Netflix reportedly wrote off $55 million on Conquest, a science-fiction series that was never completed for release. That figure describes the overall unfinished project, according to TheWrap’s 2023 reporting. It is separate from the $11 million additional payment that prosecutors said Carl Erik Rinsch diverted—and that became central to his criminal case. Rinsch was convicted in December 2025 and sentenced to 2½ years in prison in June 2026, according to the Associated Press.
What was Netflix’s Conquest?
Conquest was a science-fiction series developed by writer-director Carl Erik Rinsch. It was originally titled White Horse. TheWrap described its premise as involving artificial humans called “Organic Intelligent.” The series was never completed for release; it did not air, and no completed season exists.
TheWrap reported that Netflix became involved after the project was already in production. It said Rinsch used funding to complete six short pieces, each reportedly four to 10 minutes long, to pitch streamers on a 120-minute, 13-episode season. Those production details are TheWrap’s account, not independently audited production records.
Why did Netflix write off $55 million?
In November 2023, TheWrap reported that Netflix wrote off $55 million on the unfinished project. Netflix said it had provided additional funding and other support after becoming involved partway through production, but ultimately concluded Rinsch would not finish the agreed series. A Netflix spokesperson told TheWrap: “’Conquest’ was brought to Netflix partway through production. We gave substantial additional funding and other support to help complete the series. After a lot of time and effort, it became clear that Mr. Rinsch was never going to complete the project he agreed to make and so we wrote the project off.”
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TheWrap reported that Netflix suspended funding in March 2021. Its $55 million figure is a reported write-off for the overall unfinished project; it is not the amount at the center of the later criminal conviction.
How the $11 million criminal case differed from the write-off
According to prosecutors’ account as reported by the Associated Press, Netflix paid about $44 million for the unfinished White Horse project in 2018 and 2019. Prosecutors said Netflix sent another $11 million in 2020 after Rinsch said more money was needed to finish the project. They alleged he diverted that additional payment to a personal account and used it for investments and personal purchases. Trial testimony, as summarized by AP, also addressed the diversion and spending.
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The $44 million and $11 million describe payments in the prosecution’s account; the $55 million is TheWrap’s reported write-off for the larger unfinished project. The figures are related to the same production, but they are not interchangeable, and the criminal case concerned the separate additional payment.
What happened in the criminal case?
Rinsch was convicted in December 2025 of wire fraud, money laundering and other charges, AP reported. His attorney, Benjamin Zeman, called the verdict wrong and said it “could set a dangerous precedent for artists who become embroiled in contractual and creative disputes with their benefactors.” That was the defense’s response to the verdict, not the court’s characterization of the case.
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On June 29, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff sentenced Rinsch to 2½ years in prison. AP reported that prosecutors said he owed about $11 million in restitution. At sentencing, Rinsch apologized and acknowledged that “real harm was caused.” Judge Rakoff said Rinsch’s mental-health difficulties “may explain some of the excesses” but did not “detract from the court’s conclusion that he was determined to lie to get substantial monies from Netflix, lie to cover it up.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Netflix get its money back?
AP reported an approximately $11 million restitution obligation at sentencing, but that does not establish that Netflix has collected the money. The available reporting does not establish the status of any collection or later appeal. Separately, TheWrap reported in 2023 that Rinsch claimed Netflix owed him $14 million in a contract and arbitration dispute, while Netflix denied owing him money; the later status of that separate dispute is not established here.
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