The 11 Best Canceled Netflix Shows

While there are numerous ways to characterize Netflix original series, calling them “long-running” isn’t accurate. Instead, these productions can be likened to quick-burning candles, as they often have brief run times compared to traditional broadcast or cable network shows. Frequently, highly praised Netflix projects struggle to extend beyond a single season, even though they may have dedicated fanbases. Despite the fact that viewers consume numerous seasons of older series like “Suits” on Netflix, the platform has consistently prioritized shorter runs for its original productions.

On this platform, fresh content is constantly being introduced, but it usually doesn’t last very long. This implies a large number of Netflix TV shows were canceled before their time, and many have already faded into obscurity due to their mediocre quality. Do you remember the comeback of “The Crew,” for example?

Many popular Netflix original series that were cut short continue to tug at viewers’ heartstrings, even years after their conclusion. These discontinued series still maintain dedicated fanbases and occasionally spark social media movements aiming for a revival. Despite fewer episodes than desired by either the audience or the creative team, these canceled Netflix shows remain cherished as unique gems. The quality of the 11 best terminated Netflix shows cannot be overshadowed by hasty cancellations or truncated seasons mandated by Netflix executives.

1899

As an enthusiast, I can personally attest that stepping into America as an immigrant is already a daunting task, but “1899” adds another layer of intrigue to this unique journey. Co-created by Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, the series follows the tale of immigrants from London sailing across the vast ocean to America in 1899, only to find themselves entangled in a perplexing enigma onboard a missing vessel. Upon its debut, the show was praised by critics for its creatively surreal portrayal of harsh immigrant experiences and sparked a passionate fanbase eager to decipher its mysteries. With the finale leaving viewers hanging on a thought-provoking cliffhanger, hinting at future seasons offering fresh paths for the characters, “1899” appeared destined to become an enduring success for Netflix.

In early 2023, the series “1899” was unexpectedly canceled, causing a significant uproar among viewers. The abrupt ending was particularly controversial due to the open-ended nature of its final scene, leaving fans who had grown obsessed with the intricate details of the show’s narrative without any resolution. Despite fan’s pleas, “1899” was not picked up by another streaming service, and its cancellation continues to be a source of frustration for many. Some even view it as evidence that Netflix shows are difficult to grow attached to, given that even popular series with potential for multiple seasons can be abruptly canceled.

Mindhunter

It’s evident that David Fincher enjoys his collaboration with Netflix on original films and shows, as he has consistently agreed to multi-year deals with the streaming platform. However, it seems unlikely that Netflix will revive Fincher’s TV series “Mindhunter.” Spanning 19 episodes from 2017 to 2019, “Mindhunter” followed two FBI agents in the late ’70s as they initiated a program to interview imprisoned serial killers. The show received critical acclaim and Emmy nominations during both seasons, suggesting that it had potential for an extended run. Given the abundance of notorious serial killers who could have been featured in subsequent episodes, it appeared that Netflix would keep “Mindhunter” going as long as they desired.

Initially thought to be a brief pause, the series “Mindhunter” ultimately came to an end permanently. In 2023, David Fincher confirmed that there would be no Season 3 due to financial concerns. Netflix decided that the production, with its period setting and unique cinematography, was too expensive compared to the return it would bring. To fill the void left by “Mindhunter”, Netflix produced other serial killer shows like Ryan Murphy’s “Monster” series post-2019. Moreover, the main cast and crew of “Mindhunter” were all occupied with different projects, making future seasons impossible. Even Fincher’s close ties to Netflix couldn’t prevent the show from being canceled by the streaming giant.

GLOW

Initially, “GLOW”, the series centered around female wrestlers in the ’80s, was almost ready to wrap up its story. Earlier, Netflix approved a fourth season for “GLOW”, which would also serve as the final chapter. However, the plans to film this season were halted when the entertainment industry was shut down due to COVID-19 in March 2020. Since scripts had been written and an episode shot, fans of “GLOW” saw no cause for concern about the show being abruptly canceled. Regrettably, by October 2020, it was announced that Netflix had indeed canceled “GLOW”, despite the earlier renewal and production on Season 4 already underway.

The difficulties in filming a wrestling show due to COVID-era regulations made it extremely challenging to continue “GLOW,” leading Netflix to decide it was more beneficial to cancel the series and invest in new content instead, rather than prolong its run. This sudden cancellation left the key creators of the show, particularly Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin, deeply disappointed. Even two years after the news broke, Brie expressed that she continued to miss and mourn the premature ending of “GLOW.” It seems that not even an official renewal can shield a series from being canceled by Netflix in the face of real-world problems.

