TV shows that have been canceled

All TV series must eventually come to an end, no matter how hard it may be for fans to say goodbye. This year will mark the conclusion of several popular shows, including some that have only recently been canceled (like “The Punisher” and “Nightflyers”) and others that are just wrapping up their final seasons (such as “Game of Thrones and  “Orange Is the New Black.”)

So which shows should you prepare to say a final farewell to? Here’s a look at the TV comedies and dramas that won’t be back after the 2019–2020 broadcast season.

CANCELED:

‘The Punisher’ 

In February, just a month after its second season aired, Netflix canceled one of its last remaining Marvel series, “The Punisher.” The series, starring Jon Bernthal, was one of the few remaining shows from the comic book conglomerate left on the streamer.

Netflix confirmed the news to Deadline, stating, “’Marvel’s The Punisher’ will not return for a third season on Netflix. Showrunner Steve Lightfoot, the terrific crew and exceptional cast, including star Jon Bernthal, delivered an acclaimed and compelling series for fans, and we are proud to showcase their work on Netflix for years to come.”

‘Jessica Jones’

In conjunction with news of the end of the “The Punisher,” Netflix also revealed that the pending third season of Marvel’s “Jessica Jones” would be its last. Its cancellation, along with that of “The Punisher,” signals the official end of a multi-series deal between Marvel and Netflix that first started in 2013.

“We are grateful to showrunner Melissa Rosenberg, star Krysten Ritter and the entire cast and crew, for three incredible seasons of this groundbreaking series, which was recognized by the Peabody Awards among many others,” Netflix said in a statement. 

‘Friends From College’

Say goodbye to your “Friends From College.” The Netflix series, starring an ensemble cast that included Keegan-Michael Key, Colbie Smulders, Fred Savage and several others, has been canceled. The show’s co-creator and director confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, “Friends from College will not be returning for a third season. Thanks to everyone who watched it. Happy Presidents’ Day!” The show, which earned middling reviews, is the latest casualty as Netflix continues its efforts to clean house in early 2019. 

‘Nightflyers’

SyFy took a big shot with the costly George R.R. Martin drama, “Nightflyers,” which the network co-produced with Netflix. Unfortunately, its investment didn’t pan out as envisioned. The ambitious show was canceled in February after only one season, despite initial plans for a multi-season story. According to The Hollywood Reporter, low ratings are primarily to blame, with the series failing to break out in an already crowded space of original TV content. 

‘Counterpart’

Starz is not bringing the spy drama “Counterpart” back for a third season. Showrunner and creator Justin Marks revealed the cancellation on Twitter, although he also hinted that producer MRC will look for a new home for the series.

“Thank you to everyone who made this journey so special for us. Your tweets, podcasts, and intricate conspiracy theories have made it all worthwhile. Fingers crossed that our wonderful studio, MRC, can find a way to keep the dream alive!” he wrote. 

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‘The First’

Hulu’s “The First,” starring Sean Penn, centered on an astronaut crew attempting to be the first humans on Mars. While the buzzy concept and notable cast earned some attention in the lead-up to its premiere, the freshman series never established the viewership that Hulu was hoping for while on air. The streamer announced its official cancellation in January 2019 after only one season. 

‘I Love You, America’

Hulu canceled this Sarah Silverman-fronted show after only two seasons. The show, which tackled current events and featured notable guests like Roxane Gay, Patton Oswalt and DeRay Mckesson, earned strongly positive reviews and some award season attention (including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series). But in the end, the decision reportedly came down to viewership. 

“We’re proud of what Sarah Silverman did on ‘I Love You, America,’” Hulu chief Craig Erwich said of the series. “I think the show grew creatively between Season 1 and Season 2. It didn’t acquire a large enough audience despite the critical acclaim.”

