Netflix fans get asked what show they’re most devastated about being cancelled and the answer is pretty much unanimous

There’s nothing worse than getting invested in a TV show, only for it to be cancelled before it gets the ending it deserves.

Netflix viewers know this pain all too well, as the streaming giant has become notorious for pulling the plug on fan-favourite series – sometimes without warning, too.

So when users on the r/Netflix subreddit were asked which cancelled show they were most heartbroken about, the responses poured in.

And while plenty of titles got a mention, two TV shows kept coming up again and again – proving their cancellations still sting to this day.

Netflix users weighed in on their favourite cancelled TV shows (Getty Stock)

One of the most frequently named casualties was Mindhunter, the psychological thriller from legendary director David Fincher.

The top comment on the subreddit simply states, in all caps: “MINDHUNTER.”

The series, which debuted in 2017, followed the early days of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit as agents study and interview serial killers to better understand their minds.

With its dark atmosphere, intense storytelling, and chilling performances, it quickly became a favourite among true crime fans.

Despite its critical acclaim and devoted fanbase, Netflix officially confirmed in early 2023 that there would be no third season. Initially, it was suggested that Fincher had simply moved on to other projects, including his Oscar-winning film Mank, however, in later interviews, he suggested that the real reason was budget-related – saying the show was 'very expensive' to produce and didn't attract a wide enough audience to justify the cost.

Another show that seemed to top the answers was a Drew Barrymore-led TV series, with one Reddit user writing: “Santa Clarita Diet and Mindhunter need to be the forever 2 top answers to this type of questions.”

Another said: “Every single time this question is asked Mindhunter is always the top response. And Santa Clarita Diet is always second.

"Massive fumbles by Netflix.”

Santa Clarita Diet was another cancellation that Netflix users still aren’t over. The horror-comedy had a bizarre but brilliant premise: a suburban real estate agent (Barrymore) suddenly becomes undead and starts craving human flesh.

While her husband (Timothy Olyphant) tries to help her manage her new condition, they find themselves caught up in a series of increasingly ridiculous – and gory – situations.

The show was praised for its sharp writing, hilarious performances, and unique twist on the zombie genre, earning a dedicated following. However, despite the love from both fans and critics, Netflix cancelled it after three seasons in 2019.

It all came down to money once again, according to CBR, as Netflix’s 'cost-plus' budget model meant that each new season was significantly more expensive to produce than the last.

Adding insult to injury, Santa Clarita Diet ended on a major cliffhanger, leaving fans forever wondering what happened next.

"Santa Clarita Diet needed one more season", one fan wrote.

Why does Netflix keep cancelling fan-favourite shows?

It’s not just Mindhunter and Santa Clarita Diet that have suffered this fate. Over the years, Netflix has axed other beloved shows, often after just one or two seasons.

The reasoning behind this has been thought to be that the company prioritises high engagement within the first month of release, meaning even shows with strong fanbases can be cut if they don’t immediately pull in big numbers, as previously reported by Forbes.

However, there is some hope, as Netflix has occasionally revived cancelled series due to overwhelming audience demand (as seen with Lucifer and Warrior Nun).

So, while Mindhunter and Santa Clarita Diet remain in the Netflix graveyard for now, fans could see a surprising miracle - although nothing official has been said.