If there is one thing we can count on in 2025, it is that the streaming wars are showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, the mountain of content is so high that it feels nearly impossible to watch everything and keep up with it all. New platforms are constantly entering the ring and each of them is offering a wide range of original TV shows that aim to win the competition. And just when you think you are caught up on all the trending TV shows, another few dozen pop up and fight for your attention.
It’s a bloodbath out there, so casualties are bound to pile up. We are a little over five months into the year and a startling number of shows have already been canceled. Some were doomed from the start, with concepts too niche or execution too shaky to even break through the armor. Others seemed like obvious hits but only got lost in the shuffle and failed to gain decent visibility. Whatever the reason, it’s always tough to say goodbye. Despite being compelling, innovative, and star-studded, these TV shows have already been axed in 2025.
19
‘Hysteria!’ (2024)
Stream on Peacock
Hysteria! is set during the “Satanic Panic” of the late 1980s, and it revolves around a struggling high school heavy metal band that tries to make the most of their town’s obsession with the occult. But when a beloved varsity quarterback suddenly disappears, the band has a new reputation and things spiral into chaos, followed by a series of murders and kidnappings.
Production Woes Spell Doom For ‘Hysteria’
Led by Julie Bowen, Anna Camp, Chiara Aurelia, and Emjay Anthony, the show combined coming-of-age drama with dark humor and a dash of horror. However, before it was even released, production delays caused by the writers’ strike had impacted the schedule, and the series ended up losing traction and interest in the process. Peacock never revealed the viewership data, but it’s safe to assume that Hysteria! did not resonate with viewers.
18
‘Based on a True Story’ (2023 – 2024)
Stream on Peacock
2.5
/5
- Release Date
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June 8, 2023
- Showrunner
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Craig Rosenberg
- Writers
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Craig Rosenberg
After successfully starring in the TV hits The Big Bang Theory and The Flight Attendant, Kaley Cuoco continued dominating the small screen when she appeared alongside Chris Messina in the dark comedy thriller Based on a True Story, in which they portray an expecting Los Angeles couple who find a way to turn their true crime obsession into some much needed money by blackmailing a suspected serial killer into coming on their podcast.
Cuoco’s TV Reign Comes to an End
The first season of Based on a True Story attracted praise for its lighthearted humor, charming performances, and quirky premise, garnering a 76% Rotten Tomatoes score while its second installment fared even better with an 83% rating. Though many compared the comedy to Only Murders in the Building, the series found its own groove and left audiences on a major cliffhanger, with showrunner Annie Weisman even saying prior to its cancellation: “there’s more to reflect, more to tell… I don’t see an endpoint yet.”
17
‘S.W.A.T.’ (2017 – 2025)
Stream on Netflix
Shemar Moore said goodbye to his friends in the BAU in Criminal Minds and headed to sunny Los Angeles to hunt down dangerous criminals when he headlined the action drama series S.W.A.T., a reimagining of both the ’70s series and 2003 film that follows Moore’s Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson as he is tasked with leading a highly-skilled unit known as the 20-DAVID squad. Hodo finds himself torn between his loyalties to his fellow lawmen and his friends on the streets.
S.W.A.T. Is Canceled For a Final Time
After an impressive eight-season run and over 160 episodes, S.W.A.T. was abruptly canceled by CBS in March 2025 after the network couldn’t reach an agreement about the show’s financial terms, instead opting to “end the long-running series outright.” Fans may remember that the drama had previously been canceled in 2023 after six seasons before CBS quickly reversed the decision just a few days later, though a new life preserver has yet to be tossed the show’s way (despite Moore’s appeal to Netflix).
16
‘Night Court’ (2023 – 2025)
Stream on Peacock
- Release Date
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January 17, 2023
- Network
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NBC
- Showrunner
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Dan Rubin
- Directors
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Pamela Fryman, Anthony Joseph Rich, Leonard R. Garner, Jr., Mark Cendrowski
- Writers
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Lon Zimmet, Mathew Harawitz, Azie Dungey
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John Larroquette
Dan Fielding
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India de Beaufort
Olivia Moore
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A revival of the popular ’80s sitcom of the same name, Night Court stars The Big Bang Theory alum Melissa Rauch as Judge Abby Stone, the daughter of the late Harry Stone who takes over his position as magistrate for the night shift at the Manhattan Criminal Court. Original series star John Larroquette reprises his role as former assistant district attorney-turned-public defender Dan Fielding, who was Harry’s best friend and comes back to serve in Abby’s court.
The Nostalgia Factor Wears Off For Fans
Rauch reunited with a few familiar faces from TBBT during the show’s three seasons, with Mayim Bialik, Simon Helberg, and Kunal Nayyar all making guest appearances over the course of its run. After a strong run early on (likely thanks to nostalgic fans), viewership began to dwindle in the ensuing seasons and Night Court was ultimately canceled in May 2025 despite a push for the show to return for a scaled-back fourth and final season.
