18 Saddest TV Cancellations Of 2023

There’s still a month left in 2023, but as we start setting our sights on 2024’s exciting slate of new and returning series, it’s time to look back at the fan-favorite shows we lost this year.

While a variety of TV series on broadcast networks and streaming platforms alike get the axe every year, 2023’s simultaneous WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes (which have since resolved) added an extra layer of uncertainty to the television landscape and future show lineups. Some series were cut before picket lines formed, while others were unexpectedly dropped during or after the fights for fair contracts.

Over the past 11 months, TV lovers lost dozens of newly-released and long-running series on major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, to popular streamers like Apple TV+, Prime Video, HBO, Max, Hulu, and Netflix. Though we can’t pay homage to every beloved canceled series here, Team Decider compiled a list of 18 casualties that shook us to our cores, from new and longtime broadcast series like The Company You Keep and The Resident to streaming gems that were gone too soon, like Perry Mason, The Afterparty, and A League of Their Own.

If your favorite canceled series didn’t make our list, that’s not to say it doesn’t deserve another season. Such a specific list is bound to exclude some underrated series! So without further ado, here are Team Decider’s saddest TV cancellations of 2023.

1. How I Met Your Father (Hulu)

   I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: How I Met Your Father (and its fans) deserved better than an unexpected Friday night cancellation following a genuinely exciting finale. After coming off of a rare, refreshing 20-episode Season 2, Hulu’s decision to dump HIMYF felt particularly outrageous — especially considering its fundamental question (Who is the father?!) was unanswered. Starring millennial icon Hilary Duff, Francia Raisa, Chris Lowell, Suraj Sharma, Tom Ainsley, and Tien Tran, the How I Met Your Mother sequel series — created by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger — followed a tight-knit group of thirtysomethings searching present-day New York City for love, friendship, and purpose, while an older version of Duff’s Sophie (the great Kim Cattrall) told her son how she met his father. HIMYM fans knew HIMYF wouldn’t surpass the innovation, impact, or viewership of its predecessor. But the modern-day comfort watch proved itself a worthy companion with enough potential and momentum for a third season, at the very least. With a ridiculously charming cast, star-studded cameos, reliable jokes, relatable conflicts, and clever ties to HIMYM, the series simultaneously harnessed nostalgia and charted its own path. Robbing HIMYF and fans of a fulfilling ending is incredibly cruel, and though three months have passed, I still hope a smart streamer gives the show a second chance. — Nicole Gallucci

   WHERE TO watch HOW I MET YOUR FATHER

2. The Afterparty (Apple TV+)

   Television lost a real one with the cancelation of The Afterparty. Apple TV+’s whip-smart murder mystery comedy was a beacon of innovation, with each episode showcasing a different cinematic genre. Led by Sam Richardson and Tiffany Haddish, the two-season series assembled one of the best comedy ensembles in recent memory as it confidently delivered two hilarious, expertly crafted whodunnits. I still think about Season 1’s Yasper-centric episode (the great Ben Schwartz), with “Yeah Sure Whatever” earning a permanent spot on my Spotify’s greatest hits playlist. If I’m ever murdered at an intimate social gathering, I hope Sam Richardson is around to help solve the mystery. — Josh Sorokach

   WHERE TO WATCH THE AFTERPARTY

3. A League of Their Own (Prime Video)

   Prime Video canceling A League of Their Own was a gut-punch in, well, a league of its own. First, the series reboot of the classic movie, co-created by Will Graham and Abbi Jacobson streamed eight episodes in 2022, to critical and fan acclaim. Then, despite multiple awards and recognitions from LGBTQ+ groups, and near-constant campaigns on social media, it took nearly a year for Amazon to pick up the series — for an abbreviated, four-episode final season. It wasn’t enough, but fans were happy to get more… Until the show was canceled in August. Ostensibly due to the strikes, according to the streamer, fans of the show would clearly have waited decades if it meant getting to see these characters again. There is no crying in baseball, but there is frustration and anger in the streaming wars. Amazon, there were only two strikes you were dealing with, and we all know how the rules of baseball work. Bring back A League of Their Own for one last chance at bat. — Alex Zalben

