Netflix's February Content Purge Sees Acclaimed British Thriller Depart
Netflix is set to remove a significant portion of its library in February 2026, including one of the most underrated British television shows in recent years. This monthly content rotation, driven by expiring licensing agreements, will see numerous high-profile films and series vanish from the platform, with even some Netflix Originals not immune to the purge.
The Capture's Departure and Impending BBC Return
Among the notable departures is The Capture, Ben Chanan's gripping deepfake thriller that first premiered in 2019. The series, which follows DCI Rachel Carey (Holliday Grainger) through complex investigations, aired its second season in 2022 to critical acclaim. While its removal from Netflix marks the end of its availability on the platform, fans have reason to celebrate: a brand new series is scheduled to air on the BBC this spring, ending speculation about the show's future.
The first season of The Capture centered on an ex-soldier portrayed by Callum Turner, while the second season shifted focus to a politician played by Paapa Essiedu. Despite leaving Netflix, the complete series remains accessible for streaming on BBC iPlayer, ensuring viewers can still engage with this sophisticated thriller.
Comprehensive February Removal Schedule
Netflix's February content removal spans across multiple categories and regions, with titles leaving on specific dates throughout the month. The following comprehensive list, compiled with assistance from What's on Netflix, details the extensive purge:
Film Removals
- 1 February: A substantial batch including classics like Ghostbusters (1984), Groundhog Day, and The Terminator, alongside more recent titles such as Parasite and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
- 2 February: Features like The Founder starring Michael Keaton and the animated film The Deer King.
- 3 February: Includes the animated comedy Megamind and the thriller Blood Father.
- 5 February: Notable titles such as the cult classic Election (1999) and the iconic Mean Girls (2004).
- Throughout February: Additional removals on various dates include The Exorcist: Believer, The Iron Claw, Zodiac, and Shakespeare in Love.
Television Series Removals
- 1 February: The departure of The Capture from UK Netflix.
- 2 February: Reality television staples including Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Below Deck.
- 4 February: The BBC comedy drama Back to Life starring Daisy Haggard.
- 10 February: Netflix Original anime series Fate/Apocrypha.
- 19 February: The animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, another Netflix Original.
- 26 February: Seasons three and four of the popular comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Understanding Netflix's Content Strategy
This extensive removal process highlights Netflix's dynamic content strategy, where the platform continuously refreshes its library by introducing new titles while phasing out others due to licensing constraints. The practice ensures a rotating selection of content but often results in the loss of beloved films and series. For subscribers, this underscores the importance of staying informed about upcoming removals to catch favorite titles before they disappear.
As Netflix prepares for this significant February purge, viewers are encouraged to prioritize watching The Capture and other departing titles. The simultaneous announcement of the show's return on BBC provides a silver lining for fans, bridging the gap between its streaming availability and broadcast television revival.
