
The 2025 TV season has been brutal across the major broadcast networks. CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, and The CW have axed dozens of shows—some big hits, others sleeper flops. In this deep dive, I’ll walk you through each canceled series, the reasons behind the decisions, and what it means for viewers and the future of network TV.
📊 Why Are So Many Shows Getting Canceled in 2025?
Shifting Viewer Habits & Streaming Pressure
Traditional networks are losing viewers to streaming platforms. Networks are reacting by pruning underperformers—and focusing on franchise-friendly or event programming like NBA games on NBC. cbr.com+15vulture.com+15the-sun.com+15cinemablend.com+1nypost.com+1
Budget Crunch & Lifecycle End
Shows like Blue Bloods, The Conners, and Superman & Lois ended due to natural life cycles and high production costs—not flagging audiences. fictionaltvstations.fandom.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3popculture.com+3
**✅ ABC Cancellations
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Doctor Odyssey – Disaster-prone cruise drama canceled after one season.en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2english.elpais.com+2
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Scamanda – Single-season limited series concluded in February.en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15tvguide.com+15
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The Conners – Ended after seven seasons in April. decider.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15popculture.com+15
**✅ CBS Cancellations
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S.W.A.T. – Final cancellation after eight seasons, despite two prior renewals. english.elpais.com+1nypost.com+1
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The Equalizer – Queen Latifah drama axed after five seasons.people.com+12en.wikipedia.org+12popculture.com+12
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FBI: International & FBI: Most Wanted – Spin-offs canceled after four and six seasons, respectively.en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15cbr.com+15
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Poppa’s House & The Summit – Reality and sitcom pickups both dropped after one season.hellomagazine.com+11en.wikipedia.org+11glamour.com+11
**✅ NBC Cancellations
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Night Court, Lopez vs Lopez, The Irrational, Found, Suits LA – All received the axe in May following NBC’s deal to air NBA games. Suits LA was canceled after just one season. vulture.com+9the-sun.com+9tvguide.com+9
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Grosse Pointe Garden Society – Canceled in June after one season.hellomagazine.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3
**✅ FOX Cancellations
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9-1-1: Lone Star – Ended naturally after five seasons. glamour.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4networktoday.org+4
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Rescue: HI-Surf, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, The Cleaning Lady – Single- and multi-season drops announced mid-year. hellomagazine.com+8en.wikipedia.org+8directv.com+8
**✅ The CW Cancellations
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Children Ruin Everything – Finished after four seasons. cinemablend.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5directv.com+5
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Superman & Lois – Concluded with its fourth season. people.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15popculture.com+15
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Joan, The Wranglers – One-season limited series that naturally ended.en.wikipedia.org+1fictionaltvstations.fandom.com+1
🧭 Summary Table: Canceled Network Shows in 2025
Network | Shows Canceled |
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ABC | Doctor Odyssey, Scamanda, The Conners |
CBS | S.W.A.T., The Equalizer, FBI: International, FBI: Most Wanted, Poppa’s House, The Summit |
NBC | Night Court, Lopez vs Lopez, Found, The Irrational, Suits LA, Grosse Pointe Garden Society |
FOX | 9-1-1: Lone Star, Rescue: HI-Surf, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, The Cleaning Lady |
CW | Children Ruin Everything, Superman & Lois, Joan, The Wranglers |
🎧 The Fan Fallout: Who’s Saying Goodbye Already
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S.W.A.T. cancellation hit hard; Shemar Moore issued a heartfelt farewell to cast and crew.en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2english.elpais.com+2gamesradar.com+15networktoday.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15popculture.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3nypost.com+3
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NBC fans voiced anger over ditching comedies like Night Court and Lopez vs Lopez for NBA airtime.hellomagazine.com+5the-sun.com+5tvguide.com+5
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CBS Entertainment President emphasized fiscal responsibility, lifecycle, and creative direction as key factors.people.com
🔮 What This Turmoil Means for TV’s Future
Strategic Programming Playbook
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Networks appear to be favoring franchise updating (We’ll develop FBI: CIA) and sports event scheduling.
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One-season shows are rare; pilots must grab attention fast.
Opening Room for Fresh Content
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With so much canceled, summer and fall 2025 will introduce new series—think FBI: CIA, Boston Blue, Einstein, and more on CBS.
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Networks are betting on slimmed-down seasons to boost revenue and reduce financial risk.
⚠️ Must-Know for Viewers
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Use your DVR wisely: Many canceled shows have unreleased episodes that may air as specials or be shelved indefinitely.
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Catch up while you can: Streaming services may drop these shows soon.
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Check for spin-offs: S.W.A.T. and FBI fans should watch for upcoming extensions like FBI: CIA and S.W.A.T.: Exiles.
📺 Final Verdict
2025 has been a brutal year for network television. Iconic shows ended on their own terms, while others were cut short due to shifting strategies and budget constraints. But with cancellations come new opportunities—franchise expansions, strategic premieres, and the potential for fresh, bold storytelling.
If your favorite got canceled, don’t despair—it’s also a chance to say goodbye properly and rediscover some forgotten gems in reruns.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Why was “S.W.A.T.” canceled again after eight seasons?
CBS cited skyrocketing production costs and network lineup shifts, ending the series definitively in March 2025. cbr.com
Q2: Are any canceled shows being shopped around or picked up by streaming platforms?
Some shows, like S.W.A.T. spinoff and FBI: CIA, may shift platforms. Others are looking for new homes, but nothing confirmed yet.
Q3: Did ratings collapse after these cancellations?
Not necessarily—some shows ended due to lifespan or cost, not viewership. Networks are balancing budgets and strategic needs.
Q4: When will the new TV seasons start rolling out in fall 2025?
Look for premieres in September/October, including FBI: CIA on CBS, Boston Blue, and other network programming reshuffles.
Q5: What’s the best way to say goodbye to canceled shows I loved?
Host viewing parties, support the cast on social media, petition for renewals, or catch final episodes while you can—fan campaigns have revived shows before!