Netflix and cancellations. It seems you can't have one without the other. The world's biggest streaming service is known for its abundance of quality shows and yet, many of them rarely make it to the finish line.
More than 20 Netflix Original TV series received the chop or ended for a multitude of reasons in 2021 with countless of them scrapped far too early – we're still not over GLOW. If a show somehow manages to obtain a third season, it's now seen as a major milestone, all of which has led to the infamous Netflix curse.
This didn't slow down in 2022 either with more than 25 Netflix cancellations happening, be that beloved shows, one-season wonders or even a few that never made it to release. This is usually put down to Netflix's algorithm where it weighs up the budget versus its return in terms of audience and whether it wants to commit to another season. The budget for Stranger Things 4 was another reason cited, although there are some cancellations that are just unexplainable.
With all that in mind, let's look at every Netflix show cancelled in 2022. These are all listed in chronological order.
Gentefied
The first show of 2022 to be cancelled was US comedy-drama Gentefied, following the premiere of season two in November last year. Applauded for its Latino representation, the series failed to crack the Netflix Top 10 and therefore suffered cancellation. It follows the story of three Mexican-America cousins chasing the America Dream among numerous setbacks and the odds stacked against them.
Gentefied stars Joaquin Cosio, J.J. Soria, Karrie Martin Lachney, Carlos Santos, Annie Gonzalez and Julissa Calderon while being executive produced by America Ferrera.
Cooking with Paris
It only took one season for Netflix to pull the plug on reality cooking show Cooking with Paris. Originally debuting in August 2021, the Paris Hilton-led show, which featured big-name guests like Kim Kardashian and Demi Lovato, was cancelled in January after only making it into Netflix's Top 10 rankings ever so briefly. Is anyone surprised by this one?
Starring and executive produced by Paris Hilton, Cooking with Paris also featured Kim Kardashian, Nikki Glaser, Demi Lovato, Saweetie, Lele Pons, Kathy Hilton, Nicky Hilton Rothschild.
Another Life
Netflix cancelled sci-fi drama series Another Life starring Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica actor Katee Sackhoff in February, four months after season two premiered. It was confirmed by the lead herself (via Twitter). Another Life tells the story of humanity's first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence as astronaut Niko Breckinridge leads a crew to investigate the activity.
Another Life stars Katee Sackhoff, Selma Blair, Justin Chatwin, Samuel Anderson. A.J. Rivera and JayR Tinaco.
The Baby-Sitters Club
After two seasons, Netflix cancelled the family comedy-drama The Baby-Sitters Club due to a lack of viewership. Based on the novels of the same name, The Baby-Sitters Club follows the adventures of seven friends who decide to start their own babysitting business while dealing with the everyday adolescents of being a teenager. It also obtained the number one spot on the review-aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes for Best Netflix Series, so clearly, critical reception is not enough keep a show alive.
The Baby-Sitters Club stars Sophie Grace, Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph, Malia Baker, Vivian Watson, Xochitl Gomez, Anais Lee, Alicia Silverstone and Mark Feuerstein.
Archive 81
Sci-fi supernatural horror series Archive 81 was scrapped less than three months after the first season premiered on the streaming platform. It tells the story of Daniel Turner, who is hired to restore video footage from graduate student Melody Pendras after the building she was making a documentary on burns down. This one has more of a question mark surrounding its cancellation as it had decent viewing figures and critical reception.
Archive 81 stars Mamoudou Athie, Dina Shihabi, Evan Jonigkeit, Julia Chan, Ariana Neal, Matt McGorry and Martin Donovan.
Locke & Key
Netflix confirmed on April 7th that the beloved coming-of-age fantasy horror drama series Locke & Key will end after three seasons. Based on the comicbook by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, Locke & Key's premise focuses on the Locke siblings who relocate with their mother to an ancestral estate in Massachusetts after their father is murdered, only soon to discover mysterious keys and demons. This one is more of a technicality as supposedly the plan was for the show to always finish with season three.
Locke & Key stars Darby Stanchfield, Connor Jessup, Emilia Jones, Brendan Hines, Jackson Robert Scott, Sherri Saum, Kevin Duran and Coby Bird.
On The Verge
On The Verge with Back to the Future and The Boys star Elisabeth Shue was cancelled in the middle of April, less than eight months after season one premiered. Set in Los Angeles pre-pandemic, the comedy-drama told the story of four women – a single mother, a chef, an heiress and a job seeker – in their late 40s as they encountered a midlife crisis.
