Netflix has cancelled its anime series Terminator Zero after just one season, despite positive critical reception. The cancellation, announced by series creator Mattson Tomlin on social media over the weekend, comes down to viewership numbers that didn’t meet the streaming giant’s expectations. The news marks another instance of a promising science fiction series cut short by Netflix, following the recent cancellation of the critically acclaimed anime series, also after one season.
Terminator Zero, released in , offered a fresh perspective within the established Terminator universe. The series focused on the events surrounding – Judgment Day as depicted in Terminator 2: Judgment Day – and its immediate aftermath, then jumping forward to to explore a world more than two decades into a war between humans and machines. The narrative centered on Malcolm Lee, who is developing an AI system while simultaneously being hunted by a future assassin.
Tomlin expressed disappointment with the decision but acknowledged the business realities. “It was cancelled,” he wrote on X. “The critical and audience reception to it was tremendous, but at the end of the day not nearly enough people watched it.” He had previously developed scripts for a second season and outlines for a third, envisioning a multi-season arc that explored the “Future War” in greater detail. However, he also stated he was “very happy with how it feels contained as is,” suggesting the first season provides a relatively complete narrative.
The cancellation highlights the challenges of launching original anime content on major streaming platforms. While anime enjoys a dedicated and growing global fanbase, translating that enthusiasm into broad viewership numbers remains a hurdle. Tomlin pointed out a potential disconnect between the core audiences for the Terminator franchise and the anime genre. “Generally speaking, anime audiences skew younger. Terminator audiences skew older,” he explained. “Terminator Zero asked them to meet in the middle, and they didn’t in the way the corporation needed to justify the spend to continue.”
Despite the cancellation, Tomlin praised Netflix’s marketing efforts and the dedication of the production team. He noted that Netflix had even offered the opportunity to create a few additional episodes to wrap up loose ends, an offer he declined, preferring to leave the series as originally conceived. This gesture suggests Netflix recognized the quality of the show and attempted to mitigate the impact of the cancellation, even if it couldn’t justify a full second season.
The situation with Terminator Zero is becoming increasingly common in the streaming landscape. Netflix, and other platforms, are under pressure to demonstrate consistent growth and profitability. This often leads to swift cancellations of shows that don’t immediately generate substantial viewership, even if those shows receive positive reviews and cultivate a dedicated following. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making can overshadow the value of artistic merit and long-term brand building.
Tomlin hinted at the possibility of revisiting the Terminator universe in a different format in the future. “Maybe someday I’ll do a big thread about the plans I had for the full five season run,” he wrote. “Maybe I will return to that world in a different form.” This leaves the door open for potential adaptations or continuations of the story through other mediums, such as comics or novels, though nothing is currently confirmed.
The cancellation of Terminator Zero serves as a reminder of the precarious position of even well-received streaming series. The show’s fate underscores the complex interplay between critical acclaim, audience engagement, and the financial imperatives of the streaming industry. While the first season offered a compelling and unique take on the Terminator mythology, it ultimately wasn’t enough to secure its future on Netflix.
