Netflix cancels The Get Down after just one season

It was the most expensive television series Netflix had ever made.

Now, it's been cancelled.

The streaming service has confirmed it has cancelled hip-hop origins story The Get Down after just one season.

With the first season split into two parts, the show cost a reported US$120 million ($170m) to make, but failed to connect with viewers.

Show creator Baz Luhrmann took to Facebook to confirm the news, admitting he struggled to split his time between movies and a TV show.

"When I was asked to come to the center of The Get Down to help realize it, I had to defer a film directing commitment for at least two years," he wrote.

"It kills me that I can't split myself into two and make myself available to both productions.

"I feel so deeply connected to all those who I have worked and collaborated with on this remarkable experience."

Other shows cancelled by Netflix include Marco Polo and Bloodline, the third and final season of which begins airing today.