Netflix cancels fan-favorite series as creator reveals 'not nearly enough people watched it'

No television fan ever wants to hear that word "canceled" when it's in the same sentence as their favorite show, but when it comes to the latest Netflix show that's been given the axe, it might actually bring relief. After a long, long time without an update, we finally know the fate of the sci-fi anime series Terminator Zero. Unfortunately, it's not good news.

Mattson Tomlin, the creator of the animated offshoot set in the Terminator universe, confirmed on social media that Netflix has, in fact, canceled the critically acclaimed, fan-favorite series after only one season. While responding to fan statements regarding Terminator Zero, Tomlin shared the reason behind the cancellation and even offered some details about how the show could have continued.

Terminator Zero canceled by Netflix after one season

"The critical and audience reception to it was tremendous, but at the end of the day not nearly enough people watched it. I would’ve loved to deliver on the Future War I had planned in season’s 2 and 3, but I’m also very happy with how it feels contained as is," Tomlin said directly to fans. While fans are frustrated about learning of the cancellation, Tomlin only shared positive words for Netflix.

Sadly, low viewership numbers contributed to the show being canceled. In additional posts, Tomlin shared that Netflix was supportive throughout the entire process and gave him creative freedom. He would have been able to continue making the show and seeing through his five-season plan, but because the viewership numbers couldn't justify the high budget, Terminator Zero ended.

However, Tomlin also revealed that when Netflix gave him the news that Terminator Zero was on the chopping block, the streaming service offered him the option to create two or three more episodes in order to wrap up the story in a satisfying fashion for fans. Ultimately, Tomlin turned down the offer since he felt his plans for the series finale were too big to stuff into that small amount of episodes.

While fans will cetainly wish Tomlin would have made those two or three wrap-up episodes, it's worth noting that he felt as though Netflix didn't even have to make that offer. We're not often privy to these kinds of details when it comes to series cancellations, but it's safe to say that networks and streamers don't always extend the option that was given to Terminator Zero.

Prior to Tomlin pulling back the curtain and what went on behind the scenes on the anime series, fans had pretty much assumed the show wasn't returning. The series made its premiere on Netflix back in August 2024, and a second season didn't follow in 2025. A season 2 renewal didn't even follow. When Netflix doesn't announce a formal cancellation in over year, cancellation is a safe bet.

Opening up about Terminator Zero on social media has allowed for Tomlin to receive an outpouring of love for the show and sharing further intel on his work on the eight episodes, which includes cluing fans in on his desire to direct a live-action horror movie in the Terminator universe and teasing a future thread about what he would have done if more people had actually tuned in.