The 13 Most Shocking TV Cancellations of 2025 We’re Still Not Over
As with every year in the world of TV and streaming, viewers found themselves disappointed a few times with the announcement of show cancellations. There are 13 shows in particular that fans are still mourning in disbelief. Some are comedies and dramas that only got one glorious season before they were unceremoniously terminated. Despite quickly building a following among viewers and critics, the hopes and dreams of their sophomore season went up in smoke.
Then there are the even bigger shockers. The more well-established programs with multiple seasons under their belt that somehow still got axed by their respective networks, without any regard to the feelings of millions of fans. So what shows still have people teetering between heartache and outrage?
‘The Waterfront’ (Netflix)
Who doesn’t love a high-stakes family drama about a prominent clan that heavily dabbles in the criminal world? Well, apparently, Netflix didn’t love it. The streamer canceled the series after one season despite it ranking among the Global Top 10 for English-Language series. Ironically, though, Deadline sources allege the reason for the streamer’s shocking decision boiled down to Netflix not feeling “that the viewership and the completion rate were high enough to secure a renewal.” So fans will have to find solace in rewatching the eight episodes of season 1.
‘How to Die Alone’ (Hulu)
Natasha Rothwell proved to be comedy gold on the screen in a supporting role, exemplified in Insecure. So when she was placed front and center in her own series, How to Die Alone, her fans were thrilled. Thankfully, she didn’t disappoint, as she was funny in the Hulu series, while telling a story that resonated with viewers and earned the respect of critics (its Rotten Tomato score is 92%). Ultimately, none of that proved to be enough to save the comedy from its canceled fate. It’s a real shame, as the season 1 finale ended with a big, dramatic moment that would have made excellent material for season 2.
‘The Residence’ (Netflix)
Practically no one would put Shonda Rhimes and canceled in the same sentence, and yet, Netflix canceled Shonda Rhimes’ murder mystery The Residence after one season. Despite Rhimes being an executive producer on the series and it being led by an all-star cast including Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, and Randall Park, the popular series had one big hurdle to overcome in securing a season 2. According to Deadline, the show cost a pretty penny to produce. It’s likely the streamer may have been unwilling to shell out a big budget for more episodes.
‘Boots’ (Netflix)
It almost feels like a grave offense that Boots is on this list, as it was the last project of the late great Norman Lear, a man with a resume in TV that’s arguably unrivaled. However, despite being a popular series among Netflix subscribers and a darling among critics, the plug was pulled on season 2. Although a firm reason wasn’t provided for the show being canned, it’s important to note that Boots was a topic of political controversy. But for Boots fans looking for their next show, Heated Rivalry on HBO Max may strike a familiar chord.
‘Bookie’ (HBO Max)
Despite Bookie being the brainchild of TV legend Chuck Lorre, the mega-producer behind shows like The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, and the HBO Max series scoring a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season, it unfortunately met its end with the conclusion of season 2. The comedy centered around Sebastian Maniscalco’s Colavito, a bookie trying to maintain his business in a world where gambling is legalized. Between the unique storyline, Maniscalco’s ability to bring his stand-up comedy roots to the screen, and the incredible list of guest stars (including Ray Romano and Charlie Sheen), viewers were hooked on the show. While HBO Max was very complimentary about the series in announcing its cancellation, a firm reason was not provided about why it wasn’t renewed.
‘English Teacher’ (FX)
In the crowded space of TV and streaming, FX’s English Teacher created a unique place of its own. Sure, it may draw comparisons to Abbott Elementary because it also focused on the trials and tribulations of teachers, but English Teacher had an edgier comedic take. The show pushed the boundaries to places that the mockumentary can’t with its airing on ABC. Sadly, the witty brilliance of the English Teacher won’t be seen in new episodes.
‘The Wheel of Time’ (Prime Video)
Time ran out for The Wheel of Time, being canceled after three seasons. The fantasy series captivated fans, showing an epic duel between light and dark in the world. While the storyline was whimsical, it was rivaled by the special effects and set, both of which were phenomenal. Heck, the production team behind the show even acquired a BAFTA nomination for their hard work. However, the powers that be at Prime Video didn’t back a fourth season. Series star and producer Rosamund Pike shared with Collider that she essentially believes the show was canceled in large part due to its rough start.
‘The Recruit’ (Netflix)
Both seasons of the spy thriller reached Netflix’s top ten and captivated fans as the rookie agent, Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo), made a name for himself in the CIA. His unconventional approach to working his cases and his novice experience made for some awkwardly entertaining scenes and must-watch moments. However, the drama may have been a little too similar to Netflix’s other high-octane spy-like thriller, The Night Agent. But who isn’t going to miss Owen annoying his counterparts?
‘Resident Alien’ (USA Network)
Resident Alien was a quirky sci-fi dramedy, telling the story of an extraterrestrial who arrived on Earth to destroy humanity, only to turn around and be humankind’s hero. It had a solid fan base during its run, and critics loved the series, as evidenced by its 98% Rotten Tomatoes score. Sadly, the show ended after four solid seasons.
Although many in the audience were shocked to find out season 4 would be the last, it doesn’t sound like show creator Chris Sheridan was all that surprised, telling The Hollywood Reporter that he saw “the writing on the wall.” Thankfully, because he and the other writers were so perceptive, the series ends on more of a complete note.
‘Night Court’ (NBC)
When the revival of Night Court premiered in 2023, it was a ratings hit for NBC, garnering over 7 million viewers for the premiere episode. Chalk that up to a combination of the nostalgia of the original and the nuance of the story in the reboot. However, its popularity seemed to wane over the course of three seasons, and the loyal fans found themselves disappointed when NBC chose to end the comedy. Additionally, while series star Melissa Rauch hoped to see it revived on another platform, that hasn’t manifested.
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