The TV landscape can be a brutal and savage battlefield. Fighting for viewers, critical praise, and awards all fuel the decision-making processes behind some of the most unpopular choices. Profitability is also of great importance, so if a show does not perform as expected, it’s as good as gone. While networks tend to allow some shows to marinate, and either let them get through the season or find an audience, a lot of streamers have been known to ax shows after only a few days of release, making us worry aboutTV shows that will potentially be canceled.
If a show isn’t immediately at the top of the daily views, it’s in trouble. This happened withKaosandMy Lady Janein 2024, despite some great reviews and a vocal fan base. This year has already seen a few popular show cancellations, despite it only being a few months in, witheven more TV shows at risk of being canceled in 2025. While some have come to their natural conclusions and will see their stories play out, others have been unceremoniously dismissed. While many might not have been able to generate enough of a viewership to get more time, those who did watch and enjoy them are always the ones who, unfortunately, lose.
There was a point when Amy Schumer was Hollywood’s comedy golden girl, and her particular brand of humor seemed to resonate with a lot of people. But, like with many stars, this period of prosperity did not last forever. After taking some time away, the multi-hyphenate was back with a new comedy-drama that she wrote and created. The idea was close to her heart, as it follows a woman who seemingly has it all, but uproots her whole life as she revisits her past.
The show managed to end in a way that feels right and wraps up enough of the story to feel complete.
With plenty of laughs and a good dose of heart, the show was actually very well received by critics, with season 1 averaging 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and season 2 receiving 89%. But, unfortunately, the viewers did not follow suit, and the show was not renewed for a third season. While there was potentially more to be explored with the characters, the show managed to end in a way that feels right and wraps up enough of the story to feel complete.
Noel Fielding first found fame as a very quirky comedian and co-creator of the cult comedy sketch show,The Mighty Boosh. It was surreal and wacky, and showcased his comedic talent to perfection. He has been a staple on the stand-up circuit and has worked steadily as an actor and writer. His most high-profile project, which became a transatlantic sensation, wasThe Great British Baking Show, which he has been presenting since 2017.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpinwas to be his first high-profile starring role in years, and was developed for the huge streamer, Apple TV. The first season was critically acclaimed and struck a chord with viewers who appreciated its quirkiness and off-beat humor. There was a host of great UK talent that included Hugh Bonneville, Asim Chaudhry, and Tamsin Greig. But the adventures were cut short, and six episodes are all that remain of this unique idea.
This comedy-drama had a tumultuous journey to the screen. After changing networks multiple times, it ended up being released on Prime Video. It’s a story of an estranged family reconnecting after many years, and a father learning that his child is now a proud transgender woman, portrayed by co-creator Laverne Cox. Set in Alabama, it addresses a lot of important discussions about various social issues with a mix of humor and heart.
With a similarly idyllic if conservative take on the American South asHart of Dixie,Clean Slatewas able to create a safe space that often made viewers feel warm inside, with a message of overarching positivity. Cox shone in her role, as she brought heaps of charm and charisma in the lead role, and her chemistry with her on-screen dad, George Wallace, was great to watch. With 89% on the Tomatometer, the show certainly had a lot more to give, and perhaps it will one day get another chance on another network.
Dystopian and post-apocalyptic shows tend to resonate with audiences, with titles likeFalloutandThe Last of Usmaking waves on the airwaves. But it seems that perhaps the oversaturated market has made viewers more discerning, and production companies much more wary. Yvonne Strahovski was no doubt hoping to have another hit series lined up afterThe Handmaid’s Talecomes to an end in 2025, but it was not to be withTeacup.
This horror-leaning show had a lot of promise, with some interesting mysteries and some genuine scares.
The start was strong, but the expansion of the sci-fi elements was where some of the storyline faltered. Scott Speedman’s return to a leading role was a welcome one, and the supporting cast gelled very well together. While audiences might never find out what happens next, having a mystery remain a mystery has a bit of poetic justice to it.
Citadel: Diana
Cast
The sequel series to Prime Video’s 2022 spy thriller, Citadel: Diana follows a new cast of characters in the Citadel universe. Centered around the titular Diana, Matilda De Angelis stars as the new protagonist in the Italian branch of the organization.
Citadel: Honey Bunny
This spy action thriller, set in the ’90s, follows the origins of a clandestine spy agency, blending espionage with a touching love story. It delves into the agency’s foundation, covert operations, and rise to power.
