6 Fantasy Show Cancellations That Still Make No Sense

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In the era of streaming services, it’s become all too frequent for television series to be canceled prematurely – particularly those falling under the genres of fantasy and science fiction. This could be due to their high production costs and large ensemble casts, leading many promising stories to be cut short or left hanging on frustrating cliffhangers. While some cancellations can be attributed to low viewership and unfavorable reviews, there are certain productions that have unexpectedly met their end.

In today’s TV landscape, it can seem illogical when popular shows with positive feedback get canceled, especially when networks and streaming services prioritize series that are proven to be profitable. This approach is rational, but it sometimes hinders promising shows from growing and finding their audience. Consequently, the cancellations of certain shows can spark frustration, and in some cases, the reasons behind these decisions feel hard to accept, even after they’re made public.

6. Shadow And Bone

Canceled After 2 Seasons

Despite generating a lot of anticipation, the cancellation of “Shadow and Bone” on Netflix is still seen as one of their biggest disappointments in the fantasy genre. Fans eagerly waiting for Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse books to be adapted were not disappointed with the first season, as Netflix put in considerable effort. Unlike some new fantasy shows with tight budgets, “Shadow and Bone” was a grand endeavor from the beginning, as evidenced by its impressive sets and cast, suggesting that Netflix considered it a significant investment.

The unexpected move by Netflix to cancel “Shadow and Bone” following season 2, reportedly due to low viewership figures, is quite astonishing. Despite a noticeable drop in quality during season 2, the series remained a popular topic of conversation with largely positive feedback (it garnered a fresh 78% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes). Given the immense affection for season 1, Netflix had the chance to revitalize it. Considering the strong fan response demonstrated by the campaign to reintroduce “Shadow and Bone”, it would have been prudent for Netflix to seize this opportunity, as the demand was clearly evident.

It appeared puzzling to many fans when Shadow and Bone season 3 was canceled, considering the backlash Netflix has received for terminating numerous original series. The possibility of continuing the storyline could have paved the way for an eagerly awaited spinoff based on the Six of Crows series, which only added to the disappointment. It seems that the streaming service may not have fully appreciated the potential success such a series could bring, but given the popularity of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows books, which are even more cherished than their prequels, not producing one more season and a spinoff was an error.

5. Lucifer

Canceled After 3 Seasons (But Brought Back)

Originally, Lucifer was among the uncommon fantasy shows that got canceled, but then found new life. Netflix granted the series the chance to conclude its story in a fitting manner. Initially, the first three seasons of Lucifer were broadcast on Fox, but the network decided to end the supernatural crime drama due to decreasing viewership and financial considerations (according to CBR). Although the drop in audience is undeniable, Lucifer developed a passionate fanbase during its tenure. Terminating the series without a satisfying conclusion was questionable on Fox’s part because it would have spared fans significant disappointment. At the very least, extending the show for one more season would have been a better choice.

Fortunately, Netflix intervened to extend Lucifer’s run, offering it three additional seasons before coming to an end. The fact that Lucifer managed to continue following its brush with cancellation indicates that its viewership wasn’t dramatically decreased, making Fox’s decision all the more puzzling. It seems beneficial that the series shifted to Netflix, though, as its quality seemed to enhance after the transition.

4. Warrior Nun

Canceled After 2 Seasons

Netflix appears to have let down their viewers with the cancellation of Warrior Nun, a decision that seemed puzzling given the circumstances. Despite the show no longer being among the most-watched on Netflix, it still managed to hold a place in the Top 10 for a while and kept a committed fanbase. Moreover, the marketing efforts for season 2 were minimal, which could have significantly impacted its popularity if increased promotion had been provided. (Source: Deadline)

Given another chance, the cancelled series Warrior Nun might have improved in its third season, especially with adequate marketing support. The first season was widely popular, while the second season garnered a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which unfortunately led to its demise. Although the ending of Warrior Nun’s second season wasn’t disastrous for the storyline, it would have been beneficial if Netflix had planned a more conclusive ending, even if that meant extending it for just one more season. This decision could have quelled fan outrage over the cancellation and allowed the series to end on a high note.

3. Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina

Canceled After 4 Seasons

Among all fantasy shows that Netflix decided to cancel, it was least clear why they chose to end “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” Despite already having four successful seasons on the platform and promising more, COVID-19 was cited as the reason for its cancellation. However, many other series faced production delays due to the pandemic but eventually came back later. Given the consistently favorable response to “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” it’s surprising that it didn’t manage to return like others. Additionally, the show’s controversial ending didn’t make things easier.

Sabrina Spellman’s entrance in Riverdale helped ease tensions somewhat, but the crossover between the two series could have been even more seamless if Chilling Adventures of Sabrina had been given another season on Netflix. Given the excitement surrounding this crossover, it was surprising when Netflix decided not to renew Sabrina for another installment. The decision to wrap things up without proper planning felt strange at the time and led to a great deal of frustration among fans.

2. The Wheel Of Time

Canceled After 3 Seasons

A relatively recent fantasy series cancellation that took many by surprise was “The Wheel of Time”, which wrapped up its third season on Prime Video in April 2025. Initially, “The Wheel of Time” faced mixed reactions during its first two seasons as an adaptation of Robert Jordan’s books. However, things appeared to be looking better towards the end of season 2. The third season of “The Wheel of Time” marked the series’ strongest performance yet, with the latest episodes earning a remarkable 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes — a significant improvement compared to seasons 1 and 2, which scored in the 80s.

I find it strange that Amazon Prime Video decided to cancel “The Wheel of Time” season 3, given its growing popularity among viewers. With a wealth of source material left untapped, the series had the potential to develop further and potentially become one of their most significant offerings. The renewal of “The Rings of Power,” which has also received mixed reactions, adds to the confusion, as both shows share similar audience feedback.

1. My Lady Jane

Canceled After 1 Season

Despite receiving exceptional praise and a high critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, My Lady Jane unfortunately did not continue for a second season on Prime Video. Even George R.R. Martin expressed disappointment at its early conclusion, but it appears the viewership figures didn’t reach the necessary level to guarantee another installment. However, with just one more season, the captivating story of My Lady Jane, based on the book by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows, could have been fully told.

It appears that a second season of “My Lady Jane” would have been ideal to wrap up the story and please fans, benefiting Amazon Prime Video with a completed fantasy series rather than one that ended prematurely. However, it seems that such an outcome wasn’t meant to be for this show due to its cancellation.

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2025-06-02 05:08