10 Netflix shows that were canceled too early

Ratched | Image Via: Further Films, Archive 81 | Image Via: Atomic Monser, Inside Job| Image Via: Taco Gucci, I Am Not Okay With This | Image Via: 21 Laps Entertainment
Netflix shows that were canceled too early | Image Via: Further Films, Atomic Monster, Taco Gucci, and 21 Laps Entertainment

There is no doubt that Netflix shows have revolutionized the entertainment industry since their inception. Netflix offers a wide range of shows and movies to choose from. However, even though Netflix has achieved a reputation as one of the largest OTT platforms, it has also gained the title of abruptly canceling shows. This often leaves the fans of the particular show feeling disappointed.

Understandably, several factors contribute to a show's cancellation. These could range from low viewership to production constraints. Despite these reasons, canceling a show midway has always disappointed fans. In this article, we will delve into some of the shows that had a promising storyline and compelling characters but were canceled too early.

From sci-fi shows to comedies that resonated with viewers and left an indelible mark on them, these shows did not deserve to be canceled. So let's talk about 10 Netflix shows that were canceled too soon.


Glow

Glow | Image Via: Titles Productions
Glow | Image Via: Titles Productions

Glow is set in 1980s Los Angeles, telling the story of a group of women as they come together to form a professional wrestling league called Gorgeos Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). The show revolves around a group of women developing their wrestling personas. Their training, creating characters, grappling with their personal lives, and building the wrestling show from scratch made the show interesting and unique.

There are themes of female friendship, ambition, and the hurdles women face in the industry. This was one-of-a-kind show, so when Netflix canceled it, fans were deeply disappointed. The cancellation was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult to shoot and manage the budget simultaneously. The show left a lasting impact on viewers for its celebration of women's empowerment and authentic representation of women’s bodies.

Ratched

Ratched | Image Via: Further Films
Ratched | Image Via: Further Films

This is yet another gem from Netflix that suffered premature cancellation and disappointed viewers with its abrupt ending. The show was initially supposed to have two seasons but was canceled after only one. It served as a prequel to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, exploring the backstory of Nurse Ratched. Despite having only one season, Ratched received immense appreciation from viewers.

This Netflix show tells the story of Mildred Ratched, a nurse seeking employment at Lucia State Hospital, a psychiatric institution where controversial experiments are conducted on patients. At first, Nurse Ratched appears to be a dedicated nurse, but we eventually discover her true motive—she has arrived at the hospital to free her brother.

However, Nurse Ratched soon becomes entangled in the lives of the patients and the staff. The show is captivating and keeps viewers hooked throughout. Unfortunately, its abrupt cancellation was undeserved.

Santa Clarita Diet

Santa Clarita Diet | Image Via: Kapital Entertainment
Santa Clarita Diet | Image Via: Kapital Entertainment

Santa Clarita Diet centers on the Hammond family, whose lives take an unexpected turn when Sheila undergoes a dramatic transformation and develops a newfound diet consisting of human flesh. Despite this, Joel, Sheila’s husband, is supportive of her new condition and tries to maintain a facade of normalcy. The series also delves into the origin of Sheila’s condition, particularly focusing on the potential mythology behind the zombie virus.

The dark humor and absurd predicaments the family faces keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Santa Clarita Diet’s unique blend of family life and zombie horror in a hilarious yet heartwarming manner was well-received by viewers. Its dedicated fanbase was deeply disappointed when Netflix canceled the show.

Bloodline

Bloodline | Image Via: KZK Productions
Bloodline | Image Via: KZK Productions

Bloodline’s premature cancellation has sparked debate among fans. Despite its cancellation, this well-acclaimed Netflix show remains highly regarded and has a dedicated fanbase.

The show centers on the Rayburn family and their seemingly idyllic life. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when the oldest son, Danny—considered the family’s black sheep—returns. His arrival unearths old resentments and buried secrets, forcing the Rayburns to face the consequences of their past actions. They soon become entangled in a web of lies and violence.

Themes of family, loyalty, and the destructive power of secrets are central to Bloodline. With a compelling storyline that resonated with viewers, its cancellation remains disappointing.

