It's fair to say that Netflix has been known to participate in quite a few cancellations. Cut down in their prime or torn down before they even had their moment to shine. Considering Netflix has already canceled over twenty shows in 2023 alone (not including those that were announced as coming to an end, like The Umbrella Academy), leaving many of us in the dilemma of whether to commit to a new series if it's only destined for the axe.
The upside is that not all of the shows canceled by Netflix are gone for good. Thanks to fan campaigns, rival streamers saving the day, and other creators getting their stories told in other media, these TV shows still have some life. And that's why you should consider giving these six picks a try.
From a haunted theme park to two best friends with an unbreakable bond, here are six shows canceled by Netflix that are still worth watching.
Disconnected
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Even the star power of Neil Patrick Harris couldn't save the day Disconnected from the heel. The eight-part rom-com about Michael, a gay man in his forties whose life is turned upside down when his long-term partner decides to quit, only lasted one season. With plenty of comedic potential, a strong leading man, and a colorful cast of supporting characters, including Tisha Campell's supportive business partner, Disconnected was light-hearted fun. Luckily, Showtime saw the promise and picked it up for season 2, with filming in 2024.
Shadow and bone
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Based on the Shadow and bone trilogy and the Six of Crowns duology by Leigh Bardugo, the Netflix adaptation came to an unexpected end due to the writer's and subsequent actor's strike. It was extremely popular, but reports proposed production costs played a role in the cancellation.
The disappointed fans are not letting up either, as they have started a fan campaign that, at the time of writing, has generated more than 160,000 signatures to get Netflix to reconsider. It could also generate enough interest for a new streaming to save the fantasy show – it's far from certain, but it could work. In the meantime, for all the fans desperate for an ending, the original books are here to provide some measure of comfort.
Dead End: Paranormal Park
Seasons on Netflix: 2
After two consecutive seasons, Dead End: Paranormal Park suddenly found himself not returning for a third. The lovable fantasy-horror comedy set in a haunted theme park had smart writing and great representation of the LGBTQ+ community. It follows two teenagers, Zach and Kody, who team up with a talking pug to fight demons and stop the apocalypse.
Since Netflix's cancellation, creator Hamish Steele has confirmed that the show will have a happy ending in the book: “I believe we will finish this story at some point, one way or another,” he stated (via X, formerly Twitter). “For now, I'm working hard on the third and final DeadEndia book, which I hope will provide some closure.”
The chair
Seasons on Netflix: 1
Struggling to attract the necessary viewing figures, The chair was ultimately canceled in January this year, following the debut of its only season in August 2021. Starring Sandra Oh as the first woman of color to lead Pembroke University's English department, it tackles the common issues facing academies faced in modern times, including representation, ageism and different learning styles. Without spoiling anything, most of the storyline wraps up with the end credits, so this is easy to treat as a miniseries.
Human Resources
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Acting as a spin-off of the widely popular Big mouth – the longest-running adult scripted series in Netflix history – Human Resources focused directly on the hormone monsters rather than the people they inhabited. It earned two seasons before the streaming service decided to pull the plug. At the very least, Netflix has confirmed that the characters will join the show's eighth and final season Big mouth in 2024. So no reason not to binge all 10 seasons of both shows.
Firefly Beat
Seasons on Netflix: 2
Firefly Beat, an American drama about two best friends based on Kristin Hannah's novel, was canceled in April 2023. Luckily, the show's creator, Maggie Friedman, had the good sense to make sure the story was wrapped up. She confirmed the news Glamour:
“Originally, season two was only going to be 10 episodes, but I talked to one of the Netflix executives who has been such a great champion of the show and said, 'I know where the end of the story is.' “I know exactly what I want it to be. I just want to make sure we get there and don't end on a cliffhanger and then something happens and we don't finish it.” I wanted to make sure I told the full story.”
Now you can watch Firefly Beat in peace along with every other show on this list.
Looking for more Netflix-based recommendations? Read our guides for the best Netflix shows And best Netflix documentaries on sale today.