not renewed the series as of now, it could do so if the show does well. The outlet’s sources note however that such a renewal would come with challengers due to the fact that star Stephen Amell has signed on to take the lead role in NBC’s Suits spinoff Suits: LA, which is expected to gain a series order on the broadcast network. In addition, co-star Alexander Ludwig is set to star in the MGM+ sci-fi drama Earth Abides.

Ironically, Netflix’s logistical challenges around Amell in any potential renewal are the result of the streamer doing gangbuster numbers on the original Suits, which delivered huge numbers last year. That said, if Heels can do something similar it gives the critically-loved drama a chance at new episodes.

Heels starred Amell, Ludwig, Alison Luff, Mary McCormack, Kelli Berglund, Allen Maldonado, Chris Bauer, Trey Tucker, Robby Ramos, Alice Barrett Mitchell, Roxton Garcia, David James Elliott, Joel Murray, CM Punk, AJ Mendez, Josh Segarra and Emmy Raver-Lampman and is described as follows:

Heels is a drama that follows Jack (Stephen Amell) and Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig), two brothers and rivals who war over their late father’s wrestling promotion, vying for national attention in small-town Georgia. In the ring, one is a villain, or “heel,”; the other a hero, or “face.” Season 2 begins after a spectacular showing at the South Georgia State Fair, the Duffy Wrestling League’s popularity is suddenly on the upswing. Hoping to seize the opportunity, Jack and his cohorts prepare for a possible business deal with a new streaming service that may propel them onto a national stage. But the past and its tragedies threaten to upset everything when Ace leaves Duffy and the Dome in his rearview, and rival promotion Florida Wrestling Dystopia’s vengeful frontman Gully comes calling.