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

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

Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)

In Spain, Money Heist was a 15-episode limited series that was a moderate success but not a global hit, and it ended its run. But as soon Netflix took over, La Casa de Papel became a sensation among its viewers. Owing to smart and strategic episode release by Netflix, La Casa de Papel found itself a cult following which absolutely loved the show.

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This stalker-thriller found really low ratings in its debut season with Lifetime. Netflix, which had co-production rights and streamed the show internationally, saw its massive potential. They 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

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 a Emmy-winning, mainstream event. But it found itself critically endangered with the threat of cancellation during its original run. After 2014, its original network, Channel 4, showed no immediate signs of producing more.

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 to give 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 was one of the first, high-profile "saves" of the streaming era, proving that a cult following could be enough.

Longmire

Despite having very high viewership, A&E cancelled the modern western-crime-drama 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 has survived the axe, not once but twice. AMC was really not interested in continuing with the show even after three seasons of obstacle filled runs. Netflix, which had seen strong streaming numbers for the show, 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 a major cliffhanger. Netflix, which held the international streaming rights, saw its global popularity and ordered a third season. The Netflix season 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 'Clone Wars' anymore 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 give the show its true finale, Netflix was the first one to save it from the void.