Star and creator Julia Delpy confirmed that the series would not return for season two when responding to a fan's question (via Instagram), saying that Netflix "cancelled" the show but "forgot to announce it was cancelled".
On The Verge stars Julie Delpy, Elisabeth Shue, Sarah Jones, Alexia Landeua, Mathieu Demy, Troy Garity, Timm Sharp and Giovanni Ribisi.
Bone
So this one didn't even make it to production. Originally announced in October 2019, Bone from writer Jeff Smith was cancelled in April 2021 after Netflix director of creative leadership and development for original animation Phil Rynda was dismissed from his position alongside a number of his staff members too (via The Wrap).
The story would have been adapted from the popular comicbook adaption starring Fone Bone and his two cousins, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone, as the trio explore a mysterious valley after being thrown out of their hometown of Bonneville.
Raising Dion
Netflix confirmed in April that the Michael B. Jordan-produced superhero drama Raising Dion had been cancelled less than three months after season two premiered. Set in Atlanta, Raising Dion followed Nicole (Alisha Wainwright) and her son Dion (Ja'Siah Young) who starts to manifest superhero-like powers and must save the city from destruction. The series was based on the comicbook by Dennis Liu.
Raising Dion stars Alisha Wainwright, Ja'Siah Young, Jazmyn Simon, Sammi Haney, Jason Ritter, Griddin Robert Faulkner, Ali Ahn and Michael B. Jordan.
Pretty Smart
April was a big month for cancellations and Pretty Smart was the final show of the month that failed to get a renewal after only one season. Debuting on the platform in October 2021, the 10-episode sitcom follows book-smart Chelsea as she learns about happiness from her bubbly sister, Claire, and three roommates.
As first reported by TVLine (confirmed by T3), the decision to not bring back Pretty Smart for a second season comes in light of Emily Osment's promotion (who plays Chelsea) to a series regular on Young Sheldon. The actor joined in a recurring role throughout season five but will now see her part expanded in season six.
Pretty Smart stars Emily Osment, Gregg Sulkin, Olivia Macklin, Cinthya Carmona and Michael Hsu Rosen.
Space Force
Netflix decided to call it quits on one of its biggest shows in Space Force from The Office (US) duo Steve Carell and Greg Daniels. The workplace comedy follows a group of people tasked with establishing the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Space Force. As originally reported by Deadline, the second season debuted in February 2022 and was confirmed to not be returning for a third.
Space Force stars Steve Carell, John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Diana Silvers, Lisa Kudrow, Tawny Newsome, Don Lake, and Jimmy O. Yang. Both seasons of the show can be watched on Netflix now.
Pearl
It was confirmed in May that Netflix will no longer be progressing a new animated series from Archewell Productions, the organisation established by Megan Markle and Prince Harry. Known as Pearl, it was said to be a family-friendly series that focused on the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who finds inspiration from a variety of influential women throughout history.
Originally announced in July 2021, Pearl was set to be the first project as part of a multi-year deal between Netflix and the royals. This deal was reportedly worth approximately $100 million and the two companies are still set to work together on multiple projects in the future.
The Midnight Gospel
The Midnight Gospel co-creator and star Duncan Trussell confirmed in June that the animated show will not be returning for a second season. The Midnight Gospel follows Clancy, a spacecaster with a malfunctioning multiverse simulator who leaves the comfort of his extra-dimensional home on the Chromatic Ribbon to interview beings living in other worlds. Pendleton Ward, who is known for making Adventure Time, was also a co-creator.
The Midnight Gospel stars Duncan Trussell, Phil Hendrie, Stephen Root, Maria Bamford, Doug Lussenhop, Joey Diaz, Christina P., Steve Little and Johnny Pemberton.
Snowpiercer
Post-apocalyptic dystopian thriller Snowpiercer is coming to an end with season four of the show set to be the last. Made by TNT for the US cable channel but distributed internationally by Netflix, the show follows the last remnants of humanity as a rigid class system attempts to maintain order. After a murder is committed that stokes class division, head of hospitality Melanie Cavill partners with the world's only surviving homicide detective, Andre Layton, to solve the killing.