American Vandal

2017’s “American Vandal” differs from many other Netflix-produced series in that it wasn’t a high-budget production featuring big names and grandiose production values. Instead, it was a satire of true-crime documentaries starring relatively unknown actors, without the aid of a well-known brand to draw viewers. This show, “American Vandal,” eventually earned a reputation for its keenly witty humor, particularly because of its detailed mockery of the type of crime shows Netflix produces in large numbers.

The comedy series “American Vandal,” which debuted on Netflix, gained such significant popularity that it led to a second season release in September 2018. Given its cost-effective production and massive audience appeal, it’s plausible to envision a future where this show remained on the platform for an extended period. If true-crime documentaries continue to thrive in popularity, why not capitalize on the market for spoofs within this genre as well?

After the exciting release of American Vandal Season 2, I was eagerly waiting for more laughs and mysteries to unfold. However, a month later, my hopes were dashed when Netflix decided to axe the show. Despite initial attempts to secure a new streaming platform, these plans never seemed to materialize.

Netflix never publicly explained why American Vandal came to an abrupt end, but it wasn’t alone in its fate. In 2018 and 2019, several Netflix comedies, including Friends from College, Disjointed, Girlboss, and The Good Cop, were cut short at either one or two seasons. It seems that American Vandal might have been a casualty of Netflix’s waning interest in long-term comedy series during the late 2010s.

Tuca and Bertie

Following her successful stint as the character designer for the critically acclaimed Netflix series “BoJack Horseman”, Lisa Hanawalt decided to expand her horizons and develop her own Netflix animated program. “Tuca and Bertie” debuted on the platform in 2019, garnering immediate praise. Initially, it seemed that “Horseman” and “Bertie” would be the flagship adult-oriented animation productions of Netflix; however, sadly, “Tuca and Bertie” did not last long.

Two months following its premiere, the series “Tuca and Bertie” was unfortunately canceled. This decision sparked a significant wave of dissent, along with insightful analysis on the lack of marketing Netflix gave to the show. Additionally, the scarcity of new animated shows from Netflix created by and primarily run by women fueled more controversy surrounding the show’s termination.

Generally speaking, many Netflix shows conclude their stories without a second chance. Promises of reviving canceled programs often prove unfulfilled. However, “Tuca and Bertie” bucked the trend by finding a new home on Adult Swim, where it continued for an additional two seasons. Although it didn’t last as long as shows like “The Simpsons” or “Bob’s Burgers,” at least “Tuca and Bertie” had another day to fight. Despite this positive outcome, the initial cancellation by Netflix still hurts, particularly because it was so sudden. The creativity and vivid visuals of creator Lisa Hanawalt deserved more than that abrupt end.

The Get Down

It wasn’t expected for most Netflix series that they would be canceled. However, the fate of “The Get Down,” a single-season program, was more predictable. This show, directed by Baz Luhrmann, was one of Netflix’s initial original productions and was perceived as another collaboration between an acclaimed director and a daring concept, similar to David Fincher with “House of Cards” or Eli Roth with “Hemlock Grove.

Initially when “The Get Down” started airing its initial episodes in 2016, the news articles were more focused on the sky-high production costs instead of the show’s quality. Subsequent reports suggested that the first season alone had cost Netflix a minimum of $190 million, with additional expenses expected during post-production.

Instead of focusing on “The Get Down” due to budgetary issues and a lack of immediate popularity in 2016, Netflix opted to invest in other successful original series like “Stranger Things.” Regrettably, nine months after its debut, “The Get Down” was canceled. However, over time, the show garnered a passionate fanbase due to its innovative musical and visual elements, as well as a talented cast including Justice Smith and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Although it didn’t achieve mainstream success like a top radio hit, “The Get Down” still attracted viewers who appreciated its unique rhythm.

Dead Boy Detectives

Following the release of “The Sandman” as a Netflix original series in 2022, a spin-off titled “Dead Boy Detectives” debuted on the streaming platform in 2024, featuring Kirby Howell-Baptiste reprising her role as Death from “The Sandman.” As the title suggests, this show focuses on two ghosts who choose to spend their afterlife solving earthly paranormal crimes. These characters have been featured in numerous graphic novels and comics since they were first introduced in April 1991, which made a long-running series like “Dead Boy Detectives” seem plausible, considering the number of detective shows that last for multiple seasons.

In August 2024, exactly four months after its debut, it was officially confirmed that the series “Dead Boy Detectives” would not be returning due to low viewership ratings. This was a stark contrast to other genre shows on Netflix in the 2020s. Some have suggested that the show’s cancellation might be linked to Neil Gaiman, one of its co-creators and the original source material author.

Amidst multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against Neil Gaiman, Netflix might have chosen to distance itself from the author. Regardless of the motive, fans who embraced the series will forever cherish its brief brilliance. Despite only having one season, “Dead Boy Detectives” received a lot of positive acclaim, ensuring it lives on beyond Neil Gaiman’s image.

