BEST CANCELED SHOWS THAT FANS ARE STILL TRYING TO SAVE

TV show cancelations are nothing new, but as measures of success continue to change in the age of streaming, they've become an all-too-common occurrence. In just the past few years, streaming practices, the pandemic and 2023's historic writers' and actors' strikes have all had a noticeable impact on whether a show gets renewed. Big-budget genre shows and LBTGQ+-friendly series have been hit particularly hard, with many shows not getting the chance to find their audience and creatives not given enough notice to give the series a satisfying conclusion. That said, there's still a glimmer of hope.

Nowadays, with each new cancelation comes an outcry from fans on social media, and if they make enough noise, they might just save their favorite shows. For instance, fans of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Community successfully got their shows picked up for additional seasons after cancelation, and Firefly and Veronica Mars were both revived as movies. While the chances are still slim, fans of the following series won't go down without a fight, and they can get quite creative with their methods.

Updated by Christy Mathew on November 11, 2024: These shows have earned a place in fans' hearts, enough for them to protest when these shows were canceled, leaving them with unresolved questions and plotlines. This list has been updated with new entries to align with the current publishing standards of CBR.

Fate: The Winx Saga Could Still Return as a Movie

Fate: The Winx Saga - 2 Seasons

Based on the animated Nickelodeon show Winx Club, Fate: The Winx Saga follows a teenage fire fairy named Bloom who enrolls in a magical school called Alfea so she can learn to control her abilities. Although the adaptation had its share of controversy and didn't impress critics, its first season drew almost as many viewers as fellow Netflix hit Bridgerton. Unfortunately, its second season didn't attract quite as big of an audience. Netflix canceled it soon after, leaving the story on a huge cliffhanger.

Iginio Straffi, creator of the Winx franchise, quickly revealed to fans that he hoped to continue the live-action series' story in a movie. While there hasn't been much news on that front, the series lives on in the graphic novel Fate: The Winx Saga Vol. 1 Dark Destiny. Many fans are still pushing for another season of the show, using the hashtag #SaveFateTheWinxSaga. Their petition on Change.org has over 150,000 signatures and is still gaining support over a year after the cancelation.

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies Was Abruptly Erased

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies - 1 Season

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies is a musical prequel set four years before the events of Grease. As the title suggests, it chronicles the origins of the girl gang as they try to survive high school. Viewers who gave the series a chance enjoyed the catchy songs, Emmy-nominated choreography and GLAAD Award-nominated LGBTQ+ representation. Sadly, the show was canceled and removed from Paramount+, which put a stamp on a frustrating streaming trend less than a month after its season finale aired as part of the streamer's cost-cutting measures.

With no way to watch the series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies' fans and cast took to the internet to demand a new streaming home and another season. The show was later made available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes and DVD. While the cast wasn't able to campaign during the actors' strike, fans continued their efforts by sending postcards about the show, available on their website, to different streamers and posting on social media with the hashtags #SaveOurPinks, #SaveRiseofthePinkLadies and #SaveROTPL. In January 2024, the fandom even had a virtual dance party.

iCarly Brought a Teen Classic to a New Era

iCarly - 3 Seasons

As a revival of an iconic Nickelodeon show, iCarly had a high standard to meet. The series picked up nine years after the original ended, with Carly deciding to revive her web show with the help of Freddie, Spencer, her new friend Harper, and Freddie's stepdaughter Millicent. As its first season aired, it quickly became one of Paramount+'s most-watched shows. Audience reviews for the series improved each season, but the streamer opted not to renew it after its third season despite its cliffhanger ending.

iCarly fans were shocked and incensed by its cancelation, particularly because Paramount+ never gave a specific reason for its decision. Their website urges viewers to email executives from other streaming services to request that they pick up the show, and they're fundraising to get a billboard or a sky banner to promote their cause. Fans shared their thoughts on social media with the hashtags #SaveiCarly and #WeWantiCarlyS4. On Valentine's Day 2024, Freddie actor Nathan Kress even got in on the discussion by sharing songs from his own playlist inspired by Freddie's relationship with Carly.

Inside Job's Season 2 Renewal Was Revoked

Inside Job - 1 Season

Inside Job is an adult-animated workplace comedy set in a world where popular conspiracy theories are real but covered up by shady organizations. At Cognito Inc., Reagan Ridley and Brett Hand lead a team trying to make the world a better place using questionable methods. The first season aired in two parts and was renewed for a second season after the release of Part 1. However, following the release of Part 2, Netflix changed its mind and rescinded its renewal, likely due to a drop in viewership.

Although Inside Job Season 1 Part 2 didn't reach the same viewing numbers as Part 1, fans have claimed that Netflix didn't adequately market Part 2's release. Over a year later, Inside Job fans are still sharing their distress over the show's cancelation and cliffhanger ending using the hashtag #SaveInsideJob. The campaign's official X (formerly known as Twitter) account also frequently spotlights other fan campaigns, particularly those canceled by Netflix.