Snowpiercers stars Jennifer Connely and Daveed Diggs with a further ensemble cast of Mickey Summers, Alison Wright, Lena Hall, Iddo Goldberg, Susan Park, Sam Otto, Sheila Vand, Mike O'Malley, Annalise Basso, Katie McGuiness, Jayline Fletcher, Lena Hall, Roberto Urbina, Steven Ogg, Rowan Blanchard and Sean Bean.
Q-Force
Netflix reportedly cancelled Q-Force, an animated adult comedy that received criticism for its stereotypical portrayals of the LGBQT+ community. Q-Force writer and voice actor Matt Rogers confirmed that Netflix opted to not bring it back for a second season in June 2022.
The show follows Steve Maryweather, AKA Agent Mary, who was once the Golden Boy of the American Intelligence Agency (AIA) until he came out as gay. Unable to fire him, the Agency send him to West Hollywood to disappear into obscurity. Instead, Steve assembles a misfit squad of LGBTQ+ geniuses that sees him join forces with the expert mechanic Deb, master of drag and disguise Twink and hacker Stat, who altogether make up Q-Force.
Q-Force stars Sean Hayes, Matt Rogers, Wanda Sykes, David Harbour, Gary Cole and Laurie Metcalf.
First Kill
Less than two months after debuting, the teen vampire drama First Kill was cancelled by Netflix. Based on the short story by Victoria Schwab, First Kill follows Juliette, a young vampire who is about to make her first kill so she can take her place among a powerful vampire family. She then sets her sights on new girl in town named Calliope, who is found to be a vampire hunter. Soon after, the pair discover that the other won't be so easy to kill and develop feelings for one another.
First Kill stars Sarah Catherine Hook, Imani Lewis, Elizabeth Mitchell, Aubin Wise, Gracie Dzienny, Dominic Goodman, Phillips Mulings, Jr. and Jason R. Moore.
Resident Evil
Netflix has cancelled Resident Evil, a little over a month since the first season debuted on the streaming platform. Loosely based on the video games of the same name, the show is set in the year 2036 – 14 years after the spread of a deadly virus. Jade Wesker (Ella Balinska) fights for survival in a world infested with zombies. Along with this, Jade is haunted by her past in New Raccoon City, by her father’s chilling connections to the sinister Umbrella Corporation but mostly by what happened to her sister, Billie.
Resident Evil stars Ella Balinska, Adeline Rudolph, Tamara Smart, Siena Agudong, Paola Núñez and Lance Reddick.
The Umbrella Academy
Netflix has confirmed that The Umbrella Academy will return for a fourth and final season before ending the show for good. While not technically a cancellation, it's another major show coming to an end in 2022.
Created by Gerard Way (of My Chemical Romance fame), it follows seven orphans who are adopted by the billionaire industrialist Sir Reginald Hargreaves. Each child has their own special ability, which Hargreaves utilises to form The Umbrella Academy as he prepares the group to save the world.
The Umbrella Academy stars Elliot Page, Aidan Gallagher, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Justin H. Min, Ritu Arya and Colm Feore. All three seasons are now available to stream on Netflix.
Grendel
Here's an unusual one: Netflix reportedly stopped production on Grendel, a new comicbook adaption TV show that was midway through filming. Based on the popular comicbook run of the same name by Matt Wagner and published by Dark Horse Comics, the eight-episode first series was set to star Abubakr Ali in the lead role.
The supporting cast was then filled out by Jaime Ray Newman, Julian Black Antelope, Madeline Zima, Kevin Corrigan, Emma Ho, Erik Palladino, Brittany Allen and Andy Mientus. It is now being shopped around to other streaming platforms.
Bad Crimes
There seems to be a bit of a trend going on with Netflix as Bad Crimes, an adult animated series, was next cancelled midway through production. Developed by Nicole Silverberg and produced by Greg Daniels (The Office US) and Mike Judge (King of the Hill), the show would have followed two FBI agents travelling across the US that solve grisly crimes alongside juggling their friendship, career ambitions and as many men as possible.
Lauren Lapkus (Orange is the New Black) and Nicole Byers (Nailed it!) were set to voice the lead roles of Jennie and Kara, respectively.
Fate: The Winx Saga
Netflix cancelled teen-drama Fate: The Winx Saga in October, with showrunner Brian Young confirming (via Instagram) that the show will not return for a third season.
