Netflix has axed two popular shows after only one season, including a critically acclaimed series with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The streaming giant cancelled 'Building The Band', a singing competition featuring Liam Payne's final major TV appearance, and 'The Boroughs', a supernatural drama produced by the Duffer Brothers.
Building The Band: A Short-Lived Competition
'Building The Band' premiered in July 2025, featuring 50 singers competing in sound booths to form the ultimate band. The show was notable for Liam Payne's involvement as a judge and mentor, filmed just weeks before his death in October 2024 at age 31. Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland, and host AJ McLean also participated. Despite the emotional significance, Netflix has no plans for a second season, according to a source cited by The Sun. The show did produce four groups — 3quency, SZN4, Soulidified, and Midnight Til Morning — all of which have signed record deals and released music.
The Boroughs: Critical Darling Cancelled
'The Boroughs' boasted a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, with Empire magazine calling it 'an original sci-fi that succeeds on its own terms.' The series starred Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, Alfre Woodard, and Alfred Molina, and followed residents of a remote retirement village in New Mexico after a mysterious alien appearance and a death. Despite the critical acclaim, Netflix declined to renew it for a second season, limiting the story to eight episodes.
Cast member Denis O'Hare publicly criticized the decision on Instagram, urging fans to vote for the show for Emmy consideration and saying, 'Stick it to Netflix and let them know that they made a mistake.'
Other Netflix Cancellations in 2026
Netflix has also cancelled several other shows this year, including 'The Abandons', 'Terminator Zero', 'Alice In Borderland', 'Miss Governor', 'What's In The Box', and 'The Vince Staples Show'. The cancellations come despite a strong year for the platform, with hits like 'Man on Fire', 'One Piece', 'His & Hers', 'I Will Find You', and 'Bridgerton Season 4'.