‘Trial & Error’

It looks like the jury is out on “Trial & Error.” In January, NBC confirmed that the goofy legal comedy is officially not getting a third season. The series, featuring Nicholas D’Agosto, John Lithgow and Sherri Shepherd, centers on an earnest attorney from New York who relocates to a small South Carolina to defend a professor accused of killing his wife. Following its cancellation at NBC, producing company Warner Bros. TV is reportedly shopping the show around to other networks and streamers, though there have been no takers so far. 

‘Travelers’

Another show to recently get axed at Netflix is “Travelers,” the sci-fi drama that starred Eric McCormack as the leader of a team of highly trained operatives from the future who travel back to the 21st century. McCormack made the announcement in a video posted to social media in early February, saying, “A lot of you have been asking about the possibility of a Season 4, but many of you have been saying, ‘Look, if this is it, what a moving and surprising and profound ending it is.’ Well, I’m afraid it is [the end].”

‘The Man in the High Castle’

Amazon has canceled its acclaimed series based on Philip K. Dick’s 1962 novel of the same name. According to Deadline, the cast, crew members, producers and showrunners were notified of the decision while filming and working on the show’s fourth season.

Amazon Studios boss Jennifer Salke confirmed that the upcoming season would be its last, stating, “With production ongoing on our fourth and final season, we can’t wait for fans to see how this final chapter in the story unfolds.”

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‘Channel Zero’ 

SyFy also opted to pull the plug on its horror anthology series, “Channel Zero.” Showrunner Nick Antosca first revealed the news on Instagram, sharing artwork from across the show’s four seasons and writing, in part, “After 4 seasons, Channel Zero is no more at SYFY. I loved making this show and I would have loved to do more… but I can’t complain too much about doing 4 stories I loved with people who I loved working with.”

‘Midnight, Texas’

Right before the new year, NBC announced its decision to ax the drama “Midnight, Texas,” which centers on a remote Texas town where nothing is what it seems. Though the show got off to a solid start in its summer 2017 debut, several changes were made to the series for its second season, including a change in showrunners and a shift in scheduling (moving from summer to fall). Two original cast members also didn’t return as series regulars in the sophomore season. 

Though “Midnight, Texas” may be over at NBC, it may still have a future. Deadline reports that producing studio Universal Television is shopping the show around to other outlets. 

‘Marlon’

Along with “Midnight, Texas,” NBC also decided to cancel “Marlon.” The family comedy, loosely based on the real life of star Marlon Wayans, followed a father and his ex-wife as they navigated co-parenting their kids. Though the show performed solidly in its first season in summer 2017, it saw a significant drop in viewership in its second season the following year. 

‘Love Connection’

You won’t find a “Love Connection” on Fox anymore. The network is pulling the plug on its reboot of the reality series after two seasons. Host Andy Cohen made the announcement during an interview on “The Howard Stern Show.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show had seen a significant dip in ratings during its second season, which ran in summer 2018.

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ENDING:

‘Criminal Minds’

“Criminal Minds” will be coming to an end after its 15th season. The long-running drama is wrapping up with a 10-episode final season, set to air during the 2019–2020 season. The CBS series confirmed the news via its official Twitter account, writing, “Get ready for a momentous ride: Season 15 will be our epic final season.”

‘The Big Bang Theory’

After much speculation over whether the long-running CBS hit would be getting more seasons, the network has confirmed that season 12 of the series will be its last. Though the sitcom continues to bring in huge ratings, Entertainment Weekly reports that star Jim Parsons was ready to walk away from the show and opted out of extending his contract for another two years.

Parsons, along with the other main cast members, have posted heartfelt notes to their social media accounts, paying tribute to the show and expressing gratitude to those who worked on it. 

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‘Orange Is the New Black’ 

It’s time to say farewell to those orange jumpsuits. Last year, Netflix confirmed that its Emmy-winning prison dramedy would end with its seventh season. But don’t expect the season to stay within the prison walls. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the last season will track the post-prison journey of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling), who received early release at the end of season six. The final episodes will also see the addition of guest star Alicia Witt. 

‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’

Also coming to an end this year: Netflix’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” The quirky comedy aired the first half of its fourth and final season in 2018 and returned with the back half in early 2019. So how do Kimmy, Titus and the rest of the crew end up? You can stream the final episodes on Netflix now. 

‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’

As announced last year, the CW’s musical comedy, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” will end after its fourth season. Co-creator and star Rachel Bloom first confirmed the news in April 2018 with a tweet sharing her excitement over getting the chance to create “a final season.”

Fans have a lot to look forward to in the series finale. Immediately following the final episode, Bloom and the rest of the cast will participate in a special concert titled “Yes, It’s Really Us Singing: The ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ Concert Special!” Expect to see live versions of your favorite songs from the show sung along to a live band and orchestra and multimedia visuals. 

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‘iZombie’

“iZombie” is also set to take a bow in 2019. Star Rose McIver tweeted out the news to fans, writing, “So the fifth season of #iZombie will be our last. I am therefore committed and excited to make it the best one yet! Really proud to be on a show that celebrates the misfits and I pinch myself every day that I get to be a part of the iZombie world with you guys.” The CW show’s upcoming fifth and final season will launch this May. 

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‘Game of Thrones’

The end is coming for “Game of Thrones.” The fantasy drama, based on George R.R. Martin’s book series, will end with its highly anticipated eighth and final season (set to premiere in April). Though the pending season will only consist of 10 episodes, fans can reportedly look forward to a satisfying conclusion.

“This season is bloodier than ever,” Sophie Turner, aka, Sansa Stark, told 1883 magazine, per Time. “It’s full of betrayal, full of war, full of danger.”  

‘Homeland’

Showtime’s veteran drama “Homeland” will wrap up this year with 12 final episodes. The farewell season, which premieres in June 2019, will reportedly kick off with a “fairly big time jump,” according to Entertainment Weekly. Rather than jumping between different countries, Carrie Mathison’s final adventure will also reportedly center mostly in Israel. 

‘Veep’

After delaying production to allow star Julia Louis-Dreyfus time to undergo treatment for breast cancer, “Veep” is returning for one last season in March 2019. The show left off with Selina Meyer looking to enter the Oval Office, courtesy of a constitutional loophole — but she’ll have to face off against opposing candidate Jonah Ryan first. Season seven will only consist of seven episodes. But from the looks of the trailer, the shortened season will still be packed with plenty of crazy campaign antics.  

‘Killjoys’

In 2017, SyFy announced that seasons four and five would mark the final 20 episodes of “Killjoys.” Season four concluded in September 2018, but there’s still one final 10-episode run to look forward to. The channel has yet to announce an official release date. However, all previous seasons have premiered in either June or July, making a summer debut for the fifth and final season likely.  

‘Jane the Virgin’

“Jane the Virgin” is going out with a bang. The CW series’ fifth and final season not only sees the return of a character who was previously presumed dead (as showcased in the season four finale), but will see the addition of a special guest star. As Entertainment Weekly recently revealed, Sophia Bush will be joining episode 12 of the final season as a new character named Julie. Season five premieres in March 2019. 

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‘The Affair’

Showtime has set season five as the end for its Golden Globe-winning drama “The Affair.” According to the network, a five-season run was always the plan for the series. However, there will be some significant changes in the upcoming final season. Original star Joshua Jackson will not return as a series regular, and Anna Paquin will join the cast as a new, key player. The season will also partly take place 20 years after the events of season four. 

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‘Fuller House’

Fans of “Fuller House” and its predecessor, “Full House,” will have to say goodbye to the Tanners and their crew of friends once again. Netflix announced that the fifth season of “Fuller House” will also be its last. The final season will air in fall 2019, and it’s reported that Lori Loughlin, the “Full House” actress who resumed her role as Aunt Becky in the spin-off and who is currently facing fraud and money laundering charges related to the massive college admissions scandal, will not be involved.

