Five Netflix shows that were cancelled midway
Netflix is a dream theatre of entertainment, but not every dream is meant to be fulfilled. The OTT platform religiously brings heartbreak on its coattails every week with its set slate of departure arcs. But those are more or less on everyone’s bingo card. Then, some grievances exceed expectations and defy conventions, such as the treasure trove of shows that were cut short. History has it that numerous TV shows, spanning superhero blockbusters to chilling mysteries, were cancelled midway.
However, what sparks curiosity is the factors that play behind their brief stay on the streaming giant’s roster. Despite being one of the leading faces of the streaming era, the mogul has faced countless roadblocks, with some due to high production budgets, while others were courtesy of a dip in viewership ratings. In some cases, external factors such as the Covid-19 crisis also played a role.
Consequently, from pinnacle to pitfall, Netflix has truly seen it all. However, those affected majorly by those decisions were none other than the very loyal fan base. Hearts were broken, eyebrows were raised, but what was done couldn’t be undone.
So, if you’re interested in taking a trip down those thorny lanes, we’ve handpicked the five best Netflix shows that were cancelled midway.
Five fan-approved Netflix shows that were cancelled midway
The Punisher (Steve Lightfoot, 2017–2019)
Based on the Marvel Comics’ titular character, The Punisher is a Netflix TV series set in the MCU. Frank Castle, played by Jon Bernthal, is the star of the show who goes on a mission to unravel the conspiracies behind the death of his family after exacting revenge on those responsible. The Punisher ran for two seasons and was cancelled in February 2019.
In a statement, Netflix said, “Marvel’s The Punisher will not return for a third season on Netflix. Showrunner Steve Lightfoot, the terrific crew and the exceptional cast, including star Jon Bernthal, delivered an acclaimed and compelling series for fans, and we are proud to showcase their work on Netflix for years to come.” The decision came hot on the heels of Disney’s plans to launch Disney+.
Jessica Jones (Melissa Rosenberg, 2015–2019)
Based on the Marvel Comics superhuman Jessica Jones, Netflix’s Jessica Jones was also set in the MCU. The TV series is based on the character’s private investigator career following her cut-short superhero phase after the malevolent Kilgrave coerced her to take someone’s life. After he resurfaces, Jessica must do whatever she can to stop his evil forces. But as the seasons progress, new villains emerge, including Trish Walker, her adoptive sister. Jessica Jones aired for three seasons before being cancelled in February 2019, alongside The Punisher.
Speaking about its cancellation, Netflix declared, “We are grateful to showrunner Melissa Rosenberg, star Krysten Ritter and the entire cast and crew, for three incredible seasons of this groundbreaking series, which was recognised by the Peabody Awards among many others.”
The Irregulars (Tom Bidwell, 2021)
Loosely based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Irregulars is a mystery adventure crime drama series that follows a troupe of teenagers, the Baker Street Irregulars, who work for John Watson to save Victorian London from otherworldly crimes, while keeping up their search for Sherlock Holmes. The Irregulars received 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and also surpassed Disney+’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, reaching the summit of Nielsen’s Original Streaming Shows Charts. Then why was it cancelled?
Deadline announced the abrupt cancellation in May 2021; however, Netflix didn’t reveal a reason, leaving fans on a cliffhanger of a mystery unsolved.
1899 (Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, 2022)
Coming from Dark’s creators, 1899 is a multilingual German mystery sci-fi television series that piqued the interest of audiences worldwide. Set in 1899, the show follows a group of European immigrants aboard the steamship Kerberos, which was travelling to New York. But when the vessel encounters the abandoned Prometheus mid-sail, passengers begin to experience unsettling and unexplainable events.
1899 received rave reviews and yet was short-lived. According to multiple outlets, the low viewership ratings impacted its success on Netflix. It was definitely a hit show. However, it was not on par with its non-English competitors, such as All of Us Are Dead, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and The Marked Heart. In fact, the production cost, which was estimated at a whopping $60million, is also said to have played a role. South China Morning Post reported it was the most expensive series made in Germany.
Mindhunter (David Fincher, 2017–2019)
By far, the most devastating midway cancellation Netflix pulled off was with Mindhunter. The show is based on John E Douglas and Mark Olshaker’s 1995 true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. Set in the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the show revolves around FBI operatives Holden Ford, Bill Tench, and psychologist Wendy Carr, who run the behavioural science unit in the training division. Through interviewing serial killers, they launch a project to probe deep into the psyches of these criminals.
The first season has a 96% Rotten Tomatoes approval, while the second has a staggering 99%. Fincher announced its cancellation in a conversation with Forbes in 2023, stating, “I’m very proud of the first two seasons. But it’s a very expensive show, and in the eyes of Netflix, we didn’t attract enough of an audience to justify such an investment.” However, in a June 2025 conversation with CBR, actor Holt McCallany hinted at the possibility of three Mindhunter movies. Although the writers are yet to impress Fincher, with Netflix, one never really knows.