10 Cancelled Netflix Shows That We’re Still Mad About

As a long-time Netflix subscriber and devoted fan of many of their original series, I must say it’s always disheartening to see my favorite shows get cancelled. It feels like losing a dear friend who suddenly disappears without warning or explanation.

Being a binge-watcher myself, I can understand the economics behind these decisions but, as a consumer, I often find myself wondering if there isn’t a way for Netflix to keep their shows running a little longer. I mean, they have millions of subscribers and the production costs of these shows are relatively low compared to other forms of entertainment.

But hey, who am I to question the Netflix overlords? All I know is that my DVR is filled with episodes of cancelled series that I still can’t seem to get enough of. Maybe one day they’ll release a “Greatest Hits” collection and I can relive those moments once more!

(On a lighter note, I guess it gives me more time to catch up on the endless array of new shows being added to the platform. Oh, the irony!)

One strength of Netflix has consistently been producing shows that keep subscribers coming back for more. Streaming services like Hulu and Max also have compelling content, but the phrase “Netflix and chill” remains popular. Regrettably, another constant with Netflix is cancelling shows prematurely. When you consider all the TV series Netflix cancelled in 2024, it’s likely you’ll feel quite disheartened; nonetheless, these are ten Netflix originals that people around the world are still upset about no longer having access to.

Mindhunter

Originally launched in 2017 with great success, the gripping crime series “Mindhunter,” which explores the twisted minds of FBI agents investigating serial killers and violent criminals, received widespread praise from critics and viewers alike. However, four years after Season 2, fans were heartbroken to learn that their beloved show had been cancelled by the streaming service. In an interview, director David Fincher explained the reason behind its demise, stating that he refused to compromise on the quality of the series for any reason, including budget cuts. Rather than yielding to pressure and producing a third season, Fincher deemed it unwise. Netflix concurred, leaving fans still reeling from the cancellation.

GLOW

Initially airing on Netflix in 2017, the show GLOW captivated audiences right away. With Alison Brie playing the central character Ruth, the series is set in the ’80s and revolves around an actress struggling in Los Angeles who resorts to women’s wrestling due to a prolonged drought of acting opportunities. The show ran for three compelling seasons, earning a renewal for a fourth and concluding season, only for Netflix to later reconsider their decision.

Brie expresses profound disappointment over the cancellation of GLOW, describing it as a significant source of sorrow in her professional journey. It appears that the show’s termination was prompted by complications related to COVID-19. Many others share this deep sadness, as evidenced by vocal fans on social media expressing their own disappointment over the lack of renewal for additional seasons.

The Baby-Sitters Club

Ann M. Martin’s child-oriented books, introduced in the 1980s, have been cherished since their debut. The Netflix series, similar to the novels, centered around a gang of teenage girls starting their own babysitting venture within their community to generate income. However, after two seasons, the show unexpectedly concluded. In March 2022, showrunner Rachel Shukert finally spoke up about Netflix’s choice to cancel the series, disclosing that The Baby-Sitters Club’s viewership was overshadowed by Squid Game, which debuted simultaneously.

Ratched

As a dedicated enthusiast of chilling TV productions, I can’t help but sing praises for “Ratched”, a captivating prequel to the timeless One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which debuted in 2020. Starring Sarah Paulson in an eerie leading role, this series left fans eagerly anticipating its continuation. However, despite a two-season contract, the show unfortunately ran for just one season. Earlier in 2024, when a fellow fan asked me if there were plans for a second season, I was met with a straightforward “No”. Her expression of sorrow suggested that she shared my own disappointment over the series’ cancellation. Low viewership ratings are reportedly what led to its termination.

That ’90s Show

Originating as a sequel to “That ’70s Show,” “That ’90s Show” made its debut on Netflix in 2023, following a new set of teenagers in the ’90s, dealing with friendship, romance, and growing up. Although some familiar faces from the original cast were present, including Wilmer Valderrama, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, Topher Grace, as well as Kurtwood Smith and Debrah Jo Rupp reprising their roles as Red and Kitty Foreman, viewership for “That ’90s Show” wasn’t high enough to ensure its continuation.

The Society

In 2019, a series featuring Kathryn Newton premiered on Netflix. This series was centered around a gang of teenagers from Connecticut who found themselves in a contemporary adaptation of “Lord of the Flies.” Unfortunately, fans eagerly anticipating the show’s narrative progression were left disappointed when it was axed after just one season. Unlike other shows, its termination stemmed solely from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production costs. As safety measures had to be intensified, production expenses skyrocketed.

Santa Clarita Diet

The TV series “Santa Clarita Diet” revolved around a pair of prosperous real estate agents, played by Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, residing in a picturesque California coastal town. However, their tranquil existence is disrupted when Barrymore’s character undergoes an unusual transformation, leading her to develop an insatiable appetite for human flesh and blood. Although the show garnered praise from critics, it was unfortunately terminated due to escalating production costs, despite the cast and crew expressing their fondness for the program.

1899

1899 saw a band of immigrants traveling from London to New York, encountering perplexing hurdles on their ocean liner voyage. Low viewership and expensive production costs were the primary factors causing the series not to be renewed. In terms of exact figures, it was reported that many viewers tuned in for episodes 1 to 3, but there was a significant decrease in viewership from episodes 4 to 8. However, the cancellation of 1899 continues to irk Netflix viewers.

American Vandal

Without a doubt, one of the most hilarious series streaming on Netflix is American Vandal. Reminiscent of a genuine crime documentary’s tone, this show is actually a humorous fictional production centered around a mischievous teenager falsely accused and expelled for graffiti he swears he didn’t create. Unfortunately, due to a reported move towards internal productions, was terminated by Netflix before reaching Season 3. Despite this, the intriguing “who-done-it” plot of both seasons makes it a binge worth your time.

Travelers

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reflect on the sci-fi series “Travelers” that premiered on Netflix in 2016. This captivating show followed a band of time travelers from the future who intertwined with contemporary society, issuing cryptic warnings to unsuspecting individuals. Despite the intriguing premise, the show failed to sustain its momentum, ultimately falling short of justifying the production costs relative to viewership. Consequently, the series came to an end after completing its third season.

2025-01-02 00:10