Netflix isn't the streaming service with most show cancellations, according to report

Words by Dan Lipscombe

Do you get the feeling that Netflix is always cancelling shows? Despite constantly launching new projects? Well, a new report has surfaced that shows the streamer isn’t the most guilty party when it comes to axing shows.

It might come as a surprise that HBO Max is currently leading the way while cancelling many of their shows. The report (via ComicBook) called “The Show Must Go Off” looks at all the big hitters in the industry, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV+, Max, Paramount+ and Peacock, which have a cancellation rate of 12%. This is 2% higher than broadcast TV.

Netflix did just renew One Piece. Good news!

This high hit rate from Max comes after David Zaslav took over the company - a part of Warner Bros. Discovery - and began slashing historic debt by cancelling shows. As the company attempts to recoup costs that spiral out of control on their DCU outings, and rarely see a healthy return.

Netflix actually ranks fifth in the standings, which, given some recent high profile axes seems a surprise. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that their 10.2% share of the report covers a much wider catalogue of shows. You might also be forgiven for believing Netflix taking the lion’s share as they are arguably the highest profile streamer on this list. (We still want more Mindhunter!)

The report looks at the time between 2020 and last month. For some in the industry, these cuts come as no surprise given the boom that streamers saw in 2020 to 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic kept everyone locked inside, searching for something to watch.

Given the debt still exists at Warner Bros. who are now facing the justified backlash of striking actors and writers, their axe could continue to fall across their programming catalogue. It’s unlikely we’ve seen the last of these kinds of cancellations, especially as Disney+ seems to be ending projects before they even air.