In an age where streaming platforms deliver stories at the speed of thought, some series manage to cut through the noise wonderfully and pull audiences into worlds so vivid and characters so three-dimensional that you almost find yourself caught in their orbit. However, some of these shows are cut short, never getting the chance to breathe, and leaving unanswered questions behind. It’s a frustrating cycle: just as fans grow attached, the credits roll on what could’ve been the next great binge.
Netflix, despite its vast catalog and cultural influence, has been no stranger to these premature cancellations. But for every series that disappears too soon, there’s also a hidden gem worth revisiting and celebrating nevertheless. These stories might not have gotten closure, but what they do deliver is bold, original, and deeply worth the watch. As such, we look back at some of the shows that didn’t get the chance to fully thrive, yet still shine. Get ready to dive into tales cut short yet unforgettable: these are seven canceled Netflix series worth checking out.
7
‘Lockwood & Co.’ (2023)
Known for its witty writing and brisk pacing, this fresh take on the supernatural detective and teen drama has earned praise for keeping viewers hooked throughout. Based on the popular book series by Jonathan Stroud, the story centers on a small but fearless group of young ghost hunters — Anthony Lockwood (Cameron Chapman), Lucy Carlyle (Ruby Stokes), and George Cubbins (Ali Hadji-Heshmati) — in London, plagued by deadly hauntings and taking on the kind of cases most adults wouldn’t dare to touch. The show builds its world efficiently, explaining how hauntings work and why only young people can fight them, giving the series a clear internal logic that makes the stakes feel real.
While some have noted that the series leaves a few storylines unresolved, many still highlight the show’s ability to balance darker themes with the energy of a youthful cast, and the chemistry — built equally on friendship and danger — is part of what makes the story land. For anyone who enjoys their teen mysteries a bit dark and humorous, the highly atmospheric Lockwood & Co. is a canceled series worth seeking out.
6
‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)
Shadow and Bone transports audiences into the richly imagined world of magic, dark forces, and political intrigue. Based on Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling books, it follows a young orphan (Jessie Mei Li) who discovers she possesses a rare power that could change the fate of her country, a fictional world inspired heavily by Tsarist Russia, specifically the kingdom of Ravka. Beyond the immersive world-building, though, Shadow and Bone fascinates through its layered storytelling, which offers just about the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense.
Although it was canceled before completing its planned arc (mostly due to low viewership and costly production) and the chance of fully developing its storylines, Shadow and Bone is worth checking out, especially for those looking to be fully immersed in a broader and detailed fictional universe, with a compelling magic system and a sense of adventure that has captivated newcomers and longtime fantasy lovers alike. Even in its short run, the show delivered strong performances, standout visuals, and enough plot momentum to make it feel like a worthwhile investment despite the lack of final resolution.
5
‘Archive 81’ (2022)
Archive 81 follows an archivist (Mamoudou Athie) who is tasked with restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from a missing filmmaker named Melody (Dina Shihabi). As he dives deeper, he uncovers a supernatural conspiracy involving cults, alternate realities, and dark secrets that are both fascinating and deeply unsettling. The more he uncovers, the more his own reality begins to blur, creating a tension that builds steadily with each episode.
What makes this underrated horror stand out is the way it keeps audiences invested throughout the story; it’s terrifying, sure, but also deeply entertaining — particularly in how it blends found footage aesthetics with atmospheric thriller undertones. Beyond offering just scares (and strong performances at its center), Archive 81 invites audiences to peel back layers of a complex story that grabs hold of curiosity and doesn’t really let go. This Netflix original is worth watching for those looking for a slow-burning, eerie mystery with lots of twists and turns. Sadly, though, it only lasted a season, leaving a few cliffhangers which might bug a few viewers. Still, it’s a thrilling ride while it lasts.
