The entertainment industry loves to churn out reboots and sequels, yet when an original, heartfelt show like Julie and the Phantoms comes along, it is canceled far too soon. Created by Dan Cross and David Hoge and directed by Kenny Ortega, this Netflix musical dramedy captured the hearts of fans with its humor, emotional depth, and incredible music. However, despite its devoted fanbase and overwhelmingly positive reception, Netflix pulled the plug after just one season, leaving the story unfinished and fans (including me) in disbelief. The show does not just deserve a second season–it needs one.
For me, Julie and the Phantoms became personal in a way that few shows do. Not only was I instantly hooked by the storyline and the music, but I also had a minor existential crisis in my sophomore English class when I realized I had an unknown, indirect connection to one of the stars of the show. On the first day of school, my teacher, Mrs. Joyner, introduced herself and started telling us about her and her family. She casually mentioned that her son was an actor, and I immediately connected the dots.
I had just finished binge-watching the show and suddenly found myself sitting in class, internally panicking because Owen Joyner’s stepmother was my English teacher. I spent the rest of the class pretending to pay attention while my brain kept internally screaming.
My personal attachment aside, Julie and the Phantoms stands out because it tells such a meaningful and engaging story. The series follows Julie Molina, a high schooler who lost her passion for music after the death of her mother in 2019, the year prior; that is, until she accidentally summons three ghosts–Luke, Reggie, and Alex–who were once members of an up-and-coming band before they died suddenly in 1995. Through her connection with them that she can’t quite explain, Julie rediscovers her love for music and begins healing from her grief. The first season beautifully balances humor, heartache, and the magic of second chances, but it ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving fans desperate for more.
Every song, too, carries immense emotional weight, from the very powerful ballad titled “Wake Up,” where Julie finds the courage and drive to sing again after losing her mother, to “Unsaid Emily,” very gut-wrenching song that revealed Luke’s regrets about leaving home to pursue his dreams of starting a band and never getting the chance to make up with his parents before he passed. The soundtrack is filled with showstoppers–”Edge of Great,” “Bright,” and “Stand Tall”–songs that are not just catchy but deeply meaningful to the characters’ journeys.
However, Julie and the Phantoms is more than just music. The show tackles grief and healing in a way that feels authentic and realistic. Julie’s journey is not just about finding her voice–it is about learning how to move forward while still honoring the past and her passions.
The show also does an amazing job of presenting a very diverse and dynamic cast. Julie, played by Madison Reyes, is a Latina lead, which brings a fresh perspective to a genre that often lacks cultural variety. The show also highlights strong friendships, family connections, and a lot of personal growth, making it a very inspiring watch for audiences of all ages. The frustration over its cancellation is not just about wanting more content–it is about the industry’s tendency to overlook original storytelling. Julie and the Phantoms is not another generic teen show, even if it does have its Disney charms; it is a series that encourages viewers to embrace their passions, find healing through art, and hold on to the people who lift them up. It is rare to find a show that balances fun and depth so seamlessly, and it is even rarer for one to resonate so deeply with audiences of all ages.
Netflix’s decision to cancel Julie and the Phantoms is disappointing but not irreversible. Fans have been vocal about their love for the series since the four years it was discontinued, and it is clear that the story is not over. The industry should recognize when it has something truly special and give it a chance to continue. If a show can make me lose my mind in an English class on the first day of school, I think it is worth a second season.
Image by Kylee Grove using Picsart