Grand Army burst onto Netflix in October 2020, pulling viewers into the messy lives of Brooklyn high schoolers facing racism, assault, and identity struggles. Adapted from Katie Capieu’s novel, it starred Odessa A’zion as Joey Del Marco, a bisexual teen dealing with family fallout and activism.
The series earned solid critical scores, around 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, yet Netflix axed it in June 2021 after just 10 episodes. Fans still scratch their heads over the sudden end to such a raw take on Gen Z realities.
Viewership Struggles Sealed Its Fate
Streaming success boils down to cold metrics. Netflix measures a show’s first 28 days of watch time to decide renewals.
Grand Army started with a buzz but failed to climb the charts like Squid Game or Bridgerton. Sources point to underwhelming global demand data from trackers like Parrot Analytics, placing it mid-pack among teen dramas.
Production expenses piled on pressure. Filming in New York demanded pricey location shoots, a diverse ensemble cast including Thelonious Mitchell and Sydney Meyer, and choreography for dance scenes.
Critics loved its authenticity. Outlets praised frank depictions of trauma, from a dancer’s racist attack to a jock’s assault aftermath. Still, algorithms don’t care about reviews when numbers lag.
Backlash and Netflix’s Business Playbook
Fans lit up social media with outrage. Reddit threads in r/television are filled with pleas, calling it a missed chance to spotlight timely issues like school safety and protests.
Petitions circulated online, and Twitter saw brief hashtag pushes, but Netflix held firm. One OTTPlay report captured viewer frustration over losing stories that mirrored real teen chaos.
Grand Army (Credit: Netflix)
The cancellation fit a larger pattern. Netflix dropped over a dozen shows that year amid cost-cutting and password-sharing crackdowns.
Creator Capieu posted grateful but cryptic notes on Instagram, thanking supporters without spilling renewal tea. Cast members hinted at hope early on, but quiet followed as focus shifted.
Marketing played a role, too. Unlike heavily promoted juggernauts, Grand Army got minimal trailers or billboards. Released during pandemic fatigue, it competed in a crowded field of comfort watches. Heavy themes scared off lighter viewers seeking escape, not confrontation.
Lasting Echoes for Fans and Future TV
The plug-pull left plotlines dangling, frustrating loyal watchers invested in arcs like Dominique’s resilience or Tim’s guilt. It sparked wider chats on streaming disposability, where bold narratives fight for survival.
Grand Army nudged doors open for grittier youth shows, influencing series like Euphoria’s deeper dives or Never Have I Ever’s cultural nods.
The cast moved on strongly. A’zion jumped to horror in Hellraiser while others booked pilots. Fans revisit via YouTube recaps, fueling “bring it back” nostalgia. No pickup rumors panned out; rights complexities block easy revivals on rivals like Hulu.
At heart, Grand Army exposes streaming’s gamble. Great ideas thrive or tank on data alone. Its brief run reminds creators to build viral hooks upfront. Viewers cope by championing underdogs, hoping Netflix tweaks its formula someday. For now, the one-season gem lives in memory and rewatch queues.
Jisung, the youngest member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group NCT Dream, has celebrated his birthday by making a substantial impact beyond the world of music.
On February 5, 2026, Samsung Seoul Hospital officially announced that the idol had donated a staggering 250 million KRW (approximately $170,818 USD).
This generous act was specifically timed to coincide with his birthday, turning a personal celebration into an opportunity to contribute to the greater good.
Rather than a general contribution, Jisung requested that the funds be directed toward a very specific and critical area of medical science: the study of intractable diseases.
Funding the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer
The core of Jisung’s donation is aimed at advancing research into pancreatic cancer, one of the most challenging and aggressive forms of the disease.
NCT Dream’s Jisung (Credit: YouTube)
The funds will be allocated toward precision medicine studies, a field that focuses on tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient.
Pancreatic cancer often has a low survival rate due to its late detection and resistance to standard treatments.
By supporting this high-level research, Jisung’s contribution is expected to provide essential resources for medical professionals working to find cures and improve the quality of life for those suffering from currently “incurable” conditions.
A Message of Empathy and Gratitude
In a statement reflecting on his decision to donate, Jisung expressed deep empathy for those battling severe illnesses.
He remarked that it “broke his heart” to witness the suffering caused by diseases that are difficult to treat.
Despite the magnitude of the 250 million KRW gift, the artist humbly described it as a “small contribution,” expressing hope that it would still play a role in advancing medical technology.
Furthermore, Jisung credited his fans, known as “Czennies,” for making this act of giving possible.
He noted that the love and support he receives from the fandom gave him the platform and motivation to “give back” and help create a “warmer world” for everyone.
A Consistent History of Philanthropy
This latest act of kindness is not an isolated incident for the NCT Dream member. Jisung has a growing reputation for his philanthropic efforts.
In March of the previous year, he made headlines for donating 50 million KRW (approx. $34,164 USD) to aid recovery efforts in the Yeongnam region following devastating wildfires.
That donation was used to provide housing and essential livelihood restoration for families who had been displaced by the natural disaster.
His continued commitment to various causes—from disaster relief to high-level medical research—demonstrates a consistent desire to use his influence for positive social change.
While Jisung makes waves for his charitable work, he and his fellow NCT Dream members are also preparing for major professional milestones.
The group is currently gearing up for the grand finale of their latest tour, titled ‘2026 NCT Dream Tour ‘The Dream Show 4: Future The Dream’.
The final concert is scheduled to take place in Seoul next month, where thousands of fans are expected to gather.
As Jisung enters a new year of his life, both his fans and the medical community are celebrating not just his artistic talent, but his profound maturity and dedication to helping those in need.
Through this 250 million KRW donation, Jisung has set a powerful example of how young stars can leverage their success to tackle some of society’s most difficult challenges.