4
‘I Am Not Okay With This’ (2020)
Based on the 2017 graphic novel by Charles Forsman — the creator of Netflix’s The End of the F***ing World — this quirky coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist introduces audiences to a high schooler (played by It‘s Sophia Lillis) navigating family drama, friendship troubles, and self-discovery — all while trying to figure out her emerging abilities and place in the world. With its offbeat charm, I Am Not Okay With This is both humorous and occasionally touching.
The series was unfortunately cut short before fully exploring its potential. However, it’s still a solid choice for casual TV enthusiasts who enjoy shows that don’t take themselves too seriously. Though the ending leaves a lot of questions unanswered, what’s there feels complete enough to be satisfying, especially for fans of character-driven teen stories. If you don’t mind a cliffhanger and are in for witty dialogue and a refreshing mix of teen drama and supernatural intrigue, the canceled I Am Not Okay With This might very well be your next solid binge.
3
‘Sense 8’ (2015–2018)
Far from your typical sci-fi, this vibrant and globe-trotting odyssey follows eight strangers from different continents who suddenly find themselves psychically linked. The series was created by the Wachowskis (the innovative duo behind the beloved Matrix films), and the result is a bold celebration of human connection and identity that is equally entertaining and visually stunning.
There are a handful of aspects that make Sense8 worth checking out, and part of its charm is its ambitious storytelling, memorable characters, and the overall chemistry between the cast. The great news? It doesn’t leave audiences hanging in the dark. Though canceled, Sense8 was given a well-crafted finale that wraps up most of its main storylines, and its thoughtful conclusion makes it one of the rare canceled series that actually rewards fans’ investment, so it’s not exactly shocking that it is still a recommendable series despite a premature ending. If you’re craving something that weaves philosophy and action into one inclusive, worldly, and hopeful narrative, pressing play on Sense8 is a worthy adventure to undertake.
2
‘The OA’ (2016–2019)
This Netflix head-scratcher might very well be the perfect pick for those who like their sci-fi with a surrealist, perhaps even mystical twist: it’s bold, original, and undeniably compelling. The series illustrates the return of a young woman (Brit Marling), who had been missing for seven years. Prarie returns with her sight restored and a handful of secrets under her sleeve. From the very first episode, it sets itself apart with its tension and layered world-building, gradually drawing viewers into a story that shifts genres and perspectives without warning.
The OA dares to be strange and thoughtful, providing a story unlike anything ever seen on the streaming platform. Essentially, it proves that sci-fi, spirituality, and heartfelt characters can be a top-tier combination. The downside, though, is that its ending is both frustrating and intriguing, leaving questions unanswered. However, for those interested in mind-bending journeys that reward curiosity and imagination, the Netflix series is a captivating blend of philosophy and mystery that arguably works even better as a closed book.
1
‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)
Directed by the universally beloved filmmaker David Fincher, Mindhunter is a masterclass of true crime dramas. Based on the 1995 nonfiction book by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, the series invites audiences to dive deep into the twisted minds of serial killers, letting us savor every conversation and detail. At its center are FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff), Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), and psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv) as they pioneer criminal profiling by interviewing notorious serial killers. Each encounter is unsettling yet riveting, as the show focuses less on graphic violence and more on the chilling psychology behind each killer’s behavior.
Considering how it digs beneath the surface of criminals, it’s no surprise that it has become such a beloved entry among fans of crime thrillers, with many wishing it had never been canceled. Despite its premature closure, Mindhunter is undoubtedly still worth a shot (millions of others across the globe would readily nod in agreement). The show’s attention to detail — from the production design to historically accurate portrayals of real-life criminals — elevates it far above most procedural dramas. It’s especially great if you appreciate well-crafted, clever writing, broody atmosphere, and gripping suspense. Add in Fincher’s direction, which ensures audiences remain fully and deeply absorbed, and watching is like engaging with a puzzle they never want to put down.
Mindhunter
- Release Date
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2017 – 2019
- Showrunner
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Joe Penhall