Legends of Tomorrow Was Part of a Larger Purge

Legends of Tomorrow - 7 Seasons

While it began as a spinoff in the Arrowverse, DC's Legends of Tomorrow grew into something entirely its own. The time travel show features a revolving door of DC heroes and villains working together for the greater good. Although it took a little time to find its footing, the series only got better as it progressed. Unfortunately, it was canceled alongside nine other CW shows. According to The Hollywood Reporter, CW Chairman Mark Pedowitz wanted to renew it but opted not to pay the lease on its studio space.

Legends of Tomorrow fans were distraught over the show's cliffhanger ending and continued to voice their dismay on social media using the hashtag #SaveLegendsofTomorrow. They have also promoted their campaign on billboards in New York City, Mexico and Australia, flying sky banners over Warner Bros. Studios twice and sending the studio a "broken Beebo" with a letter asking to save the show. At the Starfury: Ultimates Legends convention in 2023, a few fans even took a picture with the cast holding a banner with the hashtag. Fans are also planning multiple in-person gatherings in 2024.

Lockwood & Co. Is an Unfinished Adaptation

Lockwood & Co. - 1 Season

Lockwood & Co. is a paranormal drama based on the book series of the same name by Jonathan Stroud. It follows three teens who form their own ghost-hunting agency in a world where the UK is infested with spirits. The show adapted the first two books in the series and was met with praise from critics and fans, becoming the fourth most-watched show on Netflix in the UK for the first half of 2023. Despite this, Netflix canceled the series after just one season for not meeting its viewership standards.

With three more books left to adapt, Lockwood & Co. fans took to social media using the hashtag #SaveLockwoodandCo to express their discontent. Many have criticized Netflix for not promoting the show at events like TUDUM and Geeked Week, leading them to crowdfund booths and banners at LA Comic Con and Galaxy Con to spread the word. The fandom also hosted a virtual convention called Cluster Con, had an in-person meetup in London where they were joined by the cast and creators of the franchise, and are holding a book drive to promote youth literacy.

Our Flag Means Death Would Only Need One More Season

Our Flag Means Death - 2 Seasons

Loosely based on the life of the Gentleman Pirate, Stede Bonnet, Our Flag Means Death follows his early career and relationship with fellow pirate legend Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard. The show was praised for its LGBTQ+ representation and was even nominated for two GLAAD awards. According to Parrot Analytics, it is currently one of the most in-demand comedies in the US. Series creator David Jenkins previously said he envisioned it as a three-season show, but Max canceled it without explanation after just two.

Our Flag Means Death fans had a petition to renew the show even before its second season aired and are now asking for it to be saved with the hashtags #SaveOFMD, #AdoptOurCrew and #RenewAsACrew. They launched a campaign called #HoistTheAds, in which they got multiple billboards, a plane and a truck to promote their cause. The fandom also raised money for RainbowYOUTH, an organization dedicated to preserving the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ youths in New Zealand.

Shadow and Bone Was Gearing Up for a Major Expansion

Shadow and Bone - 2 Seasons

Shadow and Bone is based on the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo and follows a young woman named Alina Starkov, who discovers she's a legendary figure called the Sun Summoner. The first season was a hit, reaching the number one spot in Nielsen's streaming ratings and staying in the top ten for five weeks. The creatives behind the show were planning a Six of Crows spinoff, and Netflix had just released a mobile game based on the series when it announced that the show was canceled. The streamer cited lower viewership numbers for Shadow & Bone Season 2 and increasing costs due to delays from the strikes as reasons.

Even though Season 2 strayed further from the books than some would've liked, Shadow and Bone fans still voiced their displeasure using the hashtags #SaveShadowandBone and #SixofCrowsSpinoff. Their petition to renew the show has over 200,000 signatures, and the fandom funded two billboards outside of Netflix's offices in London and Los Angeles. Fans have also sent the streamer origami crows about the spinoff and are putting together a book of fan testimonials to send to Netflix executives.

First Kill Was a Vampire Romance That Deserved More

First Kill - 1 Season

First Kill premiered in 2022 and was a supernatural teen drama series. The show was created by Victoria Schwab and revolves around Juliette, a teen vampire. She's pressured to make her first kill to prove her worth as she belongs to a high-profile lineage. She has to prove her worth with her first kill, but she falls in love with a girl from a family of monster hunters. This becomes a modern re-telling of classic stories like Romeo and Juliet, furthered with supernatural elements. Some people praised the show, while some criticized it.

Fans of the show have expressed their disappointment after the show was canceled just after one season. The show shed new light on LGBTQ+ relationships without focusing entirely on the difficulties that come with their sexuality. The show portrayed a love story for fans that was relatable, which led to fans supporting and demanding extended seasons with campaigns on social media and many discussions. Fans argue that First Kill deserves another chance to explore its characters and give them all the answers to the cliffhangers.

