Netflix has had a significant impact on its original series lineup in 2026, with over a dozen shows being canceled or ending. According to a report, the streaming giant has pulled the plug on 12 shows and decided to conclude five others, bringing the total number of shows ending in 2026 to 17. This move has left many fans disappointed, especially those who were invested in shows like The Abandons, Terminator Zero, and With Love, Meghan.
The Abandons, a western drama that followed rival families in a violent land dispute, was canceled after one season due to high costs and poor viewership. Despite pulling in 19.8 million views in its first 28 days, the show struggled to maintain momentum. Terminator Zero, an anime series produced by Production I.G and Skydance Television, was also canceled despite critical acclaim. The show's writer and showrunner, Mattson Tomlin, confirmed that Netflix pulled the plug due to high production costs and low audience numbers.
With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle series hosted by Meghan Markle, was another high-profile cancellation. The show had been a target for critics since its launch and had been reported to not be returning for a third season. The Duchess of Sussex and Netflix officially parted ways on both the series and their As Everything production deal. Other shows that were canceled include The Vince Staples Show, a comedy series that followed the life of rapper Vince Staples, and Alice in Borderland, a sci-fi thriller that had been renewed for a third and final season.
In addition to cancellations, Netflix has also confirmed the final seasons of several popular shows. The Lincoln Lawyer, a legal thriller starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, has been renewed for a fifth and final season. The Night Agent, an action thriller starring Gabriel Basso, will conclude with its fourth season. Emily in Paris, a comedy-drama starring Lily Collins, has been renewed for a sixth and final season. Other shows that will be ending include The Witcher, a fantasy series starring Henry Cavill, and Sweet Magnolias, a romantic drama that concluded its fifth season.
Netflix's decision to cancel or end several shows has been attributed to various factors, including poor viewership and high production costs. According to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, the streamer has "never canceled a successful show" and must balance catering to small and large audiences at different budgets. The move has left many fans disappointed, but it also allows Netflix to make room for new and potentially more successful shows.
The list of canceled and ending shows includes a mix of genres, including drama, comedy, and reality TV. Some shows, like The Abandons and Terminator Zero, were canceled after only one season, while others, like The Lincoln Lawyer and Emily in Paris, have been given a final season to conclude their storylines. The move is part of Netflix's ongoing effort to refresh its content and make room for new shows.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix's decision to cancel or end several shows is not unexpected. The move allows the streamer to adapt to changing viewer habits and preferences, and to make room for new and potentially more successful shows. Fans of the canceled shows will have to find alternative viewing options, but they can take comfort in the fact that many of the shows will be available to stream on Netflix for years to come.
Key points
- Netflix has canceled or ended 17 shows in 2026, including The Abandons, Terminator Zero, and With Love, Meghan.
- The cancellations and endings include a mix of genres, including drama, comedy, and reality TV.
- Netflix's decision to cancel or end several shows has been attributed to various factors, including poor viewership and high production costs.
