All the Shows Netflix Has Already Canceled in 2026 — One Creator Blames the Streamer’s Focus on ‘The Algorithm’
Netflix has been on a cancellation spree in 2026. So far this year, the streamer has canceled more than half-a-dozen shows, including a costly Western drama and an animated series set in the same universe as a popular ‘80s action flick. What’s driving the cancellations? One show creator blames the algorithm.
Netflix cancels ‘The Abandons,’ ‘Terminator: Zero,’ and more
Which shows have gotten the ax at Netflix so far in 2026? The victims include The Abandons, a splashy Western starring Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, and Terminator: Zero, an anime series following a scientist who is developing an AI alternative to Skynet. The Abandons premiered in December 2025 and was canceled in early 2026. Terminator: Zero premiered in August 2024; in early 2026, Deadline reported that it would not return for season 2.
Netflix also canceled the comedy series The Vince Staples Show after two seasons. Though the show did well with critics, it failed to find a wide audience, noted Deadline. Class, a Hindi adaptation of the Spanish series Elite, which premiered in 2023, will also not return, series star Gurfateh Pirzada confirmed in an Instagram post earlier this year. The cancellation apparently happened back in 2024 but was never formally announced.
Dating show Pop The Balloon LIVE also won’t be getting a second season, according to What’s On Netflix. Meghan Markle’s lifestyle series With Love, Meghan is also done after two seasons, though there might be future seasonal specials, her representative told Variety in March 2026.
‘The Abandons’ creator had harsh reaction to cancellation news
A cancellation is always disappointing news for a show’s cast and creators. Kurt Sutter, the co-creator of The Abandons, was particularly vocal in his disappoints.
“Dear Netflix, Next time fear compels you to choose the algorithm over a creator’s vision, remember how that choice unraveled a potentially beautiful project,” he wrote on Instagram (via Deadline).
Sutter, who parted ways with Netflix shortly before The Abandons wrapped production, went on to reference the high cost of producing the show.
“FYI: Shareholders hate it when they learn more than $150 million was wasted on a single show trying to fix unnecessary mistakes of leadership failures – a destructive trend for both Hollywood and Wall Street,” he wrote.
Sutter later posted a heavily redacted version of his original comments, saying he was doing so after hearing from Netflix’s legal team.
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