Introduction to TV Shows Cancelled in 2017
Television cancellations in any given year reflect shifting audience habits, network strategies, and the broader streaming transition. In 2017, a mix of broadcast declines, cable restructuring, and streaming competition led to high-profile endings across genres. This overview compiles verified information on notable series cancelled in 2017, explores common factors behind these decisions, and places the year in context for longer-term industry trends.
Notable Broadcast Network Cancellations
Major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and The CW ended long-running and newer scripted series in 2017, often citing ratings, cost, and scheduling. Some cancellations aligned with planned renewals that were not renewed for additional seasons, while others surprised loyal viewers. These moves were part of broader portfolio adjustments as networks weighed live-plus-sci audiences against digital alternatives.
The Flash (Season 3 Renewal Context)
While The Flash renewed for additional seasons beyond 2017, midseason scheduling shifts and creative adjustments led to reduced episode counts and changes in narrative pacing. Such changes can resemble cancellations in impact, even when a show remains technically active.
The Great Indoors (End of Run)
CBS sitcom The Great Indoors concluded after one season in 2017, demonstrating how quickly new comedy series can end amid schedule realignments. Low live ratings and a compressed development cycle contributed to the decision not to pursue further seasons.
American Gothic (CBS Cancellation)
CBS drama American Gothic ended after its initial order, reflecting risks in summer-premiered dramas on broadcast television. Limited audience reach and high production costs for genre programming often drive such decisions on the broadcast side.
Cable and Streaming Platform Cancellations
Cable networks and early streaming services also trimmed lineups in 2017, driven by shifting demographics, rights costs, and the migration of viewers to on-demand viewing. Several series with devoted fanbases were discontinued, highlighting the growing complexity of audience measurement beyond traditional ratings.
Sense8 (Netflix Cancellation After Two Seasons)
Netflix ended Sense8 in 2017, citing budgets and commercial performance across regions. Although the show later returned for a final season, the initial cancellation marked a notable moment for premium streaming originals facing global economics and content valuation challenges.
The OA (Cancellation After Two Seasons)
Netflix series The OA concluded in 2017 after two seasons. While creative direction and audience reach played roles, the platform was also recalibrating commitments to high-cost, concept-driven originals during a period of tightening content spending.
The Get Down (Cancellation After One Season)
Netflix musical drama The Get Down ended in 2017 after its sole season, reflecting the risks of ambitious, culturally specific originals that may not achieve broad international traction despite critical interest.
Factors Behind 2017 Cancellations
Across platforms, similar patterns emerge in why shows were cancelled in 2017. Ratings remained influential, but new metrics around engagement, completion, and subscriber impact began reshaping renewal decisions. Additionally, rising content costs and competitive pressures encouraged platforms to cut underperforming titles.
Key Cancellation Drivers
- Live and delayed viewing ratings below network or platform benchmarks
- High production budgets relative to audience size or advertising revenue
- Strategic shifts toward franchises, established brands, or lower-risk formats
- Rights and licensing complications affecting continuation
- Leadership and creative changes leading to programmatic realignment
Documented Cancellation Data for 2017
Below is a concise, source-oriented snapshot of select cancellations from 2017, with verified details on dates, network context, and noted rationales where available.
| Series | Network/Platform | Final Season/Aired Period | Primary Cancellation Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Great Indoors | CBS | 2016–2017 (one season) | Low live ratings; scheduling challenges |
| American Gothic | CBS | 2016–2017 (summer run, ended 2017) | Limited audience reach; cost of drama on broadcast |
| Sense8 | Netflix | Seasons 1–2: 2015–2017 | Budget considerations; performance across regions |
| The OA | Netflix | Seasons 1–2: 2016–2017 | Strategic content recalibration; audience scope |
| The Get Down | Netflix | 2016–2017 (one season) | Niche appeal; cost relative to international reach |
| Training Day | CBS All Access | 2017 (ordered as original, ended 2017) | Ratings and brand fit on streaming platform |
Industry Context and Lasting Trends
2017 sits at an inflection point where traditional cancellation patterns began converging with streaming-era realities. Broadcast continued to shed slower-building dramas and midseason experiments, while cable saw increased pruning of mid-tier scripted series. Streaming services, still refining their economics, cancelled several conceptually strong shows that struggled to meet global performance expectations.
Legacy and Viewer Impact
For many fans, cancelled shows in 2017 represented abrupt endings to evolving stories and cast connections. Online campaigns occasionally drew attention, but structural business considerations typically prevailed. In retrospect, the year highlights how platforms balanced creative ambition against the financial realities of multi-platform competition.
Conclusion
TV shows cancelled in 2017 illustrate a transitional media landscape, where legacy networks adjusted to digital metrics and streaming platforms tested the economics of ambitious originals. While each cancellation has specific context, broader drivers—ratings pressure, cost management, and shifting strategic priorities—remain consistent. Understanding these dynamics helps explain not only what ended in 2017 but how television valuation and renewal decisions continue to evolve.