15
‘The Equalizer’ (2021 – 2025)
Stream on Paramount+
A modern remake of the Edward Woodward-led crime drama of the same name, The Equalizer features Hollywood staple Queen Latifah as the tough-as-nails single mother Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who utilizes her extensive skills to help clean up the streets of New York City and deliver cold, hard vigilante justice. Robyn sets out to help those in need and atone for her past mistakes, serving as a fierce defender to those who have nowhere else to turn.
The Writers Anticipated The Drama’s Potential Cancellation
The Equalizer had been a long-time passion project for Queen Latifah, who had expressed her desire to star in the series for over half a decade and dazzled audiences with her commanding portrayal of the fearless and resilient Robyn McCall. Like with S.W.A.T., The Equalizer was abruptly canceled during its fifth season due to a decline in ratings and finance issues, though writers had anticipated this as a possibility and set up the season finale to potentially bookend the series.
14
‘Frasier’ (2023 – 2024)
Stream on Paramount+
When Kelsey Grammer first took on the role of Frasier Crane in Cheers, he was 32 years old. The actor is 70 now and audiences’ interest in his iconic psychiatrist has now waned. Reviving the beloved sitcom for the modern generation, Frasier reunites the fans with their favorite character; this time, he’s navigating life in Boston with his son Freddy.
The Revival Can’t Capture the Original’s Magic
The series introduces new cast members Toks Olagundoye and Anders Keith, while featuring cameos from original stars Peri Gilpin and Bebe Neuwirth. After two seasons, however, Paramount+ decided to cancel Frasier due to high production costs, poor reception, and declining popularity on the streaming platform as compared to network television.
13
‘Teacup’ (2024)
Stream on Peacock
A horror series based on Robert McCammon’s novel titled Stinger, Teacup unfolds at a breakneck pace in rural Georgia, where a group of individuals is facing mysterious and unknown threats. Blending loads of suspense and character-driven drama, the series ran for eight episodes, explored themes of survival and made broader commentary on humanity.
‘Teacup’ Fails to Attract Large Viewership
Produced by James Wan and starring Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, and Chaske Spencer in the lead roles, it definitely had potential because critics described it as a “stylish and genuinely scary” show and praised how the “atmospheric frights of this horror series leave a pleasing aftertaste.” Fans also appreciated the performances and storytelling, but a cancelation was announced in January 2025 due to low engagement.
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12
‘The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin’ (2024)
Stream on Apple TV+
Noel Fielding plays Dick Turpin, a reluctant leader of a gang of outlaws in 18th-century England. He’s out on a quest to get the better of corrupt lawman Jonathan Wilde and a secret criminal organization called The Syndicate to eventually become England’s greatest highwayman. The six-episode first season premiered in March 2024 and earned praise for its quirky tone and witty writing.
Fielding’s Health Woes Leads to Cancellation
Season 2 of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin was canceled abruptly mid-production when Fielding, the show’s lead, did not return to work due to bad health. The season was already filmed, but Apple TV+ and Big Talk Studios decided they could not do much with it and ultimately scrapped the show.
11
‘The Franchise’ (2024)
Stream on HBO
Superhero movies, their elaborate cinematic universes, and franchises are the talk of the town, with many drawing in millions of views. But have you ever wondered about the work that goes into making the movie? The Franchise is a satirical comedy that dives into the chaotic production of a superhero movie that’s part of a struggling franchise, all through the eyes of Dan, an exhausted first assistant director.
A Hefty Production Budget Becomes ‘The Franchise’s Kryptonite
The set of Tecto: Eye of the Storm is filled with an inefficient staff, creative compromises, and unimaginable compromises. Which is to say that the series offers a biting commentary on Hollywood’s blockbuster filmmaking business. But there’s only so much you can do with that premise, and The Franchise was axed after one season due to high production costs.
10
‘In the Know’ (2024)
Stream on Peacock
- Release Date
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2024 – 2023
- Showrunner
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Zach Woods, Brandon Gardner
- Directors
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Zach Woods, Brandon Gardner
In the Know was Peacock’s first foray into adult animation and the series broke ground for the streamer by combining stop-motion puppetry with live-action interviews. Its premise followed Lauren Caspian, NPR’s third-most-popular host, as he interviewed real-world guests and gained genuine perspective from those conversations. The humor usually stemmed from Lauren’s well-meaning but edgy personality.
A Quirky Adult Animation Experiment
Created by Mike Judge, Zach Woods, and Brandon Gardner, In the Know had a unique concept. It offered an innovative, meta take on the concept of public radio as well as contemporary culture. Still, the network pulled the plug on the series after its inaugural season because the experiment did not gain enough traction.
