Peacock Streaming Cancellations: A Look at NBC’s 2025-26 TV Season Axes

The world of streaming television is ever-changing, with networks constantly evaluating viewership numbers, production costs, and audience engagement to decide the fate of their original content. As we step into the 2025-26 TV season, Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, has made headlines by canceling four shows, leaving fans disappointed and questioning the decisions behind these cuts.

Four Shows Cancelled by Peacock

We’ll explore the four shows that Peacock has decided to cut, analyzing what made them unique and why their cancellation has sparked outrage among loyal viewers.

1. In the Dark

This gritty drama followed the life of a blind woman who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. Despite receiving critical acclaim for its representation and storytelling, viewership numbers fell as the show went into its fourth season. Critics and fans have expressed their disappointment, arguing that the series still had plenty of stories left to tell.

2. Bel-Air

This reimagining of the classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air provided a modern and sensational take on the struggles of a young man navigating life between two worlds. Although the show garnered a loyal fan base, it apparently failed to attract the vast audience Peacock had hoped for. Fans are devastated as they believed the show successfully blended nostalgia with contemporary issues.

3. The Lost Symbol

Based on the novel by Dan Brown, this thriller attempted to delve into the world of symbolism and conspiracies tied to the Freemasons. Despite its intriguing premise, the show struggled with pacing and coherence, causing viewership to wan. The abrupt cancellation has left fans questioning how the story might have evolved.

4. Rutherford Falls

This comedy, which focused on the challenges of Native American identity within modern America, received praise for its groundbreaking representation and humor. Nonetheless, it was ultimately cut due to what Peacock deemed low ratings. Fans and critics have highlighted the importance of diversity in storytelling, asserting that shows like Rutherford Falls pave the way for future narratives.

10 TV Shows That Didn’t Deserve to Get the Axe in 2025

As fans mourn the loss of these shows, they have begun to reflect on other series that may have faced unjust cancellations. Here’s a list of ten shows that viewers believe deserved more time to find their footing:

1. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

This musical drama captured hearts with its unique concept and emotional storytelling. Many believe its cancellation came too soon, as fans felt there were additional character arcs and musical explorations left untold.

2. Dead Pixels

A comedy about online gaming culture, Dead Pixels combined humor with relatable gamer experiences. Viewers appreciated its down-to-earth characters and easygoing humor, making its cancellation a shock to loyal fans.

3. Superstore

This workplace comedy was renowned for its sharp social commentary and fantastic ensemble cast. Though it concluded after six successful seasons, many fans believe it still had potential for more stories in its universe.

4. Midnight Mass

The horror limited series directed by Mike Flanagan was praised for its deep philosophical discussions couched within thrilling plotlines. Fans felt it deserved a sequel to expand upon its themes of faith, guilt, and redemption.

5. Good Girls

This dark comedy about suburban moms turned criminals resonated with many due to its unique premise and relatable characters. However, its cancellation felt abrupt, as viewers believed the show had not exhausted all avenues for character development.

6. Lovecraft Country

This series tackled issues of race and identity within a horror framework, and its stunning visuals combined with complex narratives engaged viewers. The abrupt end to this thought-provoking series left many fans wanting more.

7. Santa Clarita Diet

This dark comedy about a suburban family dealing with a zombie problem was loved for its quirky humor and unique concept. Its cancellation felt premature to many, who hoped to see how the story would evolve further.

8. That Girl Lay Lay

A light-hearted show centered around a young girl with aspirations of stardom, it was beloved by younger audiences. Fans felt its cancellation overlooked its positive impact on teen representation in media.

9. The Society

This teen drama, which explored what happens when a group of high school students finds themselves stranded without adults, intrigued many with its social dynamics and character development. Fans believe the show had so many untapped storylines that they deserved closure.

10. Yasuke

A visually stunning and imaginative retelling of the story of the first African samurai, Yasuke garnered appreciation for its unique premise and animation style. Its cancellation disappointed fans who felt it deserved a chance to delve deeper into the character’s journey.

12 TV Shows That Have Already Been Canceled In 2025

The ongoing trend of abrupt cancellations continues to raise eyebrows as networks rush to adjust their programming line-ups. Here’s a rundown of twelve shows canceled as of 2025:

1. NCIS: New Orleans

This spinoff of the popular NCIS franchise met its end despite a longstanding fanbase, primarily due to declining viewership.

2. American Gods

Showcasing a fresh take on Neil Gaiman’s beloved novel, this series was bittersweetly canceled after initial enthusiasm fizzled out.

3. Kevin Can F**k Himself

This dark comedy was lauded for its innovative storytelling and unique character perspective but did not secure a long-term spot.

4. Manifest

This sci-fi drama regained fan interest after its cancellation and then subsequent spinoff proposals, but it was ultimately shelved for good.

5. Family Reunion

Even with a loyal fanbase addressing family issues, this show saw its curtains fall amidst changing network priorities.

6. Charmed

A reboot of the CW’s beloved series saw a dedicated fan campaign, but it was ultimately deemed expendable as networks strived for new content.

7. Twilight Zone

The anthology series, a beloved staple for many, finally met its demise, leaving fans yearning for more mind-bending stories.

8. Runaways

This superhero series focusing on young adults and familial relationships was beloved by its youth audience but faced cancellation due to shifting streaming landscapes.

9. Awkwafina is Nora from Queens

Despite its unique comedic perspective, it faced cancellation in favor of new shows that tapped into different demographics.

10. WandaVision

Marvel’s adventurous take on sitcoms was groundbreaking, yet the limited series format did not leave room for more seasons.

11. Snowpiercer

Initially, fans loved the tension-filled narrative of this post-apocalyptic tale, but viewership tapered off significantly by its final season.

12. Insecure

This series dissecting modern relationships and identity ended after its fifth season—while it concluded well, many felt it could have gone further.

Final Thoughts

The unpredictable nature of the streaming landscape means that shows often face the axe regardless of talent or fan investment. As Peacock and other platforms maneuver through viewer preferences, cancellations may not always reflect the quality of the programming but rather shifting internal priorities. With the significant cuts seen ahead of the 2025-26 TV season, one can only hope for a revitalized fate for the shows and characters that fans have already grown to love and cherish.