Credit: NetflixNetflix is no stranger to shaking up its content catalog, from launching original series that become global phenomena to making decisions that have left fans scratching their heads.
Recently, the hashtag #NetflixCancels has gained traction on social media, with fans voicing their frustrations over series they believe were unjustly canceled before they had a chance to fully thrive. These cancellations often come as a surprise, especially for shows with growing fanbases, and many have been left wondering why Netflix pulls the plug so early.
Here’s an in-depth look at some of the most talked-about shows that Netflix canceled prematurely, as highlighted by fans across social media.
Cursed (2020)
Cursed was a reimagining of the Arthurian legend, centering on Nimue, a young woman destined to become the Lady of the Lake. Starring Katherine Langford, it gained attention for its visually stunning world and its fresh take on classic mythology.
Despite a promising premise and a growing audience, Netflix canceled Cursed after only one season. Fans of fantasy were devastated, particularly because the show’s first season left viewers with many unanswered questions and potential for much more.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
A prequel to the beloved 1982 film The Dark Crystal, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance captivated both old and new fans with its breathtaking puppetry, visuals, and intricate storytelling. The series was critically acclaimed, even winning an Emmy Award.
Yet, Netflix canceled the show after just one season, leaving fans furious and heartbroken. The decision was particularly shocking, given the legacy of the original movie and the show’s potential to grow even further. Many have since taken to social media, calling for another network or platform to pick up the story.
I Am Not Okay With This (2020)
Based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman, I Am Not Okay With This followed the life of Sydney, a teenage girl grappling with high school drama, personal struggles, and newfound superpowers.
The show, starring Sophia Lillis and Wyatt Oleff, struck a chord with audiences, offering a blend of coming-of-age storytelling and supernatural elements.
Despite positive reviews and a fanbase eagerly awaiting the next season, Netflix canceled the show after its first season, citing pandemic-related reasons. Fans continue to voice their disappointment, feeling that the series had only scratched the surface of its potential.
Imposters (2017-2018)
Imposters was a dark comedy about a con artist named Maddie who married people, stole from them, and disappeared, only for her past to catch up with her. The series was witty, unpredictable, and full of twists that kept viewers on their toes.
Despite the positive reception, Netflix canceled the show after two seasons. Fans had hoped for at least one more season to tie up loose ends, but they were left in the dark, leading to a surge of discontent on social media.
First Kill (2022)
A supernatural teen drama that blended romance and vampire lore, First Kill followed a story between a vampire named Juliette and a vampire hunter named Calliope. With its mix of supernatural action, the show attracted a dedicated fanbase.
However, Netflix abruptly canceled First Kill after just one season, despite its popularity. Fans were especially vocal about this decision, pointing out that the show had been performing well in viewership and had significant potential for future storylines.
October Faction (2020)
October Faction was a supernatural drama that followed monster hunters Fred and Deloris Allen as they battled evil forces while dealing with family drama. The show offered a blend of horror, action, and mystery, and though it wasn’t a mainstream hit, it gained a loyal following.
Despite the potential for further development, Netflix canceled October Faction after one season, much to the dismay of fans who felt the series deserved more time to grow.
The Order (2019-2020)
Blending magic, secret societies, and werewolves, The Order became a cult hit for fans of supernatural drama. The series followed Jack Morton as he uncovered dark family secrets and got involved in a war between magic practitioners and werewolves.
Its mix of humor, horror, and mystery had fans hooked, and after two successful seasons, many were eagerly anticipating the third. However, Netflix canceled The Order, leaving fans devastated and wondering about the future of their favorite characters.
The Letter for the King (2020)
A fantasy series based on the Dutch novel of the same name, The Letter for the King followed a young knight-in-training, Tiuri, who embarks on a perilous journey to deliver a secret letter to the king. The show had a lot of promise, appealing to fans of fantasy and adventure.
Despite its potential and solid reception, Netflix canceled the series after just one season, leaving fans of the genre yearning for more.
Why Does Netflix Keep Canceling Shows Early?
Many fans have speculated about the reasons behind Netflix’s seemingly hasty cancellations. The platform is known for heavily relying on algorithms and data-driven decisions, and it’s possible that many of these shows didn’t meet certain thresholds in terms of viewership or subscriber retention.
However, for fans, the lack of transparency around these cancellations feels frustrating, particularly when a show gains a passionate following or ends on a cliffhanger.
One of the other issues that arise is Netflix’s business model, which is different from traditional TV networks. Netflix typically produces and releases entire seasons at once, leading to a surge in binge-watching. However, if a show doesn’t immediately garner massive viewership numbers, it may be at risk of cancellation. This leaves even critically acclaimed or cult-hit series vulnerable to being axed.
The Ongoing Impact of #NetflixCancels
The #NetflixCancels hashtag highlights a growing frustration among Netflix subscribers, who feel that the platform’s rapid-fire cancellations are damaging its reputation. While Netflix continues to create original content at an impressive pace, fans are left wondering if it’s worth investing time in a new show, knowing it could be canceled prematurely.
For fans of the canceled shows listed above, the hope is that Netflix—or another platform—will reconsider some of these decisions, giving their favorite stories the proper closure they deserve. Until then, the #NetflixCancels trend seems to be a rallying cry for more transparency and better treatment of fan-favorite series.