Firefly Was a Cult Classic That Wouldn't Fade Away

Firefly - 1 Season

The cult-classic sci-fi show, Firefly, aired in 2002 and was created by Joss Whedon. The story revolves around a post-apocalyptic future of an abandoned Earth, following a crew trying to make a living in a society on edge. Even after being canceled after just a season, the show grew a following for its character development, dialogue and blend of genres. The show had a great fanbase that it gained over the years.

These fans haven't missed an opportunity to advocate for Firefly through fan conventions, petitions and more. The show earned praise for its humor and drama, complemented by complex characters with moral dilemmas. The show's fans demanded new seasons or movies that would follow up on the beloved sci-fi cast, leading to the film sequel Serenity in 2005.

Station 19 Is Heading Into Its Final Season

Station 19 - 7 Seasons

A spinoff of the ever-popular medical drama Grey's Anatomy, Station 19 focuses on the lives of Seattle's firefighters. While critics' reviews were mixed, audiences have praised the series for its diverse representation and handling of sensitive issues. Its audience score on Rotten Tomatoes has improved every season, and it's up for a GLAAD award in 2024. Following delays from the strikes, ABC announced that its seventh season would be its last, giving the series 10 episodes with a new showrunner to wrap things up.

Station 19's final season has finished airing, but fans are already calling for more seasons using the hashtags #SaveStation19 and #Station19. They have broadcast their message on digital billboards in Times Square twice and flew a sky banner over ABC's offices in Burbank. On their website, the fandom encourages viewers to make their appeals to save the show directly to ABC and its parent company, Disney, and they're still raising money for more billboards.

The Expanse' Fans Wanted More After the Season Finale

The Expanse - 6 Seasons

The Expanse is based on a book series by James S.A. Corey, and the 2015 adaptation was highly praised for its storytelling and nuanced characters. The story revolves around humanity and how it has colonized the solar system, and its portrayal of space travel, social issues and more have earned the show multiple nominations and awards. The show has run for six seasons and viewers have praised its character arcs and overarching storylines.

The show ended in 2021, but fans have been vocal about their demand to have more stories told in this world via spin-offs or movies. Some fans felt The Expanse ended in a way that left too many questions unanswered. Fans were especially bummed not to know the fates of some of their favorite characters, like Holden and Naomi. This has given rise to fan-driven campaigns to bring this show's universe back to the forefront, igniting discussions about plot theories.

That '90s Show Struggled to Connect With Audiences

That '90s Show - 1 Season

That '90s Show was released in 2023 as a sequel to That '70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006. The show revolves around a group of teenagers namely Leia; Eric and Donna's daughter. She comes to live out the summer at her grandparents' house in Wisconsin. The show includes previously known characters as well as new characters. Some fans appreciated the show's nostalgic elements and the return of Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp as Red and Kitty.

Fans of That '90s Show have demanded more episodes, as they see room for more character development and its quirky brand of comedy. However, mixed reactions were aimed at the cast's lack of chemistry and character development. Even so, nostalgic fans have urged Netflix to reconsider ending the sequel's fate, giving the characters room to grow.

Minx's Bold Representation of Sexuality Was Cut Short

Minx - 2 Seasons

Minx premiered on HBO Max in 2022 and was praised as a bold comedy series. The show was created by Ellen Rapoport and was set in the 1970s, following the story of Joyce, whose dream was to launch a women's magazine. She was rejected by all publishers except Doug, a low-rent publisher. He offers her a chance to launch a magazine for womenbut an erotic one. The show involves diverse characters, each exploring themes of sexuality, feminism and empowerment. The show was also appreciated for its sharp humor, innovative storytelling, and the cast's strong chemistry.

Minx challenges the societal norms against women, sexuality and representation in the media. After its abrupt cancelation following two seasons, fans have stormed social media asking for a revival. They championed the show's unique sense of humor and resonating feminist themes. Fans have led social media campaigns, petitions and more to shine more light on the short-lived show.

Warrior Nun Had Its Renewal Hopes Dashed Twice

Warrior Nun - 2 Seasons

Warrior Nun is a fantasy show based on a comic book character created by Ben Dunn. It follows a young woman named Ava Silva, who is resurrected with a special artifact and joins an ancient religious order that fights demons. Audiences appreciated its LGBTQ+ representation, and its second season received a rare 99 percent audience score. Sadly, Netflix canceled the series shortly after without explanation, but many suspect it was due to insufficient viewership.

Even before it was canceled, fans already had a petition for Warrior Nun's renewal and soon took to social media with the hashtags #WarriorNun and #SaveWarriorNun. The fandom thought it had succeeded when showrunner Simon Barry announced that the show was being revived as a movie series. However, he later revealed he wasn't involved in the project and that it might be more of a reboot than a continuation. Fans resumed campaigning with the hashtag #SaveOURWarriorNun and have funded billboards worldwide.

2024-11-12T15:39:03Z