Top 11 Heartbreaking Netflix Cancellations That Left Fans Wanting More
Explore the list of top 11 Netflix original series that were canceled too soon, leaving behind disappointed fans and unresolved storylines. These shows had potential and a dedicated fanbase but were cut short for various reasons, including low viewership and high production costs.
11. Lockwood & Co.
Despite having only a single season, Lockwood and Co. won over audiences with its ghost-hunting teens and a fresh British take on the supernatural detective genre. With an enviable 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, it was clear that the show resonated with viewers, yet Netflix decided not to proceed with a second season. The show's premature end left its fans yearning for more adventures in the eerie streets of London, where the charismatic trio fought off specters and solved paranormal mysteries.
Lockwood, Lucy, and George walk forward in Lockwood & Co.
10. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance brought back the magic of puppetry and continued the saga of Jim Henson's 80s classic. The series was a visual feast, featuring the Gelflings' valiant fight against the nefarious Skeksis. Its cancelation after just one season was a blow to fans of the franchise and lovers of puppetry, leaving many fantasy narratives from the rich lore of Thra unexplored.
Princess Tavra in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
9. Santa Clarita Diet
Drew Barrymore's return in the horror-comedy Santa Clarita Diet was a hit, with the show combining gory humor and a captivating plot about a suburban realtor turned cannibal. Despite its originality and the chemistry among the cast, including Timothy Olyphant, Liv Hewson, and Skyler Gisondo, the show was axed after three seasons. Fans were left craving more of the show's unique blend of laughs and scares.
Drew Barrymore drinks blood with a straw in Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix
8. The Society
The Society took viewers on a mysterious journey with its story of teenagers in West Ham, Connecticut, crafting a new life after the disappearance of the city's inhabitants. The show's mix of drama, mystery, and survival struck a chord with its audience. What made its cancellation particularly heartbreaking was the initial announcement of a second season, which got scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the series' fate forever unknown.
Closeup of Allie from the Society with characters from the show in the background.
7. Warrior Nun
Warrior Nun emerged as a modern tale of supernatural heroics, following an orphaned teen who discovers her destiny as a demon-hunting nun. The show, which saw significant improvement in its second season, was unceremoniously canceled as part of Netflix's wave of cuts, particularly affecting shows with strong female leads and queer representation. The series had just begun to hit its stride, melding action, character development, and a mythos that had great potential.
Sarah Catherine Hook as Juliette and Imani Lewis as Calliope in First Kill and Alba Baptista as Ava and Kristina Tonteri-Young as Beatrice in Warrior Nun
6. Sense8
Sense8 offered a gripping narrative of eight psychically connected strangers, crafted by the visionary Wachowski sisters. The show was a melting pot of culture, emotion, and suspense, but it was cut short after two seasons. In a rare move, Netflix allowed for the creation of a feature-length finale, somewhat satisfying the audience's hunger for closure. Despite this, the show's diverse cast and in-depth exploration of human connectivity left viewers longing for more.
Sense8_4
5. I Am Not Okay With This
I Am Not Okay With This, based on a graphic novel, was a more grounded high school drama on Netflix, offering a raw look into the life of Sydney Novak as she grapples with her telekinetic powers. The show's relatable narrative and exploration of adolescence were overshadowed by other Netflix hits, leading to its cancellation after just one season. Fans were left to ponder the untapped potential of Sydney's story and the personal challenges she might have faced.
Sydney and Stanley walking in I am Not Okay With This.
4. Mindhunter
Mindhunter was a masterful crime drama that delved into the minds of serial killers, with a gripping narrative produced by David Fincher. The show's detailed period setting and complex character portrayals won critical acclaim, but Netflix decided not to renew it after two seasons. The decision to cancel Mindhunter left a void in the crime drama genre on the platform, with fans still craving the intense psychological investigations that the series expertly delivered.
mindhunter-season-3-story-events-killers-predictions
3. Archive 81
Archive 81's unique blend of horror and mystery made it stand out on Netflix, telling the chilling tale of a film restorer uncovering an evil within his work. After a single season that set up a complex and intriguing narrative, fans were eager to dive deeper into the show's dark lore. Unfortunately, the second season was never realized, leaving viewers with unanswered questions and a hunger for the suspense that only Archive 81 could provide.
Melody holding a camera in Archive 81
2. Tuca & Bertie
Tuca & Bertie brought a vibrant and irreverent animated world to life, featuring two best friends navigating their way through life's trials and tribulations. The show's ability to address serious topics with humor and heart made it a standout series. Even though Tuca & Bertie was canceled by Netflix after one season, it found a new home on Adult Swim, giving fans a glimmer of hope that their favorite animated birds would continue to soar.
Tuca & Bertie Netflix
1. The OA
The OA was a unique science fiction drama that captivated viewers with its mysterious and emotionally charged narrative. The story of Prairie Johnson, who re-emerges with newfound abilities and a complex backstory, was cut short after two seasons. Fans went to extraordinary lengths to save the show, including billboards and hunger strikes, but Netflix stood by its decision to cancel. The abrupt end to The OA's profound storytelling left a deep impact on its audience.
Kingsley Ben-Adir and Brit Marling in The OA Part II Netflix
Honorable Mention: 1899
1899's intricate tale of European immigrants aboard the enigmatic vessel Kerberos captivated audiences with its blend of period drama and supernatural intrigue. Holding the number two spot in viewership during its debut week, it seemed to have a promising future. Yet, Netflix chose to end the series on a cliffhanger after just one season. The decision was met with widespread frustration, as the show's mystery and atmosphere had set the stage for an epic continuation.
Maura (Emily Beecham), Daniel (Aneurin Barnard), and Eyk (Andreas Pietschmann) in 1899
