Marvel Television and showrunner Steve Lightfoot may both seem to be holding out some hope that The Punisher will avoid Netflix’s Marvel cull, but if viewing figures are any indication then things certainly don’t bode well for third season for Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle.
Although Netflix doesn’t reveal its viewing figures (well, except when it wants to brag about them – see Bird Box), streaming analytics company Jumpshot is reporting that first weekend viewership for season two of The Punisher is down a hefty 40% from that of the first season.
Add into that mixed reviews from critics – 58/100 on Metacritic, a slight increase on season one’s 55/100 – and one would have to assume it’s only a matter of time until we get official confirmation of the show’s cancellation, especially as Daredevil wasn’t able to avoid the chop despite a highly-acclaimed third season.
SEE ALSO: Jon Bernthal “at peace” with the prospect of The Punisher being axed
If and when Netflix axes The Punisher, that will leave Jessica Jones as the last remaining Marvel series on the streaming service, with its third season expected to land in the coming months.
Former marine-turned-vigilante Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) has been living a quiet life on the road until he suddenly becomes embroiled in the attempted murder of a young girl (Giorgia Whigham). As he is drawn into the mystery surrounding her and those in pursuit of the information she holds, Castle attracts a new target on his back as new and old enemies force him to confront whether he should accept his destiny and embrace a life as The Punisher.
The second season of The Punisher is streaming now on Netflix and sees Jon Bernthal returning as Frank Castle alongside Ben Barnes as Billy Russo, Amber Rose Revah as Dinah Madani, Jason R. Moore as Curtis Hoyle, Josh Stewart as John Pilgrim, Floriana Lima as Krista Dumont, Giorgia Whigham as Amy Bendix, Annette O’Toole as Eliza Schultz, and Corbin Bernsen as Anderson Schultz.
Via Dark Horizons
Originally published January 25, 2019. Updated January 26, 2019.
