Every year, networks and streaming services make difficult choices—some shows get renewed, while others are abruptly cancelled. In 2025, a wave of high-potential series came to untimely ends, leaving fans heartbroken and stories unfinished. From acclaimed reboots to bold new originals, these are the ten most notable TV shows cancelled this year that truly deserved another shot.
The Franchise, Suits LA, and Based on a True Story: Wasted Potential
HBO’s The Franchise debuted in late 2024 with high expectations, backed by creative forces like Armando Iannucci and Sam Mendes. A sharp satire of superhero filmmaking, the show had plenty of runway, especially with The Boys ending in 2026. Unfortunately, its high production costs and niche appeal led to its cancellation in early 2025 after just one season.
NBC’s Suits LA was another attempt to breathe new life into the Suits universe, starring Stephen Amell as a Hollywood lawyer. However, despite the enduring popularity of the original show, this spinoff struggled with ratings and was axed after one season in May.
Peacock’s Based on a True Story, a dark comedy about a true-crime podcast hosted by a couple who discover their plumber is a serial killer, had just begun to hit its stride in season 2. But despite a stronger sophomore outing, the show was abruptly cancelled in April, ending on an unresolved cliffhanger.
Clean Slate and The Residence: Critical Darlings, Commercial Disappointments
Amazon Prime Video’s Clean Slate, starring Laverne Cox and George Wallace, was lauded for its powerful story about identity and reconciliation. Premiering in February 2025, it tackled timely issues with sensitivity and humor. But even rave reviews weren’t enough to save it. While no official reason was given, speculation points to political backlash during Trump’s second term, making the decision especially controversial.
Netflix’s The Residence, a murder mystery set during a diplomatic dinner and led by Uzo Aduba, quickly climbed the streamer’s charts. It had all the makings of a long-running anthology, in the vein of Knives Out or Poker Face. Yet, just one month after debuting as the platform’s No. 2 most-watched show, it was cancelled as part of a broader cost-cutting sweep—overshadowed by bigger hits like Adolescence.
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Mythic Quest and How to Die Alone: Strong Followings Cut Short
After four seasons of blending tech satire with heartfelt storytelling, Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest ended in April 2025. The decision came as a shock, especially given the show’s critical acclaim and devoted fanbase. While the finale was reworked to offer some closure, fans and cast members alike believed the series had more stories left to tell.
Similarly, Hulu’s How to Die Alone, starring and created by Natasha Rothwell, offered an empowering and deeply human journey of self-discovery. The show was well-received and unique in tone, but was cancelled just one season in. Rothwell remains hopeful it will find a new home, and fans have rallied behind her call.
The Recruit and The Wheel of Time: Caught in the Crossfire
The Recruit brought a mix of spy-thriller action and comedy to Netflix with Noah Centineo as a young CIA lawyer. Season 2 showed significant improvement over its debut, but just five weeks after its release, the show was cancelled—another casualty of Netflix’s notoriously fast decisions.
The Wheel of Time, one of Amazon’s flagship fantasy series, was cancelled after three seasons due to rising costs and shifting viewership. The epic adaptation of Robert Jordan’s novels had built a sizable fanbase, and its cancellation sparked a massive online petition. However, as of mid-2025, no continuation plans are in motion.
Frasier Revival Fails to Recapture the Magic
One of the most heartbreaking cancellations of 2025 was the Frasier revival. Returning in 2023 after nearly two decades, the reboot hoped to recapture the success of the original series that ran from 1993 to 2004. While Kelsey Grammer reprised his iconic role, the revival struggled to connect with new audiences and lacked the supporting cast chemistry that made the original so beloved. After two underwhelming seasons, Paramount+ pulled the plug.
CBS Studios is reportedly shopping the show to other platforms, but as of now, Frasier has signed off once again—possibly for good.
Final Thoughts: Stories Cut Short, Hopes Still Alive
The cancellation of these ten shows reflects a broader reality of the current TV landscape—no matter how promising or beloved a series may be, it’s always one bad metric away from the chopping block. Yet, fans haven’t given up hope. Campaigns are underway, scripts are circulating, and conversations continue about potential revivals.
Until then, these cancelled shows of 2025 remain poignant reminders of the fleeting nature of TV storytelling in the streaming era.
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