It’s been a minute since we last took stock of Netflix’s trigger-happy cancellation habits. Nowadays, we have less faith in Netflix to renew its originals for more than two seasons, especially original animation. (That is, except for the Dragon Prince series, which will never die.)
But those live-action originals are worth keeping track of, too, and Netflix is still producing plenty of those. Too often, we get invested in shows before realizing they’ve already gotten the axe. So I’m here to warn you with this list of shows that ended before their time. And to bring you the good news: Plenty of shows have scored renewals for at least one more season in 2025 or 2026.
Netflix’s returning series and confirmed renewals
Let’s start with the good news. Here are the returning hits you can expect from Netflix, with new seasons premiering in 2025 and 2026:
Wednesday Season 3
As of writing, Wednesday Season 2 isn’t even done airing, and Netflix has already renewed the supernatural teen drama for a third season.
Confirmed seasons: 1, 2, 3
New episodes: September 3, 2025
Stranger Things Season 5
Stranger Things is ending in 2025, but not before an explosive final season. I don’t know if I’m ready to let Stranger Things go, but seeing as all the kids are full adults now, it makes sense to wrap things up.
Confirmed seasons: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
New episodes: November 26, 2025
One Piece Season 2
Netflix’s live-action One Piece adaptation is officially coming back for a third season. Of course, it has to air the second season first, but we’ve yet to see a release date for that.
Confirmed seasons: 1, 2, 3
New episodes: 2026
Bridgerton Season 4
Benedict Bridgerton’s long-awaited romance finally comes to fruition in 2026, but that’s not the end of the Bridgerton story. There are still four more siblings to get through, and Shonda Rhimes has confirmed we’ll get to see each one in their own season.
(Technically, though, Netflix has only renewed the show through season six. Details!)
Confirmed seasons: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
New episodes: 2026
Blue Eye Samurai Season 2
I hope you’ll join me in responding to the new Blue Eye Samurai teaser trailer with one question: They’re only now starting production?? Season 1 ended two years ago! Chop, chop!
Confirmed seasons: 1, 2
New episodes: TBD
The Witcher Season 4
The time’s running out for The Witcher’s fourth season. It’s been confirmed for a 2025 release date, but very well might get pushed to 2026 if we don’t hear anything soon. After that, we’ll only get one more season before the series comes to a close.
Confirmed seasons: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
New episodes: 2025
Other Netflix renewals:
- Bet
- The Dragon King
- Forever
- XO, Kitty
- Sweet Magnolias
- The Four Seasons
- The Diplomat
- Ransom Canyon
- Running Point
Netflix cancellations
Aside from a few big titles, Netflix cancelled a lot of foreign TV shows this year. Maybe American-made titles are a lot more appealing now that the writers’ strike is over.
The Sandman
It’s no secret why The Sandman is ending. It was only the latest show to be adapted from Neil Gaiman’s work, but public interest took a sizable dip after a New York Magazine article revealed serious abuse allegations against the author.
The Residence
Netflix shocked audiences by pulling the plug on this quirky murder mystery. Apparently, Bridgerton’s success can only carry the Shondaland name so far.
The Recruit
Sorry, Noah Centineo fans. This spy thriller got cancelled after its second season, so you’ll just have to keep watching XO, Kitty and hoping Peter Kavinsky makes another cameo.
Other Netflix cancellations:
- Pulse
- The Lady’s Companion
- Kaala Paani
- Territory
- Surviving Summer
- Shafted
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