The 13 Most Shocking TV Cancellations of 2025 We’re Still Not Over

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Like every year, TV and streaming fans were upset to see some shows cancelled. Thirteen shows, in particular, were cut short, leaving viewers shocked. These included comedies and dramas that only lasted one season. Despite gaining popularity with both viewers and critics, hopes for a second season never materialized.

But some cancellations were truly surprising. Even shows that had been on the air for several seasons, with a dedicated fanbase, were suddenly cut by their networks, leaving millions of viewers upset and frustrated. Which shows caused the biggest reactions of disappointment and anger?

‘The Waterfront’ (Netflix)


Netflix

Everyone enjoys a thrilling family drama, especially when it involves a powerful family with a dark side. Surprisingly, Netflix canceled one such series after just one season, even though it was a global hit and consistently ranked among its most popular English-language shows. According to Deadline, the streaming service didn’t believe enough people were watching and finishing the series to justify a second season. So, fans will have to be content with the eight episodes that were made.

‘How to Die Alone’ (Hulu)


Hulu

Natasha Rothwell was fantastic in supporting roles, like her work on Insecure, so viewers were excited when she got her own show, How to Die Alone. Thankfully, she delivered – the Hulu series was both funny and touching, connecting with audiences and earning high praise from critics (it boasts a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes). Despite all that success, the show was unfortunately canceled. It’s a shame, especially since the first season ended on a cliffhanger that could have led to a great second season.

‘The Residence’ (Netflix)


Netflix

Okay, so this is a shocker, even for me. You almost never hear Shonda Rhimes’ name and the word ‘canceled’ together, but Netflix actually pulled the plug on her series, The Residence, after just one season. I mean, she was an executive producer, and the show had a fantastic cast – Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Randall Park – you’d think that would be enough! But apparently, according to Deadline, it was just too expensive to make. Seems like Netflix wasn’t willing to spend the money needed for another season, which is a real shame.

‘Boots’ (Netflix)


Netflix

It’s disappointing to see Boots on the list of canceled shows, especially considering it was the final project from the legendary Norman Lear, a true pioneer in television. Despite being a hit with both viewers and critics on Netflix, the show wasn’t renewed for a second season. While Netflix didn’t give a specific reason, Boots did become a subject of political debate. For those who enjoyed Boots, Heated Rivalry on HBO Max might be worth checking out.

‘Bookie’ (HBO Max)


Max

Despite coming from the creator of hit shows like The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, Chuck Lorre, and receiving positive reviews – a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season – the HBO Max comedy Bookie was canceled after two seasons. The show followed Sebastian Maniscalco as Colavito, a bookie navigating the challenges of legalized gambling. It captivated audiences with its fresh premise, Maniscalco’s comedic talent, and appearances by well-known guest stars like Ray Romano and Charlie Sheen. HBO Max praised the series when announcing its cancellation, but didn’t offer a specific reason for not renewing it.

‘English Teacher’ (FX)


FX

FX’s English Teacher stood out from the many TV shows and streaming series available. While it shares some similarities with Abbott Elementary in its focus on the challenges faced by teachers, English Teacher offered a bolder and more unconventional sense of humor. Because it aired on FX, the show could take comedic risks that Abbott Elementary couldn’t on ABC. Unfortunately, viewers won’t be seeing any new episodes of this clever and funny series.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (Prime Video)


Prime Video

After three seasons, the fantasy series The Wheel of Time has been canceled. The show drew viewers in with its grand story of good versus evil, impressive special effects, and stunning visuals – the production even received a BAFTA nomination. Despite its strengths, Prime Video decided not to renew the series for a fourth season. Rosamund Pike, a lead actress and producer on the show, recently told Collider that she thinks the cancellation was largely due to a difficult beginning for the series.

‘The Recruit’ (Netflix)


Netflix

Both seasons of the spy thriller were a hit on Netflix, landing in the top ten and drawing viewers in with the story of new CIA agent Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo). The show was funny and exciting, thanks to Owen’s unique methods and inexperience. While it shared some similarities with another popular Netflix thriller, The Night Agent, many viewers will still miss Owen and his often-irritating interactions with his colleagues.

‘Resident Alien’ (USA Network)


Syfy

Resident Alien was a funny and heartwarming sci-fi show about an alien who came to Earth intending to wipe out humans, but ended up becoming their savior. It was a hit with both fans and critics – it earned a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – but unfortunately, it concluded after four seasons.

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Many viewers were surprised to learn season 4 would be the last, but show creator Chris Sheridan wasn’t completely shocked. He told The Hollywood Reporter he had a feeling it was coming. Luckily, he and the writers anticipated the ending, so the series wraps up with a satisfying conclusion.

‘Night Court’ (NBC)


NBC

The 2023 revival of Night Court started strong on NBC, attracting over 7 million viewers for its first episode. Its initial success was likely due to both fans of the original show and the quality of the rebooted series. Unfortunately, viewership declined over the three seasons it aired, leaving dedicated fans upset when NBC cancelled the comedy. Despite star Melissa Rauch’s hope for a continuation on a different streaming service or network, that hasn’t happened.

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2025-12-25 04:23