The Top 5 Netflix TV Shows That Flopped Since 2020
Netflix has become a global powerhouse in television, delivering some of the most talked-about series of the decade. But for every breakout hit, some shows quietly fade away—or loudly flop. Since 2020, a handful of productions have struggled to connect with viewers, earning lukewarm reviews, disappointing viewership numbers, or early cancellations.
While not every series is destined to become the next Stranger Things or Wednesday, examining the shows that missed the mark offers valuable insight into how quickly audience tastes and the streaming landscape can shift.
Here are five notable Netflix series that stumbled since 2020 and why they failed to take off.
- Jupiter’s Legacy (2021)
Hyped as Netflix’s answer to the superhero craze, Jupiter’s Legacy arrived with incredible potential. Based on Mark Millar’s comic series and backed by a substantial budget, the show should have been a home run. Instead, it struggled under the weight of a complex timeline structure, inconsistent pacing, and mixed visual effects.
Viewers found the tone uneven, and critics agreed the storytelling lacked cohesion. Despite its ambitious world-building, Netflix cancelled the series after just one season, making it one of the platform’s highest-profile flops to date.
- Cowboy Bebop (2021)
As a live-action adaptation of the beloved anime classic, Cowboy Bebop faced enormous expectations. While the cast—especially John Cho—earned praise, the show couldn’t capture the original’s emotional depth or stylistic brilliance.
Fans felt the adaptation missed the heart of the story, while newcomers struggled to connect with its uneven tone. After a wave of negative reviews and sluggish engagement, Netflix pulled the plug only weeks after its debut. It remains one of the most controversial cancellations of the streaming era.
- Resident Evil (2022)
Based on one of the biggest gaming franchises in the world, Resident Evil had a massive built-in audience. Unfortunately, the series delivered a narrative that felt disconnected from the source material, blending timelines and tones in ways that frustrated long-time fans.
Critics pointed to inconsistent character development and an identity crisis between horror and teen drama. Though some viewers enjoyed its creativity, the overall reaction was mixed at best. Netflix scrapped the series after one season, marking another attempt to bring the franchise to TV that didn’t quite land.
- Blockbuster (2022)
In theory, a workplace comedy set in the last remaining Blockbuster store—produced by the team behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine—should have been a nostalgic, lighthearted hit. But Blockbuster struggled to find its comedic rhythm.
Audiences felt the humor was predictable and the characters under-developed, especially compared to other workplace sitcoms. Despite the charm of its cast, the show never became the warm comfort comedy it aimed to be. Netflix cancelled it after one season, making the irony of the Blockbuster brand failing on Netflix hard to ignore.
- The Imperfects (2022)
A sci-fi series following young adults who develop monstrous abilities, The Imperfects had an intriguing setup and a talented cast. Still, it failed to build strong momentum. Viewers cited uneven dialogue, limited character arcs, and a lack of emotional depth.
Although the show developed a small cult following, it wasn’t enough to secure renewal. Netflix announced its cancellation the same year it premiered, adding it to the growing list of short-lived genre experiments.
Why These Flops Matter
The rise and fall of these shows reveal a lot about modern TV consumption. Audiences expect sharp writing, strong characters, and a clear identity—especially in a crowded streaming marketplace. With more content than ever competing for attention, even big budgets or well-known franchises can’t guarantee success.
These cancellations also highlight how quickly platforms adjust strategies. Netflix isn’t afraid to cut losses when engagement doesn’t meet expectations, even if a show has name recognition or a passionate fan base.
While flops are inevitable in such a fast-moving industry, they help shape the future of streaming—pushing platforms to refine their formulas, take smarter creative risks, and better understand what audiences truly want.
