Netflix's February 2026 Purge: Underrated Thriller 'The Capture' Among Major Departures
Netflix Loses 'The Capture' & Dozens of Titles in February 2026

Netflix is preparing for a substantial content clear-out in February 2026, with dozens of films and television series scheduled for removal from its platform. Among the notable departures is the critically praised but underrated BBC thriller, The Capture, a show that has garnered a dedicated following for its gripping narratives.

A Monthly Cycle of Arrivals and Departures

This exodus is part of the streaming giant's regular monthly refresh, where a wealth of new titles are introduced while others vanish due to the expiration of licensing agreements. It is a stark reminder that even content labelled as "Netflix Originals" is not immune to these periodic purges, as the platform's library remains in a constant state of flux.

The Capture: A Perfect Time to Catch Up

The impending removal of The Capture presents a prime opportunity for viewers to binge the existing series. This comes as the show is poised for a major comeback, with a brand new series confirmed to air on the BBC this coming spring. The deepfake conspiracy thriller, created by Ben Chanan, first premiered in 2019 and delivered a compelling second series in 2022.

Fans have long speculated about the possibility of a third season, and the wait is now almost over. The series stars Holliday Grainger as DCI Rachel Carey, who investigates distinct high-stakes mysteries in each run—first involving an ex-soldier portrayed by Callum Turner, and later focusing on a politician played by Paapa Essiedu. While it leaves Netflix, the show remains available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.

The Extensive List of February 2026 Departures

The Independent, with assistance from What's on Netflix, has compiled the comprehensive list of titles set for removal. The exodus begins in earnest on 1st February and continues throughout the month.

Key Film Removals

1 February: A significant batch of films departs, including classics and modern hits. Notable titles leaving UK Netflix include The Addams Family (1991), Addams Family Values, Big Daddy, Ghostbusters (1984), Groundhog Day, Mr & Mrs Smith, and The Terminal. US viewers will lose films such as Anaconda, Charlie's Angels (2000), Parasite, The Patriot, and The Terminator.

Subsequent February Dates: The removals continue with films like The Founder (2 Feb, UK), Megamind (3 Feb, UK), Mean Girls (2004) and Election (1999) (5 Feb, US), The Exorcist: Believer (8 Feb, UK), and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (25 Feb, US).

Television Series Exiting the Platform

The television purge is equally substantial. 1 February sees the removal of The Capture in the UK. 2 February brings a major reality TV clear-out for UK audiences, with shows like Below Deck, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Skins, and Vanderpump Rules all departing.

Other notable TV removals include the BBC comedy drama Back to Life (4 Feb, UK), Quantum Leap (14 Feb, US), and seasons three and four of Brooklyn Nine-Nine (26 Feb, US). Several Netflix Originals are also leaving, such as Nadiya's Time to Eat, Nadiya Bakes (12 Feb), Re:Mind (15 Feb, US), She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (19 Feb, US), and Rebellion (22 Feb, US).

This extensive list underscores the ever-changing landscape of digital content consumption, where viewers must often act quickly to watch their favourite shows before they disappear into the streaming void.