Netflix, the popular streaming platform has given its viewers many memorable shows and films, but some of them were taken away too soon. The feeling of being attached to a character or a show is precisely what keeps us binge-watching. Just when you get attached to a show, skip sleep to binge-watch all of its episodes in one go—bam! The show is canceled.
While these decisions are sometimes imperative, considering viewership numbers and budget concerns, some really addictive shows end far too early. Among many justifiable cancellations, some really hurt like a sharp sting.
Here are 7 Netflix shows that were canceled before viewers wanted them to end and absolutely deserved a better ending (or at least another season).
Note: This article contains spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.
7 Netflix shows that were canceled too soon
1. The OA

The OA had only two seasons. But in its short run, it offered a masterclass in blending science fiction with mystery and emotional drama. The story of The OA centered around Prairie, who mysteriously disappears and then comes back, but after returning, she finds that she is no longer blind.
The show was both mesmerizing and confusing with its bold, deeply layered story and a signature love for metaphysical chaos. Just when the show got onto the high road, it was cut off short on a cliffhanger.
2. GLOW
Netflix's Glow was a gleaming project that delivered a heartwarming comedy-drama. It ran for a brief three seasons with its neon-filled world of women’s wrestling. What made the show a fan favorite, was its theme and treatment. It offered feminist storytelling with a dash of fun. The cherry on top was the brilliant performance by renowned names like Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin, and the ensemble cast that kept growing on the viewers.
One of the major reasons why the production of many shows became slow or completely disrupted was the pandemic. Unfortunately, this show received a blow during the pandemic, and Netflix decided to cancel it. The series ended much before we could say an awesome goodbye to it.
3. Mindhunter

Who has not heard of this Netflix slow-burn? With only two seasons, the show kept making its viewers grab the edge of their seats, offering a thrilling psychological crime drama during the early days of FBI criminal profiling.
Mindhunter is a David Fincher project, and fans remember it for the mind-blowing performances the actors delivered in the depiction of notorious, real-life serial killers. The show brought the fear back home. It was both thrilling and haunting.
They did not rush its narrative or the effort it took to unravel each criminal mind. Much like in the real world, it pays attention to human imperfection, even for those who continuously deal with the dark crimes of the world. Therefore, the show builds its tension and gives ample space for characters to evolve, and while it never became a smashing hit, it still had a loyal following. Netflix placed it on hold, and fans had to say goodbye to the mind-hunting.
4. Lockwood & Co.

This one is a supernatural teen thriller that aired for a single season, but its world-building ran much longer. The show captures a time when London is full of ghosts and three teenage ghost hunters are working there, independently of the big agencies.
If you love a blend of action, lore, and clever banter( and a little bit of Stranger Things energy), then Lockwood & Co. might just be the show. This show was canceled after season 1.
5.1899

1899 was a perfect blend of sci-fi and thriller but it lasted one season. This Netflix show was full of mystery and mind games. Coming from the same minds who created Dark, this show was just as mind-bending. The tale of 1899 was centered on a ship full of passengers from different backgrounds and everyone had a secret to keep.
Soon, bizarre, eerie incidents start happening that lead to something much bigger than a maritime disaster. The show was carefully paced and fans expected more seasons incoming. But the show got abruptly canceled, shocking the fans who had waited for another dark, sci-fi fantasy narrative to unfold.
6. Santa Clarita Diet
This charming mix of horror and comedy, Santa Clarita Diet ran for only 3 seasons before being axed. The famous Hollywood star, Drew Barrymore, was seen in the role of a suburban mom who undergoes a mind-boggling transformation. She suddenly becomes undead and craves human flesh. While this chaos unfolds, Timothy Olyphant in the role of her supportive husband, keeps things in check.
The fun bit? They delivered a package full of dark humor, gory bits, and unpredictable charm that got better with each new season. But fans felt like they were ghosted mid-date when the show was canceled too early.
7. Julie and the Phantoms
This is a dramedy from Netflix that centered around high-school teenagers. This feel-good show had both the heart and energy that could propel the show for a few more seasons. The plot? Equally intriguing. A teenage girl reinvents her love for music and three ghost boys from a '90s band guide her through the process.
The songs were memorable, the characters had potential, and thus, it generated a loyal fan base. The show was well-received and earned a few Daytime Emmys. But Netflix had to pull the plug away from the teen dramedy too soon.
Sudden cancellations are common and cause fans lasting heartbreak. Sometimes, fans are left disappointed when a character dies too soon; other times, fans have to say goodbye to their favorite shows, too soon, due to executive decisions. However, these Netflix shows still have loyal fans, and even though the platform has canceled them, fans remain hopeful they will return.
Also read: What to watch on Netflix in March 2025: All new shows & what’s worth watching