5 Netflix shows you probably forgot were canceled in 2025

There’s a special kind of heartbreak that comes with a show getting canceled. Cliffhangers are never resolved, favorite characters disappear, and the worlds you’ve lost yourself in suddenly vanish, leaving you with only memories, unanswered questions, and the lingering ache of what could have been.

In 2025, Netflix has axed many of its shows, leaving devoted viewers stunned, disappointed, and nostalgically revisiting the series they wished had lasted longer. In this article, we’re taking a look at five Netflix shows you probably forgot were canceled this year. That way, you won't accidentally start watching one only to discover it’s already gone.

Now, let's get started!

Territory

With all the success of the Yellowstone franchise, Netflix thought it had its very own modern Western hit with Territory. But unfortunately, the streaming giant gave the show the boot in February 2025 after only one six-episode season. Although Netflix never revealed an exact reason for its cancellation, there are rumors that production timing and scheduling issues played a part in the decision.

Territory centers on the Lawson family, owners of Marianne Station, which is the world’s largest cattle station located in Australia’s Northern Territory. When the station is left without a clear heir, a fierce battle for power and inheritance erupts. The cast is made up of Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, Robert Taylor, Sam Corlett, and others.

The Recruit

The first season of The Recruit premiered on Netflix in December 2022 and was a hit. This scored the spy adventure series a season 2 renewal. However, the second season of The Recruit experienced a decline in interest, which is believed to have led to Netflix pulling the plug. In March 2025, the cancellation of The Recruit was announced to the world.

The spy series revolves around a young CIA lawyer named Owen Hendricks, played by Noah Centineo, who becomes entangled in dangerous international espionage after uncovering a threatening letter from a former Russian asset. The rest of the cast includes Laura Haddock, Aarti Mann, Colton Dunn, Fivel Stewart, Daniel Quincy Annoh, Kristian Bruun, Vondie Curtis-Hall, and others.

Pulse

Netflix also thought it had its very own Grey's Anatomy when it launched Pulse in 2025. But despite its promising premise, the show struggled to find a consistent audience and was ultimately canceled after just one season in July 2025. Fans were then left to turn to other medical dramas such as Grey's Anatomy, The Pitt, or Doc to fill the void.

Pulse takes place at Miami’s Maguire Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma hospital, and follows a group of ambitious residents navigating high-stakes surgeries, intense hospital politics, and personal drama. Willa Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell, Justina Machado, Jack Bannon, Jessie T. Usher, Daniela Nieves, Chelsea Muirhead, and Jessy Yates make up the cast.

The Residence

This Shonda Rhimes-produced series was actually pretty good with critics and audiences alike enjoying it. The plot was even more engaging than expected, mixing a sharp murder mystery with clever comedy and the inner workings of the White House. So, why did Netflix give it the boot after one season in July 2025? While we don't know the full story, industry insiders speculate that factors like high production costs and its release being overshadowed by a more popular show at the time (Adolescence) may have contributed to its cancellation.

The Residence takes place in the White House and stars Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, a brilliant and eccentric detective tasked with solving a murder during a state dinner. Joining Aduba in the cast are Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Edwina Findley, Randall Park, Molly Griggs, and others.

The Waterfront

After its June 2025 premiere, The Waterfront looked poised for a second season, with early data suggesting the first season was performing strongly. However, despite these promising numbers, it ultimately wasn’t enough to secure a renewal. The Waterfront was canceled in August 2025. According to Deadline, it learned from sources that Netflix felt the combination of the show’s overall viewership and episode completion rates didn’t meet their internal benchmarks. That sucks!

Created by Kevin Williamson, The Waterfront follows the powerful Buckley family as they navigate the challenges of their faltering fishing empire. The ensemble cast includes Holt McCallany, Melissa Benoist, Jake Weary, Rafael L. Silva, Humberly González, Danielle Campbell, Brady Hepner, Maria Bello, and many other talented actors.