   where to watch A league of their own

4. The Other Two (Max)

   It’s been five months since The Other Two‘s third season ended and fans learned the incisive comedy wouldn’t be returning, and I remain doubtful that a show will ever be able to make me laugh as hard. In serving up its signature brand of showbiz satire, nuanced humor, celebrity cameos, and sharp pop culture references — while daring to explore deeper, more serious storylines — The Other Two felt like it was at the top of its game in Season 3. Heck, it gave us one of the greatest episodes of the year! The one-of-a-kind series frequently felt too good to be true, and the other shoe finally dropped when The Hollywood Reporter revealed creators Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider were the subject of staff complaints and a concerning HR investigation. Reports that the two embodied some of the very industry animosity The Other Two satirizes were heartbreaking, and though the series went out in a very The Other Two fashion, I wish its legacy could have been pure. The Season 3 finale was a satisfying stopping point, but I wouldn’t have said no to more Dubek drama. Showrunner reputation aside, Heléne Yorke and Drew Tarver will be remembered as one of television’s most iconic duos. Molly Shannon, Case Walker, Ken Marino, Brandon Scott Jones, and Wanda Sykes were pure joy. And Josh Segarra dazzled, especially when dabbing. — Nicole Gallucci

   WHERE TO WATCH THE OTHER TWO

5. The Resident (FOX)

   As a proud Gilmore Girls and Revenge fan, I admittedly tuned into the premiere of Fox’s medical drama The Resident for Season 1 leads Matt Czuchry and Emily VanCamp. As anticipated, the two fit their new roles perfectly, with Czuchry effortlessly bringing Conrad Hawkins (an edgy, leather jacket-wearing doctor with a heart of gold) to life, and VanCamp keeping the ER grounded as Nic Nevin, a nurse who brought patience, empathy, and heart to each episode. But the duo was far from The Resident‘s sole selling point. With a stellar cast, including Manish Dayal, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Jane Leeves, and more, the series was brimming with bold, thoughtfully crafted storylines — often inspired by timely real-life events — for six seasons. The romance! The drama! The complex characters! I could have watched the inner workings of Atlanta’s fictional Chastain Memorial Hospital for a lifetime, but sadly, The Resident is officially off-duty. — Nicole Gallucci

   WHERE TO WATCH THE RESIDENT

6. The Horror of Dolores Roach (Prime Video)

   Prime Video’s horror comedy The Horror of Dolores Roach follows Justina Machado as the titular character, as she returns home to NYC’s Washington Heights after a prison sentence. She finds the city grossly gentrified and is unable to find stable housing or a job. Dolores moves into her friend’s basement apartment, which is underneath his empanada shop. There, she begins working as a masseuse while trying to locate her former lover who abandoned her after she took the fall for his drug bust. Things go array when Dolores murders a massage customer after her grossly propositioning her for sex. What’s the best way to rid the body without leaving behind evidence? As Sweeney Todd has taught us, you gotta bake it into something yummy! The show is a bloody good time and features sharp writing and exciting guest appearances. We’ll never know what happens after the Season 1 cliffhanger, but at least Dolores can get her “happy ever after” in our heads… — Raven Brunner

   where to watch The Horror of Dolores Roach

7. Gossip Girl (Max)

   It may have been canceled all the way back in January, but I’m still sad that we’ll never see another new episode of Max’s Gossip Girl reboot again. It used the same premise as OG GG, and centered on a group of Gen Z teens who could all be loosely traced back to characters from the original series. The Blair and Serena equivalents are half-sisters Julien (Jordan Alexander) and Zoya (Whitney Peak), the well-meaning but flawed Obie (Eli Brown) has shades of Nate Archibald, and the show actually managed to improve on the Chuck Bass archetype in the form of Max Wolfe (Thomas Doherty) — the best character in the reboot — by making him pansexual, shamelessly flirty, and ultimately more vulnerable than you’d ever expect from the “bad boy.” In the end, despite that, Gossip Girl (2021) was a perfect, chaotic mess of a thing that always delivered on the kind of low-stakes drama that makes high school shows so much fun, and yes, I do miss it. — Angela Tricarico

   Where TO WATCH GOSSIP GIRL

8. The Company You Keep (ABC)

   Of all the broadcast shows canceled in 2023, The Company You Keep still cuts deep. For one thing, the sexy heist series (based on the 2019 South Korean drama My Fellow Citizens!) brought Milo Ventimiglia back to screens, fresh off his role as the beloved Pearson patriarch on This Is Us. And for that, I am eternally grateful. The 46-year-old newly married heartthrob (congrats!) played a smooth con man named Charlie Nicoletti, who stealthily operated an illegal family business with his sister Birdie (Sarah Wayne Callies), mom Fran (Polly Draper), and dad Leo (William Fichtner). But when Charlie fell for Emma (Catherine Haena Kim), an undercover CIA officer, his unconventional career got a lot more complex. The fresh series featured charming leads, palpable character chemistry, engaging heists, fun disguises, surprise cameos from celebrities like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel‘s Luke Kirby and Tony Shalhoub, and — this can’t be stressed enough — a perfect Prison Break reunion. What more could you want?! The Company You Keep had serious Season 2 potential. ABC just didn’t see it. — Nicole Gallucci