Based on the Nickelodeon animated series Winx Club, it followed the coming-of-age journey of six fairies attending Alfea, a magical boarding school in the Otherworld where they must learn to master their powers while navigating love, rivalries and the monsters that threaten their very existence.
Fate: The Winx Saga stars Abigail Cowen, Hannah van der Westhuysen, Precious Mustapha, Eliot Salt, Elisha Applebaum, Danny Griffin, Sadie Soverall, Freddie Thorp, Eva Birthistle, Robert James-Collier, Eve Best, Lesley Sharp and Miranda Richardson.
Partner Track
It only took Netflix three months to pull the plug on Partner Track, a legal drama based on Helen Wan's 2012 novel of the same name. The one and only season of the show followed Ingrid Yun (Arden Cho), a first-generation Korean American and the first lawyer in her family as she experiences the ups and downs of working at Parsons Valentine. The show did not gain enough viewership to warrant a second season, according to a Deadline report.
Partner Track stars Arden Cho, Alexandra Turshen, Bradley Gibson, Dominic Sherwood, Rob Heaps, Nolan Gerard Funk, Matthew Raunch and Roby Attal.
The Imperfects
It was a double whammy for Netflix as it also cancelled The Imperfects after only one season in November. Created by Dennis Heaton and Shelley Erikson, the superhero sci-fi series told the story of three outsiders who are transformed into monsters once an experimental gene therapy goes wrong. The trio then band together to search for the mad scientist who conducted the experiments. Again a lack of viewership (via Deadline) was reported to be the reason for the show's axe.
The Imperfects stars Italia Ricci, Morgan Taylor Campbell, Rhianna Jagpal, Kyra Zagorsky, Iñaki Godoy, Junnica Lagoutin, Ron Selmour and Rekha Sharma.
The Midnight Club
The Midnight Club failed to move onto a second season when Netflix decided to scrap the horror mystery-thriller by Mike Flanagan in early December (via Variety). Planned as a multi-season show, The Midnight Club followed eight terminally ill young adults that meet at midnight and make a pact to send a sign from beyond the grave once one of them dies.
The Midnight Club stars Iman Benson, Igby Rigney, Ruth Codd, Annarah Cymone, Chris Sumpter, Adia, Aya Furukawa, Sauriyan Sapkota, Matt Biedel, Samatha Sloyan, Zach Gilford and Heather Langenkamp.
The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself
While receiving rave reviews from critics and audiences, that still wasn't enough to save The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself from cancellation. Showrunner Joe Barton confirmed news of the show's demise (via Twitter) in December 2022 The one-season fantasy drama surrounded Nathan Byrne (Jay Lycergo), an illegitimate son of a dangerous witch who tries to not follow in the same footsteps as his father.
The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself stars Jay Lycurgo, Nadia Parkes, Emilien Vekemans, Isobel Jesper Jones, Paul Ready, Karen Connell, David Dyasi, Kerry Fox and Fehinti Balogun, Misia Butler, Liz White, Roisin Murph, Priya Kansara and Orla McDonagh.
Warrior Nun
Fans were out in their droves once they learned that Warrior Nun would not be returning for a third season. As originally reported by Deadline, Netflix made the decision a little over a month after premiering season two to scrap the fantasy drama based on the comicbook character by Ben Dunn. The premise saw 19-year-old Ava waking up in a morgue only to discover that she now possesses superpowers. She then joins an ancient order of warrior nuns to fight evil.
Warrior Nun stars Alba Baptista, Toya Turner, Lorena Andrea, Kristina Tonteri-Young, Tristan Ulloa, Olivia Delcan, Thekla Reuten, Slyvia De Danti and William Miller.
Blockbuster
We think everyone can recognise the irony behind Netflix cancelling a Blockbuster show after only one season. The workplace comedy surrounded the day-to-day runnings of the last Blockbuster Video store in existence. The streamer announced it would not be returning in December, one month after it debuted. It marked the final cancellation by Netflix in 2022.
Blockbuster stars Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Olga Merediz, Tyler Alvarez, Madeleine Arthur, Kamala Fairburn, Leonard Robinson, Keegan Connor Tracy and J.B. Smoove.
Well, there you have it: Every show cancelled by Netflix in 2022. That was a lot – 27 to be exact. Let's hope 2023 fairs better. In the meantime, here's the best Netflix series of 2022 that are worth investing in.