‘Shadowhunters’

Freeform’s fantasy drama is returning to air for its final season in February 2019, nearly a year after the end of its previous season. Despite fans’ best efforts to save the series, the upcoming 12 episodes of “Shadowhunters” are expected to be its last. Star Katherine McNamara promises that fans can expect a fitting, if surprising, finale.

“When I first read the ending, I wasn’t 100 percent sure about it but having watched it and seen how the season goes together as a whole, it’s perfect in my opinion,” she told Entertainment Tonight.

‘Mr. Robot’

“Mr. Robot” will conclude in 2019, as first confirmed in August 2018. Season four of the USA series will serve as the final chapter, with star Rami Malek promising an ending that won’t disappoint.

“It’s going to be a very, very climactic ending to what I think has been four great seasons of television,” he said, per Digital Spy. 

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‘The Deuce’

HBO’s ’70s-set drama “The Deuce” is also getting one final season. The show, which earned solid reviews but modest ratings, will wrap up its story with a third and final season expected to air in fall 2019. Though plot details have not been revealed, co-creator David Simon previously hinted that the final season would take place in the mid-’80s, a period of massive change in New York and, in particular, Times Square. 

‘Easy’ 

Netflix also announced the upcoming end of Joe Swanberg’s episodic anthology series, which follows a set of diverse residents in modern-day Chicago. Following two well-reviewed seasons, the show will return for its third and final season sometime in 2019. The streamer has yet to announce an official release date.  

‘Elementary’

It’s over and out for Holmes and Watson. CBS’ crime procedural “Elementary” is set to end its run with the upcoming seventh season. The final season, consisting of 13 episodes, will reportedly see the pair of detectives moving back to New York from London after a bit of a time jump. According to Deadline, the season will also introduce an iconic foe of Holmes, Odin Reichenbach, who will be played by James Frain.  

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‘Gotham’

Fox’s Batman prequel series is currently airing its fifth season, which will also double as its last. The final season will be a shortened one, with only 12 installments rather than its standard 22-episode format. Fans can expect to see the continued evolution of young Bruce Wayne (played by David Mazouz) into Batman. That’s right — the Caped Crusader makes an appearance at last in season five. 

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‘Last Call With Carson Daly’

After 17 years, Carson Daly is bidding adieu to his late-night series, “Last Call with Carson Daly.” The TV host explained on Twitter that he’s leaving the series to focus on some of his other projects.

“I want to focus more on @TODAYshow and @NBCTheVoice & other areas I’m passionate about within our company,” he wrote. “For example, The Golf Channel has always been a favorite & we have a few exciting things in the works. I look forward to building on that.” He added that his family will always remain his top priority. 

‘Legion’

FX’s “X-Men” spin-off will be back for a third and final season. As CBR.com reports, this season will determine the fate of David Haller, the powerful mutant played by Dan Stevens. Season three will also feature notable guest stars, including Harry Lloyd as X-Men founder and Haller’s father, Professor X. Stephanie Corneliussen will also appear as his mother, Gabrielle Haller. Fans can tune in to the final batch of episodes starting in June 2019.

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‘Poldark’ 

Season four of “Poldark” aired its season finale in the U.S. just a few months ago, but fans are already looking ahead to the next season. PBS has confirmed that the show’s upcoming fifth season will double as its last. The show, as well as several cast members, shared photos of the final days on set on Instagram.

“And that’s our final wrap!” the official “Poldark” account wrote in a caption alongside a cast photo. “Thank you for all your support, we can’t wait to show you #Poldark S5 later in 2019.”

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‘You’re the Worst’

FXX is currently airing the final season of its critically acclaimed comedy-drama, “You’re the Worst.” And it seems the show will go out on top. The season, which will wrap up in April 2019, has already garnered high praise from critics. Upon its season debut, it earned a 100 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.