Why Television Needs More Seasons of ‘Heels’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig in ‘Heels’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ/Netflix.)

We are living in quite the incredible and revolutionary time when it comes to the world of television. Because at long last, our prayers as tele-philes have finally been answered. For the arrival of streaming and the demand for more content, is giving rise to a bevy of new programs that are indeed as original can be, that are taking us to new worlds and new places emotionally, and they’re presenting us with wonderous characters that are dynamic and relatable, and they take part in bold stories that wow us and leave us eager for more. Which should allow for us to feel content and relaxed because at last… we have everything we need.
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But alas, that has not been the case. Simply because, while original shows and boundary pushing entertainment is hitting the airwaves and the digital airwaves at last, not all of those shows are surviving and thriving. In fact, there has been a glut of cancellations of shows that are critically acclaimed and beloved by audiences. It could be related to the fact that the market is flooded with shows or other reasons that we are simply not privy to. But it is creating a touch of worry and a touch of strife when we begin to tune into something new. Because we outright worry that falling in love with a new show will prove to be emotionally costly if that show is taken off the air.

Because at that point it feels as though there is little, we can do but suffer and think of what could have been if more seasons of an amazing new show came along. But what is truly amazing, is that fans are no longer good with these cancellations and are no longer comfortable with just accepting the end. Which is why we are seeing people question the logic of some of these cancellations and why we are seeing petitions and fan movements that are attempting to save beloved shows so they can find their potential and end on the right terms and well, we here at NTG are joining into that fray. Because today, a television show that was cancelled far too early arrives on Netflix, and well… we thought it would be worthwhile to take a moment and speak to why the world of television needs more seasons of Heels.

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Mike O’Malley and Kelli Berglund as Charlie Gully and Crystal Tyler in ‘Heels’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ/Netflix.)

Which some may raise their eyebrows over, since this is a show about wrestling and so many look down upon the sport and look down upon any series that would want to spotlight it. But that’s the thing, it is about so much more than wrestling. For this is at its core, a supremely human story, one that can inspire. For instance, thematically, a fair chunk of the series focuses heavily on the power of chasing our dreams, and how doing so… is healthy for us. Because it drives us, motivates us, gives us purpose amid tough times and it can in fact… heal us as well and give us a peace we’ve never known when we reach the top, and well, there aren’t enough shows firing off that kind of positivity. For grit and grime is still quite popular on television, and while the tide is starting to change regarding that, the more shows we have that showcase the wonder of what we do in life, the better. 
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In fact, speaking of grit, that’s another big reason this series deserves more seasons than the two it initially received. Simply because, it showcases the grit of life too, the tough stuff we slog through, and the moments that hurt and shatter us… so that it can speak to how we overcome such problems. Through the bigger concepts we chase in life, and by way of the family we choose and the family we are born into. Because life is about so much more than suffering and clinging to the pain in our hearts. It really is about the wonder of the moment, of the thrill of experiencing joy, and the people that join us on the journey, and yes… all of that is present in this series, and that truly makes it… as much about life as it is about wrestling and yet, there are still more reasons it deserves a second chance.

Because it also features some of the best writing you’ll ever find on television. Courtesy of Showrunner Mike O’Malley, who understands the potential of this story and its characters and uses his skills as a writer and the team he assembled to give rise to stories that tap into powerful moments we can all relate to, and the cast… oh the cast is simply chef’s kiss. For each of them believe in the show and the material, and it shows because of what they put on the screen. All of which gave rise to two seasons of engaging and emotional television. The kind that touches our very soul with its humanity, its heart and its understanding that in this moment, the world wants more to turn to, needs more to turn to, and what better way to help people find that, than through a series about a down home wrestling league in the middle of Georgia that is filled with dreamers like the rest of us? And truly, we here at NTG hope that these words and the arrival of the show on Netflix, inspires others to give this inspirational series the next chapter it so rightfully deserves.

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