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Big-time suspense. Some television shows were renewed for another season; others were retired. Decisions to renew or cancel shows were difficult for networks and streaming platforms, influenced by ratings, production budgets, and audience tastes. The cancellation of certain shows comes painfully as lengthy series wrap up their emotional endings, while somehow, the fading stars deserved every second of it.
From smoothly operating critical dramas to high-energy sci-fi thrillers, this year's television rundown has reportedly left a dent. ABC's High Potential, one of the biggest new hits, received a second season with a bang, while HBO's The White Lotus prepares for another round of luxurious drama. Meanwhile, get ready, as Stranger Things and Cobra Kai give fans an emotional and action-packed finale.
Whether celebrating a beloved series returning to the small screen or mourning an unexpected cancelation, this list represents the biggest TV renewals and cancelations. Here is all you need to know about the ten most illustrious shows whose ability to exist, or cease to exist, will come to light this year.
1) High Potential
Premiering in September 2024, "High Potential" immediately won over viewers with its combination of crime-solving and interpersonal drama. The show centers on Morgan, played by Kaitlin Olson, a single mom with a genius-level mind who becomes a valuable asset to the police force. Its first episode saw a staggering 220% boost in viewership over three days, totaling 11.5 million viewers across platforms. This surge made it ABC's highest-rated new series in six years. In appreciation of its success, ABC renewed the show for season two on January 21, 2025.
2) The White Lotus
Mike White's anthology series "The White Lotus" has been a critical favorite since its debut. After the success of its third season, which was released in Thailand in February 2025, HBO ordered a renewal for a fourth season in January 2025. The new season promises to venture into new exotic settings and dive deeper into the complex lives of its wealthy visitors and mysterious employees. Although plot details have not yet been revealed, expectations are running high for a new satirical take on privilege and ethics.
3) Severance
"Severance," the hit science fiction drama series created by Ben Stiller, has found praise for presenting work-life balance in a dystopian setting. Featuring Adam Scott as Mark, a worker who gets a treatment to disconnect his work and life memories, the series has touched the hearts and minds of audiences as well as critics. Apple TV+ announced season three shortly after the season two finale. The producers hope to cut down on the gap between seasons, intending to explore further into the mysterious Lumon Industries and the backgrounds of its workers.
4) The Last of Us
Based on the best-selling video game, "The Last of Us" was acclaimed for its honest storytelling and authentic performances. Its second season premieres on April 14, 2025, with its continuation of Joel and Ellie's terrifying quest amidst a world where they struggle to survive. Season two is slated to unveil morally complex new characters and delve into the themes of survival moralities. Viewers in Spain can anticipate the premiere of the season on April 14, 2025, on Max, mirroring very closely the U.S. launch.
5) Andor
This comes packed with Andor, a Star Wars prequel series, which winds up an initial two seasons on April 22, 2025. Following a reluctant hero's path to becoming his rebellion's key man, the series has been praised for its grounded stories befitting the political intrigues depicted in the series. Season 2 will immediately serve as a bridge for Rogue One, carrying Cassian's backstory into the final sacrifice. Diego Luna's performance is certainly going to make those last episodes even more enthralling in espionage, drama, and the culminating events, solidifying Andor's placement as one of the most ambitious Star Wars stories yet.
6) Stranger Things
After almost a decade of exciting fans, Stranger Things will come to a close with its fifth season in late 2025. The final season will likely feature an epic battle in Hawkins as Eleven and her friends battle against Vecna and the Upside Down one last time. The Duffer Brothers have hinted at darker storytelling, bigger battles, and emotional goodbyes. As the cast grows older and the plot unfolds to its final conclusion, Netflix seeks to wrap up the chapter in a manner that respects the show's history while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. A spinoff is already in the works.
7) Cobra Kai
The Karate Kid franchise spinoff, Cobra Kai, will wrap up with its sixth and final season, which launched in three parts, finishing on February 13, 2025. The final season had Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso's students vying in the worldwide Sekai Taikai tournament, encountering new rivals and old enemies. With intense martial arts action, dramatic character development, and retro references to the original movies, the series concluded on a strong note. Although it was canceled, Cobra Kai is still a fan favorite, with rumors of possible future ventures within the Karate Kid universe still making the rounds.
8) 9-1-1: Lone Star
After five fiery years, the elements of 9-1-1: Lone Star darkened its final episode on February 3, 2025. Deductively belonging to 9-1-1, it follows the first responders of Austin led by Captain Owen Strand, who tries to cope amidst high-stakes emergencies and personal struggles. The season finale finally tied the long-running plotlines, giving closure to fan-favorite characters. The reason for the cancelation was budget cuts and the direction the network was taking. Disappointment filled those who were saddened by the show's end, yet it will always remain in memory as an engaging procedural with superb performances and diverse representation. The original, 9-1-1, continues to air on ABC, leaving space for potential crossovers.
9) The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid's Tale winds to a close with its sixth and final season premiering on April 8, 2025, after years showcasing Gilead's totalitarian regime. The season will highlight June Osborne's final confrontation with the dystopian regime as she strives to reunite with her daughter while toppling Gilead's regime. Fans are looking for a heart-wrenching finale worthy of Margaret Atwood's dream, with Elisabeth Moss in the role of her career. This finale will also set the stage for Hulu's adaptation of The Testaments, ensuring the Handmaid's Tale universe continues into a new, equally intense chapter.
10) Frasier
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The revival of a very much loved sitcom, Frasier was indeed sweet music to the ears; Kelsey Grammer was brought back for a second round as the arrogant and yet lovable psychiatrist, Frasier. Unfortunately, just after two seasons, Paramount+ announced the show would end instead, effective January 17, 2025, due to mixed reviews together with dwindling viewership. True, it captured the revived original's charm but, in their opinion, had lost the dynamic ensemble that made the 90s series such a big hit. Strong performances, even Grammer's, however, went unappreciated by the general audience of the modern age.
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