10 Big TV Shows Netflix Rescued From Cancellation

Near Extinction To Netflix Binge Resurrection

Netflix has become a haven for beloved shows that were once left behind by their original networks. Over the years, it has stepped in as the ultimate savior rescuing fan favorites, reviving their stories, and turning them into the blockbuster hits we know today.

Lucifer

The #SaveLucifer campaign actually worked in favor of the fans. For FOX, the dwindling numbers for this demonic-detective drama were simply not enough. Netflix picked up the series, giving it three more and much steamier seasons. The move allowed the show to fully embrace its dark, sexy, and supernatural themes, leading all the way to a proper, emotional series finale.

Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)

In Spain, Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) was a 15-episode limited series that achieved moderate success but wasn’t a global hit, and it ended its run. But as soon as Netflix took over, La Casa de Papel became a sensation among viewers worldwide. Thanks to Netflix’s smart and strategic episode releases, the series developed a cult following that absolutely adored the show.

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This stalker-thriller suffered from low ratings during its debut season on Lifetime. Netflix, which had co-production rights and streamed the show internationally, saw its massive potential. The streamer picked up the series as a full Netflix Original for its second season, where it became one of the biggest, most-binged hits on the platform.

Black Mirror

Black Mirror found itself critically endangered when its original network, Channel 4, showed no signs of continuing the show after 2014. Netflix swooped in and acquired the rights, giving creator Charlie Brooker a bigger budget and a global platform. Starting with Season 3, Netflix transformed the cult hit into an Emmy-winning mainstream phenomenon.

Manifest

After a massive cliffhanger at the end of its third season, NBC cancelled the mystery-box drama, leaving fans devastated. A massive fan campaign fueled by the show’s incredible popularity once it hit Netflix dominated social media. In a move that proved they were listening, Netflix reversed the cancellation and greenlit a fourth, super-sized final season, giving the show and its fans the proper ending they deserved.

Arrested Development

A critical masterpiece that was never a ratings hit, Arrested Development was famously cancelled by Fox in 2006. Fans and critics mourned its loss for years. In 2013, seven years after its cancellation, Netflix did the unthinkable and resurrected the entire original cast for a fourth season. This became one of the first high-profile “saves” of the streaming era, proving that a passionate cult following could make all the difference.

Longmire

Despite strong viewership, A&E cancelled the modern western-crime drama Longmire after three seasons, reportedly to make room for cheaper, internally owned shows. The show’s loyal fanbase—the “Longmire Posse”—was furious. Netflix saw the passionate, underserved audience and picked up the series, producing three more full seasons (Seasons 4–6) and giving the story a satisfying conclusion.

The Killing

The Killing survived the axe not once, but twice. AMC was reluctant to continue the show even after three obstacle-filled seasons. Netflix, which had seen strong streaming numbers, stepped in after the second cancellation and produced a fourth and final mini-season to officially wrap up the grim, rain-soaked mystery of detectives Linden and Holder.

Designated Survivor

The high-concept political thriller starring Kiefer Sutherland was a big hit for ABC, but its ratings slowly declined. After two seasons, ABC cancelled the series, leaving fans with a major cliffhanger. Netflix, which held the international streaming rights, saw its global popularity and ordered a third season. The Netflix version was edgier, more serialized, and gave the story a (now final) conclusion.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Disney decided it was simply not important to continue The Clone Wars, leaving fans on Cartoon Network hanging in limbo. Netflix — in partnership with Lucasfilm — stepped in to give the show a partial conclusion, financing and releasing a sixth season dubbed The Lost Missions. While Disney+ would later deliver the true finale, Netflix was the first to save the show from the void.