Canceled TV shows are par for the course in the streaming era of television, and manyNetflixoriginals have met early ends because of this harsh truth. Netflix releases many new TV seasons in any given year, so it’s not surprising that some of its titles end up under-performing and getting axed. Unfortunately, good shows with undeniable potential are also affected.
Andthe best Netflix shows that have been canceled present a sad reality about the streamer: sometimes, it jumps the gun when it comes to getting rid of series. Anew Netflix report even highlightsthe staying power of its originals, suggesting that its projects could use more time to find their audience and footing.
Alas, even if Netflix changed its approach to cancellations, there are incredible series that likely wouldn’t benefit from it. These great shows were cut short way too soon, and they’ll go down as the streamer’s biggest disappointments. And sadly, it’s probably too late to fix that.
Shadow and Boneshould have been much bigger— and longer — than it was, especially considering the quality ofLeigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse booksand their dedicated fan base. In addition to having an established audience,Shadow and Bonebenefited from a well-chosen cast and solid special effects, which helped give it a strong start.
Even with some significant book changes,Shadow and Boneseason 1 snagged an 89% onRotten Tomatoes, so renewing it was a no-brainer. Sadly,Netflix didn’t feel the same way about season 2. To be fair, the show’s sophomore season had more issues than the first and even greater book deviations. Even still, it was leagues better than a lot of fantasy fare.
AndShadow and Boneseason 2’s endingset the stage for an exciting third outing, especially with its Alina Starkov cliffhanger.It also could have given Netflix a great fantasy franchise, as the writers were hoping to produce a Six of Crows spinoff. Sadly,Netflix canceledShadow and Bonebefore any of this could happen, citing viewership numbers and costs.
Another Netflix original canceled after just two seasons isThe OA—andfans of the sci-fi series are still hopingit will make a comeback, even six years later. That tells you everything you need to know about the show’s quality, as it takes a truly great story to build such a dedicated viewership.
The OA’s cancellation sparked a fan campaign to bring the series back for season 3, but nothing ever came of it.
The OA’s incredible cast contributed to its cult following, but so did its bold twists and turns. The series' mysteries and its approach to unraveling them felt truly special, and it’s something few other series have recaptured. Netflix would have been wise to let this one play out, butthe streamer canceledThe OA, making it another casualty of viewership numbers that didn’t justify the budget.
The OAisn’t the only Netflix show to totally ensnare its audience, then be canceled and spark a fan campaign to save it.Sense8followed a similar trajectory, though its fan base had slightly better luck getting a proper ending. Its unique premise, which followed eight characters with an unexpected mental connection, made it stand out — but it was far from its only selling point.
Like any great SFF series,Sense8introduced mysteries that kept viewers pressing play on the next episode, all while getting them deeply invested in its large cast. Tragically, the series' following wasn’t big enough to warrant more seasons, so Netflix ended the show after season 2.The fan campaign did convince Netflix to release a special finaleto wrap up the show.
It’s sad to think of what it could have become, even if it’s a relief that fans received some closure.
Even so,Sense8could have been a much more sprawling story if given the chance. It’s sad to think of what it could have become, even if it’s a relief that fans received some closure.
Warrior Nunwas a surprise but welcome hit when it debuted in 2020, with the fantasy series introducing a badass cast of heroines dedicated to a demon-hunting group called the Order of the Cruciform Sword. Warrior Nun has so many complex and compelling female characters, including its lead, who is played to perfection by Alba Baptista.
The lore inWarrior Nunmanaged to put a unique spin on your typical supernatural show, and viewers got plenty of action and great twists from its first two seasons. Unfortunately,Netflix canceledWarrior Nunafter season 2, despite it accumulating a committed following.Warrior Nun’s fan campaign didn’t sway Netflix, butit did get a trilogy of movies greenlit— though the status of those isn’t clear.
One of the few series on this list to be canceled after just one season isI Am Not Okay With This,butthat says nothing of the Netflix show’s quality.I Am Not Okay With Thisboasts an impressive 86% onRotten Tomatoes, and it fully earns its praise through its heartfelt coming-of-age narrative.
I Am Not Okay With Thishandles the struggles of being a teenager incredibly well, tackling meaningful subjects like mental health and identity while telling a superhero story of sorts. It resonated with viewers, but unfortunately, not enough of them for Netflix to renew the show. It’s a bummer, asI Am Not Okay With Thishad serious potential.
This could have been one of the streamer’s best fantasy projects, if only it had been given more time to thrive.
The Netflix series' approach to Greek mythology was unique and refreshing, and its cast brought the narrative to life with an impressive amount of heart. Season 1’s ending set the stage for a gripping follow-up, butKaos' cancellation left viewers hanging. This could have been one of the streamer’s best fantasy projects, if only it had been given more time to thrive.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrinagot a longer run than most of Netflix’s canceled series, and it’s one of the rare shows that was axed for reasons beyond viewership numbers. Production delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed toChilling Adventures of Sabrinaseason 5 not happening. And it’s a shame, since demand was still there.
Even thoughChilling Adventures of Sabrinaseason 4 was arguably its weakest outing, the series had a dedicated audience who had grown attached to the characters and occult magic. Those viewers wanted a proper conclusion for the show, but they didn’t get the ending they deserved due to its cancellation.
The series could have had a run as long as its CW counterpart — and for a while, it actually seemed like it might.
Sure,Chilling Adventures of Sabrinacrossed over into Riverdale, an attempt at offering closure. However, the series could have had a run as long as its CW counterpart — and for a while, it actually seemed like it might.
The Netflix cancellation that still stings the most is that ofMindhunter,one of the streamer’s greatest shows. You only need to look at its near-perfect critic and audience scores onRotten Tomatoesfor proof of that. It’s no surprise both groups are united in regard toMindhunter,as its exploration of criminal psychology is masterfully done.
Its leads also helped sell the series, with Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany giving standout performances as Holden Ford and Bill Tench. Those who love crime shows will be hard-pressed to find another as well-crafted asMindhunter.Sadly,Netflix canceled it after season 2, as it was too expensive to keep making. Based on popularity and quality alone, theNetflixshow deserved a much longer run.