   WHERE TO WATCH THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

9. Ziwe (Showtime)

   After two seasons, the late-night talk show Ziwe – created and hosted by comedian Ziwe Fumudoh – was canceled by Showtime. The show was a mix of musical numbers, sketches, and uncomfortable interviews as the host asked her guests (who were predominantly non-white) questions about pressing cultural issues, many of which revolved around race. With exciting guests like Drew Barrymore, Gloria Steinem, and Phoebe Bridgers, the program was often equally informative for the guests, just as much as it was for the audience. Nobody does it like Ziwe — even though many who have succeeded her have tried! — Raven Brunner

   where to watch ziwe

10. Inside Job (Netflix)

    Intergalactic adventures? A tragic love story? Complicated family dynamics? Inside Job had it all, but at the top of 2023, the show was canceled by Netflix. For one two-part season, Shion Takeuchi’s Netflix series followed awkward genius Reagan Ridley (Lizzy Caplan) and her colleagues at Cognito Inc. as they work to keep the world’s dark conspiracies under wraps. The first installment paid close attention to Reagan’s estranged relationship with her alcoholic father Randall “Rand” Ridley (Christian Slater), and her budding friendship with her happy-go-lucky colleague Brett Hand (Clark Duke). Then, over a year later, the second installment shifted focus to Regan’s budding relationship with Illuminati member Ron Staedtler (Adam Scott). Inside Job was as funny as it was heartfelt, and offered a unique storyline and solid footing. It’s a shame that we’ll never know how things pan out for the Ridley family. — Raven Brunner

    where to watch Inside job

11. Home Economics (ABC)

    With the news that ABC canceled Home Economics after three seasons and nearly the entire year in limbo, TV lost one of its most realistic portrayals of a complicated sibling relationship, and I lost one of my favorite sitcoms. The show follows the everyday lives of three siblings and their families as they navigate life in three different economic classes. It picks up when Connor, a hedge fund manager, single dad, and the youngest of the bunch, moves back to the Bay Area, where his older siblings Tom and Sarah live with their families. Topher Grace, Caitlin McGee, and Jimmy Tatro (who play Tom, Sarah, and Connor, respectively) have such believable chemistry; it’s really like they have spent their entire lives bickering. It was always exciting to see the rest of the cast rise to the occasion and match that chemistry, too; Karla Souza and Sasheer Zamata as Tom and Sarah’s wives have a sweet sister-in-law bond and the child actors playing four of the six cousins (the two youngest, twins, are babies) often steal the show from the adults. Always hilarious, emotional, real, and uncomfortable, I could have watched seasons and seasons of the Hayworths living their lives if ABC wanted to give that to me.  — Angela Tricarico

    WHERE TO WATCH HOME ECONOMICS

12. Pitch Perfect: Bumper In Berlin (Peacock)

    Full disclosure: I do not like the Pitch Perfect movies. I generally find them to be mean-spirited and scattershot in their humor. My dislike might also stem from PTSD due to being forced to watch too many a capella performances in college. So I was completely surprised at how excellent Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin turned out to be. Where the movies are mean, Bumper in Berlin was kind. Flula Borg and Adam DeVine, two actors who can often veer into fingernails-on-chalkboard annoying were instead self-defacing and hilarious. And the real revelation of the series was Sarah Hyland, who owned every scene and sang like an angel. I was thrilled, therefore, when the series was a big hit for Peacock, and picked up for a second season this past January. And then it was canceled in September, according to the streamer due to the strikes. Ouch. Here’s hoping that, like the best underdog stories, the series by Megan Amram gets to sing out one more time, somewhere else. — Alex Zalben

    where to watch Pitch Perfect: Bumper In Berlin

13. I Love That For You (Showtime)

    I Love That For You, starring creator and Saturday Night Live alum Vanessa Bayer as Joanna Gold, told the rare story of a childhood leukemia survivor who lies about having cancer as an adult to land a job on her favorite home shopping channel, the Special Value Network (SVN). Alongside her new boss (Jenifer Lewis), and colleagues played by Molly Shannon and Matt Rogers, Joanna set out to become a star while struggling to protect her damning secret. Loosely inspired by Bayer’s experience as a pediatric cancer survivor, I Love That For You proved itself as a compelling, original gem packed with consistently superb performances and jokes that didn’t miss. Decider included the delightful series in our Top Hidden Streaming Gems of 2022 list, but it seems it was too hidden, because Showtime canceled the deeply underrated comedy. Yes, even after the iconic Ryan Phillippe cameo in Season 1’s finale. (Side note: It should be illegal to cancel two brilliant Molly Shannon comedies in one year.) — Nicole Gallucci

    [NOTE: This show is no longer available to stream. We’ve included a link to our show page below in case that status changes.]

