Netflix Shows That Were Canceled Way Too Soon
No TV show, Simpsons aside, can run forever. Even series that garner critical acclaim can overstay their welcome or simply run out of momentum as actors and showrunners turn their attention to new projects.
However, some shows are cancelled abruptly, leaving storylines untold, potential unfulfilled, and cliffhangers unresolved. Rightly or wrongly, Netflix has acquired a bit of a reputation for cancelling shows way too early. Here are some of the best shows that were cut down in their prime.
KAOS (2024)
An imaginative, creative dark comedy rooted in the myths of ancient Greece starred Jeff Goldblum as Zeus. It sounds like a winning formula, but the uneven first season yielded mixed reviews.
KAOS saw an eight-episode first season, but Netflix evidently wasn’t pleased enough with the result to continue production. It was cancelled in 2024 after just one season.
Lockwood & Co (2023)
Lockwood & Co., based on the series of young adult novels, adapted its ample source material to create a compelling teen drama with a twist — the twist being that teens are being tasked with hunting ghosts.
It sounds like a slightly unusual but compelling show, and it was, consistently ranking in Netflix’s global top ten lists. While it was loved by critics, it wrapped up after just one season.
Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
The star power of Timothy Olyphant and Drew Barrymore led the way in the quirky horror comedy Santa Clarita Diet, which lasted for three seasons and thirty episodes on the streaming giant.
It was a clever, creative show that balanced gore with humor. Critics’ scores went up with each successive season, but Santa Clarita Diet never received a fourth season.
1899 (2022)
This mind-bending German sci-fi mystery had a big budget and strong cast, but became just another once-promising show that was cancelled after just one season.
The cancellation of 1899 was especially controversial, with TV critic Paul Tassi venting about “Netflix … actively stealing my time from me.” A fan petition to save the show garnered over 100,000 signatures.
Daredevil (2015-2018)
A Netflix series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe sounds like a winning formula, and Daredevil indeed received strong critical approval over its three seasons on Netflix.
While Daredevil likely had enough momentum to continue beyond its three seasons, fans were relieved that the show got a spin-off, The Punisher, which was also released on Netflix.
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
A grounded fictionalization of the early days of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, Mindhunter combined cinematic flair with compelling characters and was ranked by many as one of the best TV shows of 2017.
A slightly uneven second season encountered numerous delays and was released in 2019. Despite calls for the series to be renewed for a third season, it’s been dormant now for more than half a decade.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
A prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 film The Dark Crystal, this Netflix series serves as almost a rebuttal to modern CGI by featuring impressive puppetry.
Beyond the visual flair, the series tells a satisfying tale of epic fantasy that ties in neatly with its source material. As a prequel, though, it only has so much story to tell before delving into the events of the movie — and as such, this series only lasted for one season.
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
Based on the DC Comics series Dead Boys Detectives, this Netflix adaptation blended supernatural events, buddy comedy antics, horror and mystery into one satisfying package.
The series was in development hell for some time before Netflix acquired its rights and released it in April of 2024. Despite generally positive reviews, it was cancelled just four months after its release.
The Society (2019)
Another teen drama in a crowded field of teen dramas, The Society managed to stand out thanks to its strong casting and the mystery that underlies its plot.
A strong season earned renewal for a second season, but this was cancelled in the wake of the 2020 pandemic. It seems unlikely that The Society will ever come back.
The Get Down (2016)
The Get Down, a richly detailed period piece set amidst the backdrop of the hip-hop and disco scene of 1970s New York, was created by acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and premiered on Netflix in 2016.
The series was praised for its authentic atmosphere and strong soundtrack, but various aspects of the storylines were criticized. While there’s plenty to like about its first season, it was never renewed for a second.
Anne with an E (2017-2019)
A retelling of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books, this series was set firmly in the 19th century, while still finding ways to tackle more modern issues and themes.
The series was well received and produced 27 episodes over three seasons. While the original books provide plenty of source material for more storytelling, the show was axed after its third season.
Jessica Jones (2015-2019)
Along with Daredevil, Jessica Jones was another Netflix-Marvel collaboration that proved to be a massive success on the streaming platform.
Led by an electrifying Krysten Ritter in its lead role, the series was well received by critics and audiences alike. Its third season premiere was tempered by the announcement that the third season would be its last season. Talks to revive the series continue to this day.
Shadow and Bone (2021-2023)
An epic fantasy based on the books of author Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone featured strong world-building and acting, along with richly detailed set design.
The series was slow to build momentum, and while it earned a second season, it would be cancelled after this season in November of 2023.
The OA (2016-2019)
This series is centered around the intriguing premise of a young woman who resurfaces — with unusual powers — after being missing for seven years.
The mysterious show featured strong acting from lead and co-creator Brit Marling, and aired for two seasons, each spanning eight episodes. It was intended to have a plot that would last for five seasons, but it was cancelled on a cliffhanger after its second season.
GLOW (2017-2019)
This fun, fictionalized retelling of the real-life Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) promotion was full of ’80s glitz and had strong leads in Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin.
While the series was critically acclaimed and had been renewed for a fourth season, the COVID-19 pandemic halted filming and led to the cancellation of its fourth season. It’s a shame, as the series seemed to have plenty of momentum left.
