10 popular TV shows that were canceled in 2023: 'Mindhunter', 'Vampire Academy' and more
Ten popular TV shows that got axed in 2023
2023 was a challenging year for the entertainment industry. We witnessed streaming platforms pulling the plug on several popular TV shows, citing a myriad of reasons. Some faced negative reviews, while others grappled with production costs. The months-long WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes added fuel to the fire. As the year ends, let us take a look at ten popular TV shows scrapped in 2023.
Shadow and Bone - Netflix
Netflix won't be returning with Eric Heisserer's series 'Shadow and Bone.' According to an announcement in November, the streaming giant decided not to continue with the fantasy series after two seasons. Starring Jessie Mei Li in the lead role, despite completing scripts for a spinoff, the show was canceled due to the production costs despite its popularity.
iCarly reboot - Paramount+
The revival of the 2007 Nickelodeon TV series of the same name 'iCarly' was canceled after three seasons by Parampount+. Starring Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, Nathan Kress, Laci Mosley, and Jaidyn Triplett in lead roles, the first season aired in 2021. "The series had a great three-season run and delivered on what fans really wanted to see with Carly and Freddie finally getting together. We want to thank the entire cast, the writers, directors, and producers along with the whole crew for their dedication, creativity, and talent," said a spokesperson for the platform announcing the cancellation.
Gossip Girl Reboot - HBO Max
After two seasons, HBO Max pulled its plug on the reboot of the popular teen drama 'Gossip Girl'. "So here's the goss: it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce GOSSIP GIRL will not be continuing on HBO Max," showrunner Joshua Safran wrote on social media in January. He added, "We are currently looking for another home, but in this climate, that might prove an uphill [battle], and so if this is the end, at least we went out on the highest of highs. Thank you for watching, and I hope you'll tune into the finale next Thursday to see how it all comes together."
How I Met Your Father - Hulu
After two seasons Hulu axed 'How I Met Your Father' the Hilary Duff-led spinoff of 'How I Met Your Mother' in September. According to Screenrant, the negative reviews and low Rotten Tomatoes scores may have led to its end. "Thanks to the wonderful cast and crew who worked so hard on #HIMYF," co-creator Craig Thomas wrote on Facebook. "Sometimes this is how it goes in this crazy business, I will miss the feeling, even from afar, of a bunch of #HIMYM production all-stars continuing to make stuff together which always made my heart feel full!"
Perry Mason - HBO
HBO discontinued the period drama 'Perry Mason' after a two-season run. The streaming platform decided not to renew the Matthew Rhys-led series after premiering the second and final season in March. In a statement, HBO said they "are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects."
Vampire Academy - Peacock
Co-created by Julie Plec and Marguerite MacIntyre, based on Richelle Mead's book series of the same name, 'Vampire Academy' had a single-season run. The fantasy horror series premiered on Peacock in September 2022 and garnered generally positive reviews. In a video shared on social media, MacIntyre said, "I don't have good news. I don't see any avenue forward. I feel like now is the time to say I'm sorry about that, but it wasn't for lack of trying. We went a little silent because there wasn't a lot we could say. We pitched our hearts out, and we tried, and we took it as far as we could."
Lockwood & Co. - Netflix
After the first season, Netflix canceled the supernatural detective thriller series 'Lockwood & Co.' in May. Developed by Joe Cornish based on Jonathan Stroud's book series of the same name, it debuted in January with eight episodes. The series was also at the top spot for global Netflix shows.
Inside Job - Netflix
Shion Takeuchi's animated sitcom 'Inside Job' was also axed by Netflix after a one-season run. Confirming the cancellation news in January, Takeuchi stated, "I'm heartbroken to confirm that Netflix has decided to cancel Season 2 of Inside Job. Over the years, these characters have become real people to me, and I am devastated not to be able to watch them grow up." The show was previously renewed for a second season but got axed after Part Two of the first season premiered in November 2022.
Mindhunter - Netflix
David Fincher, the executive producer of the psychological crime thriller 'Mindhunter', announced in February that the series won't return for a third season. "I'm very proud of the first two seasons. But it's a very expensive show and, in the eyes of Netflix, we didn't attract enough of an audience to justify such an investment [for Season 3]," Fincher told Le Journal du Dimanche, a French outlet. Though it did not gain a large audience on Netflix, the show had a cult following.
A League of Their Own - Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video scrapped the comedy drama' A League of Their Own' co-created by Will Graham and Abbi Jacobson. The streaming platform announced the cancellation of the second season renewal in August due to delays caused by the "length of the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes." Co-creator Jacobson responded to the news on social media, saying, "To blame this cancellation on strike (which is an essential fight for fair wages, protections, and working conditions, etc.…) is bulls-t and cowardly."
