Top Boy co-director explains decision to end series despite fans disappointment

Top Boy season three recently dropped on Netflix. And it’s confirmed to be the last.

Now, before we get any further, don’t start stressing - we’re not going to reveal any spoilers.

But those who know the ending, know the ending.

Even without watching the new season yet, you probably don’t want the Netflix series to come to an end.

Keep in mind, this isn’t technically the third season either - just the third from the streaming site.

Top Boy began on Channel 4 back in 2011, aptly named Top Boy: Summerhouse, and has featured lead actors Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson since.

The pair confirmed to fans the London-based show would be ending with this new season, writing: “Every story must have an ending and so season three will be our finale. A chance to come full circle and end the journey in the right way.”

And while most of us might be disappointed we’re not going to be getting anymore of the gang drama, the reasons are fair enough. I guess.

Netflix

Co-director William Stefan Smith told the Royal Television Society: “It’s the British way. Historically, British shows end early. We don’t push them into six or seven seasons.”

The cast are seemingly in agreement too as Jasmine Jobson, who plays Jaq, also added: “We’re showing the public that there’s only so far you can go. You can end up in prison, you can end up dead, but every top boy has to come to a stop at some point.

“You don’t see 60- or 70-year-old top boys, unless it’s the mafia. So I feel like we’re doing the right thing.”

Top Boy was cancelled - to much complaint and controversy - by Channel 4 back in 2013.

Netflix

But Netflix picked it up in 2017, with rapper Drake also campaigning for its return and serving as executive producer.

Walters told GQ: “[Netflix] wanted to go on forever! And Kane and I were like, personally, we can’t. We don’t think it’s the right thing to do. It may have gone on too long anyway. Not that it’s not been great, and the seasons have all been great, and everyone’s loved them and I’ve loved them. [But] I like to end on a high.”

While Top Boy may be over, its legacy is undoubtedly going to live on in the industry, with Smith adding: “The real thing that Top Boy should be praised for is allowing its creatives to work on something we believe in.

“That’s why I’m not so sad about Top Boy calling time, because it’s opened up the doors for so much more.”

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