Archive 81

Archive 81 | Image Via: Atomic Monster
Archive 81 | Image Via: Atomic Monster

Archive 81 is the intriguing story of an archivist, Dan Turner, who takes on a simple job of restoring videotapes for a client. However, the content of the tapes increasingly becomes a source of obsession for Dan. He finds himself drawn into a world of ritualistic practices and supernatural phenomena. The more he watches the videotapes, the more he feels connected to them.

The concept of the show is unlike any other Netflix production. Its unique blend of mystery and science fiction captivated viewers. Archive 81’s cancellation was disappointing as it provided an immersive experience. This Netflix show had the creative potential to be so much more, but even with its limited episodes, it resonated with audiences.

Inside Job

Inside Job | Image Via: Taco Gucci
Inside Job | Image Via: Taco Gucci

Another gem of a show that Netflix canceled but deserved so much more is Inside Job. This animated comedy explores the world of Cognito Inc., where Reagan Ridley, a tech genius, believes that the world could be a better place. However, she is skeptical about her father. As she navigates through the office culture of Cognito Inc., her skepticism often hinders her attempts to climb the corporate ladder. From conspiracies about the moon landing hoax to the existence of lizard people, this show had it all.

This Netflix show blended humor while satirizing the inner workings of government agencies and corporate power structures. It gained a huge fanbase, and its cancellation was a disappointment, as the show raised awareness about conspiracy theories and encouraged critical thinking among viewers.

Lady Dynamite

Lady Dynamite | Image Via: Wounded Poodle
Lady Dynamite | Image Via: Wounded Poodle

Lady Dynamite is a Netflix show that revolves around comedian Maria Bamford as she navigates through the ups and downs of her life. The show had a nonlinear narrative, jumping between different periods of Maria’s life, especially her present-day struggles as she tries to rebuild her career after a mental health breakdown.

Maria experiences flashbacks of her past and imagined scenarios. She also struggles with bipolar disorder, which is portrayed in a relatable manner. As a result, Lady Dynamite resonated with viewers. Despite its popularity, it was canceled in 2018, yet it remains a memorable Netflix show.

The OA

The OA | Image Via: Plan B Entertainment
The OA | Image Via: Plan B Entertainment

The OA tells the story of Prairie Jhonson, as she reappeared after her disappearance and has restored her sight. She was blind before her disappearance and now calls herself the OA or the original angel. She tells her harrowing experiences as she recounts her time during her disappearance. Although some refuse to believe her story, a group becomes captivated by her stories.

This Netflix show had a unique storyline filled with mystery and fantasy and delved deep into the emotions of the characters. The conventional storytelling methods were challenged in this show. The intricate mythology and plot have left the viewers disappointed with the show’s cancellation. Even though the show was canceled THE OA never lost the power to connect with the viewers.

1899

1899 | Image Via: Dark Ways
1899 | Image Via: Dark Ways

If you love to watch Dark then 1899 will also be an intriguing show for you. Known for its huge production cost this Netflix show featured a diverse cast and complex characters. 1899 revolves around a steamship named Kerberos, as it voyages from Europe to New York. On its journey, the passengers encounter another ship named Prometheus adrift on the sea.

A group of people boards the Prometheus and find the ship deserted except for a single mute boy. However, after this incident strange incidents start to occur to the passengers. They find themselves trapped in a web of mysteries and start to question their sanity. The narrative of 1899 gradually reveals complex connections between the ships. The mystery deepens with each episode. The cancellation of the show left the viewers with many unanswered questions.

I Am Not Okay With This

I Am Not Okay With This | Image Via: 21 Laps Entertainment
I Am Not Okay With This | Image Via: 21 Laps Entertainment

This Netflix show has been one of the most disappointing cancelations. I Am Not Okay With This had immense potential which left the viewers wanting more. The story revolves around Sydney Novak, a teenage girl as she navigates through her life. Sydney faces the complexities of high school, family drama, and her sexuality.

After her father's death, she struggles to connect with her mother and brother. While she tries to figure out her place in the world she discovers that she is telekinetic. The series has a blend of dark humor and superhero elements which have resonated with the viewers. The viewers wanted more of Sydney’s challenges while trying to control her newfound abilities and navigating through life.

Quick Links

Edited by Ritika Pal
comments icon

What's your opinion?
Newest
Best
Oldest