    WHERE TO WATCH I LOVE THAT FOR YOU

14. Wellmania (Netflix)

    Based on Brigid Delaney’s nonfiction book, the Netflix series Wellmania follows Australia comedian Celeste Barber as Liv, a food writer who faces a dangerous health scare that gets in the way of her upcoming TV judge gig for a new reality series. As the show continues, Liv tries quick schemes and fads to resolve her health complications, but finds that they don’t provide the results she needs. The show pulls laughs and tears as Liv’s journey worsens and those around her grow frustrated and concerned. If only we could see what happens next! — Raven Brunner

    where to watch wellmania

15. American Auto (NBC)

    I’ll never forgive NBC for canceling American Auto before this genuinely hilarious sitcom had a chance to take on the auto workers’ strike of 2023. Think of the self-deprecating jokes Ana Gasteyer could have delivered with that material! Sadly, the golden age of network workplace sitcoms is long over, and this delightful half-hour from Superstore creator Justin Spitzer flew too far under the radar for it to warrant a third season. It’s a real shame, because the show finally gave Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer her long-deserved moment in the spotlight, as a greedy CEO of a failing auto company in Detroit, and was an excellent showcase for Broadway’s Michael Benjamin Washington, who stole every scene with his dry delivery and unapologetic narcissism. American Auto was the funny, sharp satire of corporate culture we needed right now. RIP to a real one. — Anna Menta

    Where to watch american auto

16. Praise Petey (Freeform)

    Freeform’s delightful animated series Praise Petey was canceled after one season. Created by comedian and former Reductress editor Anna Drezen, the show featured an all-star cast with Annie Murphy, John Cho, and Kiersey Clemons in main roles. In the first episode, Petey (Murphy) gets fired from her “senior assistant editorial assistant” job at a major fashion company in NYC and discovers that her longtime boyfriend — a plank of wood — is cheating on her with her best friend. The socialite packs her bags and moves to a small town in West Carolina called New Utopia which she inherited from her late dad. But, it turns out that the town is actually a cult. Yikes! Hijinks ensue, crushes are formed, and plans are hatched. The finale sees Petey making a few uncharacteristically dark choices, which teased an eventful second season. Gone too soon! — Raven Brunner

    where to watch Praise petey

17. Star Trek: Prodigy (Paramount+)

    Not only is Star Trek: Prodigy one of the best Star Trek series that has ever aired, it’s one of the rare franchise shows (from any franchise) to actually aim to capture new fans — not just cater to the aging fanbase. Introducing new, younger characters on a starship exploring a relatively unknown galaxy, Prodigy was creative, exciting, and emotional. And then Paramount unceremoniously canceled it after one season. Not only that but in a dire trend on the part of streaming services, it was promptly yanked off Paramount+. Because we don’t want young people watching Star Trek? Really? The good news is that thanks to fan clamor, Prodigy was actually picked up by Netflix. They will stream the first, excellent season this Christmas, and then the already-produced second season next year. That’s great news, and fingers crossed it does well there — otherwise, we’ll see you back here again next year. — Alex Zalben

    Where to watch star trek: Prodigy

18. Perry Mason (HBO)

    Of all the TV cancelations of 2023, HBO’s hatchet job on Perry Mason still hurts the most. Perry Mason Season 1 was an elegant, if somewhat safe, slow-burn crime mystery. Perry Mason Season 2, however, was an electric masterpiece. The murder mystery — where two Mexican-American youths were seemingly framed for killing a corrupt tycoon’s feckless, sadistic son — boldly upended genre fans’ expectations at every turn. 

    Ultimately what hurts about Perry Mason’s cancelation is the knowledge that HBO killed a show just as it had fully defined itself and laid the groundwork for an even more compelling third season. Worse, the second season ends with Perry (Matthew Rhys) bidding farewell to his unscrupulous bestie Pete Strickland (Shae Whigham) before surrounding himself for a brief jail sentence. RIP to Perry Mason and Perry Mason’s boys. — Meghan O’Keefe

    Where to watch Perry mason