Though technically two separate shows, they are both part of the same universe, and both ended up facing the same fate.Citadelwas a big success for Amazon Prime Video, despite its very hefty budget and less-than-favorable reviews. The streamer is known for its love of franchises, and clearly saw the spin-off potential in this high-octane world of espionage. WithReacherset for a similar treatment, it will be interesting to see if its spin-offs are more successful.
While bothCitadel: DianaandCitadel: Honey Bunnyintroduced some interesting characters and some enticing storylines, viewers decided that perhaps enough was enough. Some of the stories might get a resolution in the next season of the originalCitadel, but here’s hoping it doesn’t over-complicate an already complicated plot. Perhaps these cancellations serve as a lesson that there can be too much of a good thing.
Viewers have been showing their love of nostalgia for a while now, and as a result, there have been many reboots, revamps, and reimaginings. The originalCruel Intentionsmovie has become a cult classic since its 1999 release, with viewers old and new watching the salacious antics of a group of overprivileged New York teens. It is one of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s most iconic roles, and the supporting cast was nothing short of spectacular.
There seemed to be a gap for a stylish young adult show with an edge, and on paper, it seemed that this version ofCruel Intentionsfor the 21st century would be the one to fill it. But it was not to be. This updated version did not have the dynamism of the original, and failed to make much of an impact on streaming lists or with critics. While the show had some entertaining moments, and Sarah Catherine Hook’s talent is evident, rewatching the original seems like a better way to spend one’s time.
Sandmanhad a lot going for it. A gripping concept, a great cast, and beautiful production value, coupled with a positive critical reception, made this show an exciting addition to anyone’s Netflix viewing list. Still, the expensive price tag meant that the show’s future was up in the air on more than one occasion. There had been deliberation that the second season would be its last, even before theallegations of sexual assault against creator Neil Gaiman.
The supernatural drama has managed to build a dream-like world that many hava enjoyed immersing themselves in.
Thus, the upcomingseason 2 will officially beThe Sandman’s last, and its spin-off,Dead Boy Detectives, was canceled after one season in light of the Gaiman news. Seeing as howThe Sandmanseason 2 won’t be released until July 2025, it seems likely that the show will be able to end in a way that wraps up all the stories neatly. The supernatural drama has managed to build a dream-like world that many have enjoyed immersing themselves in, so hopefully, they will receive a satisfactory resolution, and perhaps some hope for exploring this universe in another way.
Mindy Kaling has had a knack for creating television that attracts a dedicated fan base that appreciates her irreverent humor and clever social commentary. The dedication to inclusivity and exploring topics that might seem uncomfortable has made for some great TV moments, and there were plenty of those inThe Sex Lives of College Girls. On the surface, it was a sort of amalgamation ofSex and the CityandGirls,but with much fewer annoying characters and more laughs.
Though viewers did not get to see the girls finish college, the last episode did not end on a cliffhanger afterThe Sex Life of College Girlswas canceled after season 3. Even though the episode effectively became the series finale, it was not originally intended as such. There were still more stories to tell, but the fact that they are now all up to the viewers' imagination mirrors reality in a way. Sometimes people’s paths go in different directions, but the girls can live on dancing and smiling together forever.
Some premises may feel slightly too clever and end up going over many viewers' heads. In a world where huge superhero franchises are still some of the most watched and beloved movies and shows, a TV series mocking them might have been a bit too much for the audiences to handle. The cynicism was palpable in every scene, but many good points were made within the clever writing.
The cast did a great job bringing a movie set to the front of the camera, showing the ups and downs of bringing a big-budget production to life. The cancellation came as a bit of a shock to many viewers and TV fans, as the possibilities to explore seemed to be endless, but HBO decided against renewing it for a second season. It is still worth watching, especially for those who have a vested interest in the ins and outs of moviemaking.
Natasha Rothwell was able to showcase her acting abilities in the third season ofThe White Lotus, but her talent was on full display inHow to Die Alone. The premise is extremely relatable, as a woman with an unfulfilling life has a near-death experience that makes her re-evaluate all of her choices. As the creator of the show, Rothwell was deeply invested in the story, so the cancellation was a big disappointment.
Fans of the show echoed this sentiment, as its charm and potential had not been explored to their fullest. With some quick wit and a lot of inspiring messaging, the show felt like a ray of light in a tumultuous time. Though it was given only 8 episodes to live, they are all part of an uplifting story that can serve as inspiration for many people who feel stuck in a rut.
