Now that we are in Pride Month, I have to confess something: I am a huge fan of the new Netflix show, Heartstopper. I am moved and impressed so much that I have even recommended it to a DEI group I’m involved with.

Watching it and engaging with the community online has had me thinking a lot about not only Netflix but the intersection of community with the worlds in which we weave in and out of.

By now, we all know that Netflix is in a bit of a slump. There are a few reasons for their current slump, but in my opinion it is not about advertising or even the amount of money they have been spending on original content. (It’s a lot!)

What I have been thinking about is how quickly Netflix cancels hits. Rumor has it, they cancel shows when they don’t see the lift in subscribers. And while I’m not in charge of their financials and I don’t have a vote, as a consumer that hurts. We have been loyal subscribers since the days of House of Cards and yet, just because I’m not re-signing up each time you make a show that we love and enjoy, you (Netflix) cancels it.

Heartstopper has me thinking about this because after four weeks of season one being in the ether and the fans raving over it (and not slowing down), Netflix finally leaned into their community: They ordered two (TWO!) new seasons.

This is how you build community.

There is something to be said about engaging the community and leaning into the tribe you have and not the tribe you don’t. That is the essence of a community: Giving and Receiving in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Maybe this is the start of the shift for Netflix. I hope so.

Don’t lose sight of your tribe.