In a year marked by significant changes in the television landscape, fans of popular shows have been left reeling from a series of cancellations that have struck hard in 2025. Among the most notable losses is the beloved musical comedy Girls5eva, which Netflix recently cut ties with after briefly saving it from cancellation. Originally premiering on Peacock in 2021, the show followed four women who once formed a girl group and reunited in hopes of rekindling their musical dreams. Despite a successful second season, Peacock opted not to continue, leading to its move to Netflix for a third and final season. The cast, including stars Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell, and Renée Elise Goldsberry, expressed their heartbreak over the show's end. Philipps took to Instagram to share her emotional farewell, stating, "I am forever grateful for this incredible show and these girls that became my sisters5eva, for Netflix giving us a chance to sing together a little bit longer and for everyone at Universal and Peacock who rooted so hard for our show." She added, "I honestly don’t know how or what I would be without this show and the endless joy it brought me in the darkest time of my life. I really, really love what I do, and sometimes it feels almost impossible. Anyway, isn’t that just like everything good in life? Love you 5eva❤️."
Another significant loss this year was Sunny, a show on Apple TV+ that featured Rashida Jones as an American woman navigating life in Japan after her husband and son went missing in a plane crash. Based on the 2018 novel The Dark Manual, Sunny was praised for its unique premise but struggled to gain a wider audience. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter in September 2024, Jones expressed her disappointment regarding the show's reception, saying, "I wish there was a little bit more awareness about our show. Not gonna lie. I think [Sunny] is finding its audience because people seem to like it and a lot of people talk to me about it." She acknowledged Apple TV+'s commitment to quality programming, stating, "What [Apple] do have is they have really good taste, and they do make really good shows." Jones also highlighted the advantages of a staggered release format, suggesting that it allows viewers to engage more deeply with the show.
The cancellation of these shows is part of a larger trend affecting broadcast television as well. The 2024-2025 broadcast television season is nearing its end, leaving several shows in limbo regarding their future. Networks like CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and The CW are making crucial decisions about which shows will return in the fall, with many fans anxiously awaiting news about their favorites. As of now, CBS has confirmed the cancellation of The Equalizer after five seasons. The network had previously renewed several shows, including Elsbeth and NCIS: Sydney, but left The Equalizer hanging in uncertainty. Reports suggest that the chances of a 13-episode final season are "50-50," especially since CBS also passed on a potential spin-off featuring Titus Welliver.
Meanwhile, NBC has made significant renewals, including Chicago Fire for Season 14, Chicago Med for Season 11, and Chicago P.D. for Season 13. However, the network also faced losses, with Found and The Irrational both canceled after two seasons. The fate of other shows, such as Lopez vs. Lopez and Night Court, remains uncertain as NBC prepares announcements for its lineup.
Fox has also been active in its renewal process, with Animal Control getting picked up for a fourth season and Going Dutch renewed for a second. However, the network canceled Rescue: HI-Surf after just one season, indicating a willingness to streamline its offerings. The CW has been particularly affected by changes in ownership, opting to focus on cheaper international co-productions, leading to the cancellation of many of its original series.
The landscape of television is evolving rapidly, with streaming platforms and traditional networks both experiencing the pressures of viewership and production costs. As fans mourn the loss of shows like Girls5eva and Sunny, they remain hopeful for their favorites as networks finalize their fall schedules. The end of May is expected to bring clarity to the status of numerous shows, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
In a world where every season feels like a gamble, the fate of beloved series hangs in the balance, and viewers are left to wonder which shows will survive the next round of cancellations.
