The Last of Us, The Witcher: Top series cancelled in 2025
Theatrical release poster of Wheel of Time (left), The Sandman (center), and The Last of Us (right). Photo Credit- Author’s collage
Steaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Videos have been a dominant source of entertainment for the screens, but 2025 has seen these platform make tough calls, cancelling several high-profile series amid shifting priorities. This piece is set to explore these notable series cancellations in 2025, analyzing the reasons behind their demise and what they reveal about the industry’s evolving strategy.
The Last of Us
An HBO Series, The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic drama based on Naughty Dog’s video game, following Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in a world ravaged by a fungal infection. Despite a third season renewal on April 9, 2025, according to Glass Almanac and Deadline. The Last of Us was a critical success and HBO’s most-watched debut season, averaging 32 million viewers per episode by May 2023. However, its cancellation on Netflix’s end could stem from financial disagreements with HBO. The show’s massive production costs, filmed in Alberta, generating $182 million, may have clashed with HBO’s push for cost efficiency.
The Witcher
A fantasy epic based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, The Witcher follows monster hunter Geralt (Henry Cavill, later Liam Hemsworth), sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), and princess Ciri (Freya Allan) in a politically charged world. According to Glass Almanac (May 26, 2025) confirms Netflix has cancelled The Witcher after its fifth season, set to conclude in 2026, marking the end of the saga. The Witcher was once seen as Netflix’s answer to The Lord of the Rings, but fan backlash over Cavill’s exit in Season 3 and the show’s divergence from the books hurt its momentum. Petitions to cancel the show after Cavill’s departure anticipated its end. Despite a solid viewership, the high cost of production; elaborate sets, CGI, and global filming, didn’t align with Netflix’s new focus on cost-effective content. The cancellation reflects Netflix’s wariness of fan discontent and financial risk in long-running fantasy series.
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The Wheel of Time
A Prime Video series, The Wheel of Time adapts Robert Jordan’s fantasy novels, following Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) and a group of young heroes in a magical world. According to Deadline (May 23, 2025) reports that Prime Video cancelled The Wheel of Time after its third season, which aired its finale on April 17, 2025. Initially a strong performer (Prime Video’s biggest 2021 premiere), the series saw declining viewership by Season 3, dropping out of Nielsen’s Top 10 Originals chart after three weeks, according to Deadline. The high production costs, shared between Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures TV, became a burden as viewership waned. Deadline cites financial reasons, noting the show’s creative approval didn’t outweigh its budget. Movie enthusiasts on social media have expressed their sadness for the cancellation but were not surprised about the news. Netflix’s exit mirrors their broader strategy of cutting high-cost fantasy series with diminishing returns.
The Sandman
Based on Neil Gaiman’s beloved DC comic, The Sandman launched in 2022, following Dream (Tom Sturridge) of the Endless as he navigates the metaphysical realms after escaping captivity. On a late Friday night in early 2025, Netflix announced that the forthcoming second season, due later this year, would be its last, according to What’s on Netflix. Despite critical acclaim (88% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a passionate fanbase. The Sandman’s high production costs, estimated at $15 million per episode proved unsustainable. The serie’s ambitious visual effects, sprawling cast, and lengthy production timelines clashed with Netflix’s push for quicker, more cost-efficient content. Viewership, while solid, didn’t match titans like Stranger Things, and according to What’s on Netflix it was noted that many saw the cancellation coming as it was too expensive for Netflix’s new direction. The decision reflects Netflix’s shift toward financially safer bets, even at the expense of great potentials.
Territory
An Australian drama dubbed the “Yellowstone of the Outback,” Territory premiered in October 2024, focusing on a cattle station empire’s succession drama. The series was cancelled in February 2025 according to What’s on Netflix. Territory failed to draw the global audience Netflix anticipated, with viewership numbers not justifying its costly production in remote Australian locations. What’s on Netflix points to logistics and timings as key issues, including scheduling conflicts that delayed Season 2. Fans on social media have commented on the news of the cancellation, saying it had a good storyline but it wasn’t enough to draw the attention of a large audience. This cancellation underscores Netflix’s increasing focus on immediate viewership impact over long-term potential, especially for expensive international projects.
Break Point
A tennis docu-series launched in 2023, Break Point aimed to replicate Drive to Survive’s success by showcasing the sport’s rising stars and drama. Cancelled in early 2025, with no third season, according to What’s on Netflix. Break Point struggled to capture a wide audience, lacking the universal appeal of F1’s high-stakes drama. Production costs were high, filming at global tournaments like Wimbledon and the show never broke into the mainstream, according to What’s on Netflix. Critics argued that the series wasn’t good enough for a broader and diversed audience. Netflix’s shift away from strategically placed sports docu-series reflects a broader strategy to prioritize content with broader appeal and lower financial risk.
Six Nations: Full Contact
A rugby docu-series covering the Six Nations Championship, this show debuted in 2023, offering an inside look at the sport’s intensity and rivalries. Ahead of the launch of the second season in 2025, Netflix confirmed there would be no third season, as reported by What’s on Netflix. Similar to Break Point, Six Nations: Full Contact struggled with viewership, failing to break into mainstream audiences outside rugby’s core fanbase. The sport’s regional appeal, primarily in Europe limited its global reach, a key metric for Netflix. Production challenges, including coordinating with multiple teams and unions, also played a role. Movie enthusiasts appreciated the series reflection of Rugby but were sad that it wasn’t enough to attract a larger audience. Netflix’s pivot away from niche sports content signals a broader strategy to prioritize universally appealing projects.
Conclusion
The 2025 cancellations of these series mark a pivotal moment for streaming platforms like Prime Video and Netflix, reflecting a strategic shift toward been careful about financial costs and immediate audience impact. While these series held immense potential, whether through critical acclaim, cultural resonance, or fan devotion, they fell victim to a combination of high costs, declining or insufficient viewership, creative challenges, and logistical issues. As these streaming platforms navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, these cancellations underscore a new reality: even beloved shows aren’t safe if they don’t align with the platform’s interest. Fans may be sad about these cancellation, but a focus on efficiency suggests a future where only the most universally engaging stories survive the streaming challenge.
