Arnold Schwarzenegger’s stint as a secret agent with family troubles comes to an abrupt end, as Netflix cancelsFubarafter 2 seasons.
It was big news when, back in 2023,legendary film star Schwarzenegger signed on to star in a series for the world’s biggest streamer.Fubarseason 1 launched on the strength of Schwarzenegger’s name, and was an immediate hit, garnering 11 million views in its premiere weekend.
It took two years forFubarseason 2to make its way to Netflix, and perhaps that was too long a gap, as the show premiered to just 2.2 million views, barely cracking the streamer’s top 10.
The show’s disappointing season 2 numbers convinced Netflix thatFubaris indeed FUBAR,leading to the show being canceled(viaDeadline). The numbers don’t lie:Fubaronly made it to #7 on the Netflix top 10 English-language series chart its first full week, and made only one more appearance on the weekly chart for the rest of the season.
What Fubar’s Cancellation Means For Netflix
Netflix has developed a reputationfor being quick to ax series that don’t perform up to expectations, but they’ve been relatively forgiving so far in 2025. In addition toFubar, the streamer has given the hook toThe Recruit,PulseandThe Residence, while renewing almost 20 other scripted shows.
Fubarmust have been among the streamer’s most expensive shows, just given Schwarzenegger’s fee, which likely played a part in its being canceled after only two seasons. Critics didn’t do the show any favors either,panning it solidly enough for it to land at 47% onRotten Tomatoes.
Fubarseason 2’s RT audience score of 79% is significantly higher than that non-fresh critics’ score. Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t make decisions based on a handful of audience reviews, but looks at the cold, hard ratings numbers.
The coldest and hardest number of all forFubarseason 2 was 1.3 million: the paltry number of views the show received in its third week, the last time it managed to crack the top 10 English-language shows on Netflix.
Our Take On Netflix Canceling Fubar
It was fun seeing Schwarzenegger in a mostly lighthearted spy show, essentially doing a variation on his character from theJames Cameron movieTrue Lies.Fubaralsolucked out in casting Monica Barbaro as Schwarzenegger’s daughter and secret agent colleague, leading to some entertaining banter between the two.
Amusing asFubarmay have been the first time around, the joke was bound to get old, and season 2 indeed proved that there was never much tread on that particular comedic tire.
ThoughFubarultimately sputtered on its way to the finish line, it did provide some fun and memorable moments. After bringing the action legend into the streaming fold back in 2023,Netflix is now officially out of the Schwarzenegger business. But a new project could emerge that would reunite the streamer and the superstar.
FUBAR
Cast
FUBAR follows a father and daughter who unknowingly both work for the CIA, discovering their shared secret while handling an undercover mission. This unexpected revelation turns professional operations into a complex family matter, complicating the mission and their personal dynamics. Released in May 2023, it features elements of action and espionage.
