There’s so much great TV out there, especially today, butthis can make it difficult to keep up with all the noteworthy showsthat come and go. In just the past ten years, series have flown under the radar throughout their entire run, with some still being relatively unknown to this day, thanks to their cancellation. Overwhelmingly, theshow cancellations that make no sensestill hurt. Audiences and critics agreed that these projects were amazing and warranted another season. However, there are a lot of decisions and opinions in play when it comes to renewing a TV show.
Additionally, just because a show is cut short doesn’t mean its ending won’t deliver the action and thrills audiences are hoping for. All of2025’s canceled TV showsmade their mark on television, and it can be enjoyable to start watching a series after it’s ended. Knowing that the series has concluded and that it won’t suddenly end without warning is comforting and allows viewers to settle into a new series, diving headfirst into the new reality they’re experiencing for the first time. Even if it’s just for one season, these shows provide viewers with the best kind of escape.
6Étoile (2025)
Amy Sherman-Palladino & Daniel Palladino’s Most Recent Show Is An Ambitious, Artistic Tribute
Translating an art form like ballet to the screen has proven itself to be nearly impossible over the years. Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino know this well, astheir earlier dance show,Bunheads, was also axed after just one season.However,Étoileis packed with gorgeous sets, costumes, and real ballet dancers who take the realism of the story to the next level throughout the narrative.The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselalum, Luke Kirby, leads the cast, and he’s as charming as ever, if on edge from running a major ballet company.
It was unquestionably a risk to base a series on ballet, as this isn’t a subject that will instantly connect with a wide array of viewers. However, like all the Palladinos' work,Étoileis deeply about the characters and art itself,feeling like a worthy next step and a self-reflexive project after the success ofThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Ballet might not instantly pique your interest, butÉtoileis worth exploring and might just convince some audience members to get into ballet in real life. The characteristic snappy dialogue and complex family dynamics are present inÉtoile.
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5My Lady Jane (2024)
This Fantasy Show Deserved Many More Seasons
Unfortunately,My Lady Janeis one of many recent fantasy or speculative fiction TV shows to end before it can truly begin. However, the single season ofMy Lady Janethat is out there proves it to be ashort but excellent fantasy TV showthat viewers of all kinds will enjoy. Even if you don’t typically go for fantasy fare,My Lady Janetranscends the genres it touches upon,using humor, action, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek self-awareness to balance the sweetness and genuine love story at the heart of the narrative.
Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel are unforgettable as Jane Grey and Guildford Dudley, the doomed couple whose electric chemistry bursts off the screen. It didn’t take long forMy Lady Janeto earn rave reviews, sparking even iconic fantasy writers like George R.R. Martin to speak out against the series' cancellation. However,My Lady Janestill ends on a hopeful notethat’s open-ended enough to pave the way for a revival while also giving viewers the ending they wanted. Even ifMy Lady Janenever comes back, it will always be fun to revisit Jane and Guildford’s romance.
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4The Old Man (2022–2024)
Jeff Bridges Gives His All To The Old Man
The sudden cancellation ofThe Old Manmeant that Jeff Bridges' Dan Chase had to wrap up his sprawling and intricate story sooner rather than later. A worthy addition to the modern espionage and action genres,The Old Mansees Chase, the ex-CIA agent, hit the road after the FBI starts targeting him for his involvement in covert operations.John Lithgow stars alongside Bridges, and the pair have excellent chemistry;even when they don’t share the screen, their cat-and-mouse game is palpable. The veteran actors are reason enough to watch, but the plot is what hooks you.
Alia Shawkat also rounds out the ensemble cast, and her character turns out to be at the heart of many more conspiracies than the audience realizes. There is no shortage of twists and turns throughoutThe Old Man, and the action sequences hold up against the biggest franchises of today. ThoughThe Old Manwas starting to find its audience, the ambitious story still came to an end after season 2. Fortunately,The Old Manhas enough heart-pounding moments to occupy audiences through multiple viewings.
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3The Expanse (2015–2022)
One Of The Best Recent Space Operas On TV
The television landscape has been in a sci-fi renaissancein recent years. It was shows likeThe Expansethat helped herald this new era for speculative fiction. Based on the novel series by James S.A. Corey, AKA Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck,The ExpanseTV show benefits from the fantastic world-building of the books, fully immersing the viewer in a vivid world. Though it’s set in a distant future,The Expansetouches on very real social and political issues, which keep the audience on the edge of their seat until the series finale.
Though there were many additional novels in the series thatThe Expansecould’ve adapted for the screen, the show came to an end following the sixth season.The Expansehad already had an uphill battle in getting all of its seasons to air as it transferred networks halfway through its run, going from Syfy to Prime Video. There’s no question thatThe Expansehas a dedicated fan base, butthis show is too good not to be on everyone’s radar now that it’s concluded.
2Clean Slate (2025)
Laverne Cox Leads This Sitcom With Heart & Humor
Laverne Cox has long deserved a starring rolein her own show, and she finally got this thanks toClean Slate. Though Prime Video was quick to axe this contemporary take on the sitcom, viewers and critics who watchedClean Slatedidn’t struggle to fall in love with the characters and world of the show. It follows Desiree (Cox), a woman returning to her hometown, and her estranged father, Harry (George Wallace), after her transition. While the LGBTQ+ experience is at the forefront ofClean Slate, the series is about all types of families and life lessons.
Clean Slatesees Desiree accept and love herself alongside the community.
Clean Slatesees Desiree accept and love herself alongside the community. The other characters have their old-fashioned notions, but are largely full of love and open their hearts to Desiree after she returns home. Her relationship with her father and their struggles to open up are part of this. TheClean Slatereviewswere overwhelmingly positive, as the series is a hopeful breath of fresh air that many viewers can take solace in. Though there was plenty of room for a season 2, the installment ofClean Slatethat we do have is a heartwarming viewing experience.
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1My Brilliant Friend (2018–2024)
Elena Ferrante’s Work Gets A Worthy Screen Adaptation
Beautifully bringing to life Elena Ferrante’s coming-of-age book seriesThe Neopolitan Novels,My Brilliant Friendhas been consistently rated as one of HBO’s best shows since it premiered in 2018, but hasn’t found the international acclaim it deserves. Particularly in the U.S., the series hasn’t reached a wide audience. However, the drama, friendship, romance, and heartbreak of growing up have rarely been brought to life onscreen with as much nuance and passion. It’s only been a year sinceMy Brilliant Friendended, having adapted all four books, but revisiting the series will never get old.
From the incredible actors who tackle every period of the characters' lives with ease to the vividly immersive world of Naples that the show explores, there’s nothingMy Brilliant Frienddoesn’t pay close attention to. This detail-oriented approach comes through in the final product, asMy Brilliant Friendwill break your heart with even the smallest glance between characters. While it’s best to dive into Ferrante’s work before beginning the show,My Brilliant Friendcan be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, no matter where they grew up.
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