As of December 12, 2025, viewers across the United States are searching for the latest verified Netflix show cancellation news, following a week of official updates from the streaming giant. Netflix has confirmed the end or non-renewal of several popular shows as part of its year-end content review. The cancellations have sparked strong reactions across social media, with fans debating which series deserved another season and which had reached their natural conclusion.
Below is a complete, fact-checked breakdown of every confirmed Netflix cancellation and renewal update currently impacting U.S. audiences.
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Netflix Confirms Major Cancellations in December 2025
Netflix conducts periodic reviews of its shows based on viewership data, production costs, and critical performance. As of this month, several high-profile titles will not be returning in 2026.
Here are the officially confirmed shows canceled or concluded by Netflix this December:
| Show Title | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow and Bone | Canceled after 2 seasons | Declining viewership, high production cost |
| Glamorous | Canceled after 1 season | Limited audience engagement |
| The Brothers Sun | Concluded after 1 season | Designed as a limited series |
| FUBAR | Canceled after 1 season | Mixed reviews, moderate ratings |
| The Midnight Club | Officially ended | Creative direction changes |
| One Piece | Renewed (not canceled) | Season 2 in production for 2026 |
These updates come amid Netflix’s continued push to balance large-budget productions with audience retention, a strategy that began after the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes affected global production timelines.
Shadow and Bone Canceled: Fantasy Franchise Ends
One of Netflix’s most-discussed cancellations this winter is Shadow and Bone, the fantasy adventure series based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels. Despite a passionate fan base and a strong debut season in 2021, the second season—released in March 2023—did not meet Netflix’s internal renewal benchmarks.
The series starred Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, and Archie Renaux and was praised for its world-building and character development. However, reports confirm that the show’s production costs were among the highest for a Netflix fantasy series, influencing the decision to cancel it after two seasons.
Fans have launched online petitions urging Netflix to reconsider, but as of today, the streamer has confirmed that no new episodes are in development.
Glamorous and FUBAR: Short-Lived Comedies That Won’t Return
Two of Netflix’s more recent comedy releases, Glamorous and FUBAR, have also been officially canceled in 2025.
Glamorous, starring Miss Benny and Kim Cattrall, was marketed as a workplace comedy about identity, ambition, and self-discovery. While the show drew initial attention for its inclusive storytelling, Netflix opted not to move forward with a second season due to lower-than-expected engagement.
Meanwhile, FUBAR, starring action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, launched in mid-2023 as his first scripted television role. Despite a strong premiere, viewership dropped significantly in later weeks. Netflix confirmed the series will not continue into 2026, marking the end of Schwarzenegger’s first major streaming project.
The Brothers Sun Wraps as a Limited Series
The Brothers Sun, the family crime drama starring Michelle Yeoh, wrapped its story after one season. The show premiered earlier in 2025 and followed a Taiwanese-American family navigating organized crime and cultural identity.
Netflix described the series as a “self-contained narrative,” meaning it was always planned as a one-season project rather than being canceled due to performance. Fans praised the show’s tight writing and Michelle Yeoh’s standout performance, which earned early award buzz this fall.
The Midnight Club Officially Concludes
Horror fans received confirmation that The Midnight Club, created by Mike Flanagan, will not be returning. The show was released in 2022 and centered on a group of terminally ill teens who gather to share ghost stories.
Flanagan’s departure from Netflix in 2023, following the end of The Haunting anthology, made renewal unlikely. Netflix officially classified the series as “concluded,” meaning the story will not continue on another platform.
Despite its cancellation, The Midnight Club remains available for streaming in the U.S. and continues to attract a steady Halloween-season audience.
Renewal Highlights: One Piece and Other Returning Shows
While the recent Netflix show cancellation news has disappointed fans, not all updates were negative. The platform also announced several renewals and ongoing productions that reaffirm its commitment to global storytelling.
The most notable renewal is One Piece, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s record-breaking manga. After its massive success in 2024, the series was quickly greenlit for Season 2, with filming currently underway for a 2026 release.
Netflix also reaffirmed that other hit titles — such as Wednesday, The Diplomat, and Bridgerton — will return with new episodes in 2025 and 2026.
Why Netflix Cancels Shows So Frequently
The pattern of frequent cancellations continues to spark debate among U.S. audiences. Industry data shows that Netflix determines renewals using three main criteria:
- Viewership Retention: How many people finish a season compared to how many start it.
- Cost Efficiency: High production expenses often lead to cancellations if ratings decline.
- Subscriber Growth Impact: Whether a series drives significant new subscriptions or engagement.
Even shows with strong fan bases can be canceled if they don’t meet Netflix’s internal performance metrics within the first 28 days of release — a key evaluation window.
This data-driven approach ensures profitability but can frustrate fans of niche or slow-building series that rely on long-term storytelling.
Fan Reactions and Online Petitions
Netflix’s latest wave of cancellations has reignited frustration among subscribers who feel the platform doesn’t give shows enough time to develop.
The hashtags #SaveShadowAndBone and #SaveFUBAR have been trending on social media throughout December. Some fans have also urged competing platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, to consider acquiring canceled titles, though no such deals have been confirmed.
Despite backlash, Netflix’s approach has remained consistent — focusing on fewer but higher-impact shows to maintain a strong global library.
Industry Context: Cancellations Across Streaming Platforms
Netflix isn’t alone in its recent decisions. Many major streaming services, including Disney+, Max, and Paramount+, have also trimmed their content portfolios this year. Rising production costs, slower subscriber growth, and changing viewer habits have led companies to prioritize financially efficient franchises.
Netflix, however, continues to lead the U.S. streaming market with over 250 million subscribers worldwide, maintaining a dominant position despite backlash over cancellations.
Upcoming Shows Still Safe for 2026
While some shows are ending, Netflix has confirmed that several high-profile titles remain safe and in production for upcoming seasons:
- Wednesday – Season 2 set for 2025 release.
- The Witcher – Renewed for Season 4 with Liam Hemsworth as Geralt.
- Outer Banks – Season 5 filming underway.
- Bridgerton – Season 4 officially in production.
- Squid Game: The Challenge – Reality spinoff renewed for Season 2.
These renewals highlight Netflix’s ongoing investment in global hits and diverse genres despite the latest cancellations.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been following Netflix show cancellation news, it’s clear that the platform is adjusting its lineup to balance quality and cost as it heads into 2026. While fan favorites like Shadow and Bone and FUBAR won’t return, new seasons of One Piece, Wednesday, and Bridgerton promise to keep subscribers engaged in the months ahead.
Which Netflix cancellation surprised you the most this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which show you’d love to see revived.