Sense8

Regardless of where you meet them, lifelong friends can be found among even seven strangers bound together through extraordinary circumstances. This is the foundation of “Sense8,” a captivating sci-fi series that lives up to its creators Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s reputation for the extraordinary. The show follows eight individuals (hence the name) from all over the globe who suddenly discover they can communicate telepathically with each other. As they unravel the mysteries of their newfound connection, a dangerous organization watches from the shadows, plotting to eliminate them all.

The program not only showcased the epic sci-fi flair of the Wachowski sisters, but also demonstrated Netflix’s capacity to produce television series beyond U.S. borders. The creatively captivating narrative of “Sense8” traveled to various locations worldwide, resulting in each episode being distinctly unique from the others.

The series ‘Sense8’, similar to other productions by the Wachowski siblings like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Speed Racer’, garnered a passionate fan base. However, two years after its debut in June 2017, Netflix decided to end the show. The main reason behind this cancellation was financial; ‘Sense8’ was an expensive production and, despite its rich lore and intricate storylines, it didn’t have a large viewership. Fans of ‘Sense8’, demonstrating their unwavering devotion, attempted to save the show, but to no avail. Following a TV movie finale, ‘Sense8’ concluded its run. Nevertheless, its influence can still be felt in subsequent Netflix productions set across various countries and languages, as well as among its dedicated fan base.

Everything Now

From my perspective, if a topic isn’t discussed, it might as well not exist, which can unfortunately diminish complex lives and add to the stigma surrounding individuals grappling with profound psychological challenges. Regrettably, much of popular culture often overlooks sensitive issues like anorexia nervosa in a nuanced manner. However, in 2023, a remarkable program called “Everything Now” emerged, shedding light on this disorder by following teenager Mia Polanco (portrayed by Sophie Wilde) as she navigates her way back to normalcy after a hospital stay focused on her battle with anorexia.

Watching ‘Everything Now’ isn’t a breeze, but it’s precisely this challenge that makes it captivating. It offers a raw, fragmented portrayal of not only the struggle with anorexia, but also the contemporary turmoil faced by teenagers. Characters like Mia are given the depth to be multidimensional individuals, not defined solely by their disorders. This doesn’t mean she has to be perfect to evoke empathy and keep viewers engaged.

The final product turned out to be an intriguing television series, yet it could have been excessively graphic and raw for a large number of viewers. Despite the concept being designed for long-term broadcast, “Everything Now” was abruptly cancelled after only one season. This surprising decision was made even though scriptwriting for a second season had already started. However, despite its short run of eight episodes, the series’ commitment to highlighting lives often overlooked in society remains significant.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

contemporary pop culture references derived from iconic 1980s films are plentiful, but “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” stands out because it wasn’t just a rehash of the original “Dark Crystal.” Instead, “Age of Resistance” brought new life and character to the previously rigid and formal “Dark Crystal” universe.

The full potential of Jim Henson’s fantasy realm was fully actualized in this remarkable upgrade over the 1982 “Dark Crystal” film. This achievement was complemented by exceptional puppetry, skillfully showcased by director Louis Leterrier using groundbreaking camera techniques, never before seen in a series centered around felt creatures. Under Leterrier’s direction and countless talented artisans, the realm of Thra has never felt so tangible.

Originally hailed as a remarkable creative achievement during its brief nine-episode run, “Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” seemed to foretell grim narrative paths in its final episode. Sadly, in late 2020, the series was dealt a crushing blow when Netflix announced its termination. It appeared that expenses for this intricate production had spiraled so high that, coupled with subpar viewership, Netflix opted against additional seasons, leaving fans disheartened to learn that a platform like Netflix can prolong “The Ranch” for 80 episodes while abruptly ending the impressive “Age of Resistance” after only ten.

BoJack Horseman

In contrast to many Netflix shows that stretch out like movies into unbearable lengths, “BoJack Horseman” stood out by presenting each episode as a unique piece with distinct settings or narrative twists. From underwater silent stories to BoJack at a podium delivering his mother’s eulogy, the show explored various directions including episodes set in the afterlife or delving into characters’ past memories. This creative approach mirrored the audacity of the series as it tackled complex themes like alcoholism and abusive behavior within its titular character’s storyline.

The animated series “BoJack Horseman,” which aired on Netflix for six seasons, could have continued longer according to its creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg. However, it was ultimately Netflix executives who decided to end the show after season 6, not because the creators ran out of ideas for BoJack’s antics. Despite ending a few seasons early, the final episodes of “BoJack Horseman” delivered a powerful and memorable conclusion, solidifying its status as one of the greatest TV shows of the 21st century. Even though it’s been off the air for years, the impact of “BoJack Horseman” remains strong in the minds of viewers.

2025-02-16 00:31