Throughout 2017, major broadcast and cable networks made bold decisions that reshaped weekly viewing and streaming habits. Several long-running series and promising new shows were cancelled, leaving fans searching for explanations and alternatives.
Below is a detailed overview of notable cancellations across broadcast, cable, and streaming services in 2017, organized to help you quickly compare key details at a glance.
| Show | Network | Seasons | Primary Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Get Down | Netflix | 2 | Creative direction shift |
| The OA | Netflix | 2 | Low viewership, production hiatus |
| Training Day | CBS | 1 | Low ratings |
| Conviction | ABC | 1 | Low ratings, scheduling changes |
| Chance | Hulu | 2 | Creative completion, limited series model |
Dramas Cancelled in 2017
Several high-profile dramas ended their runs in 2017, often after only a single season on major broadcast networks. Decision-makers cited a mix of modest ratings, performance against live sports, and strategic shifts toward event-style storytelling.
Streaming platforms also removed series that failed to meet aggressive engagement targets or did not align with tightly curated brand identities. These cancellations reflected a broader trend of platforms refining lineups based on concrete audience metrics and content costs.
Comedies and Genre Shows Affected
Beyond dramas, 2017 saw comedies and genre shows meet the chopping block, particularly on cable and digital services hungry for original slate adjustments. Some shows were cancelled after abbreviated seasons, while others were quietly not renewed without formal announcements.
Genre cancellations often centered on niche audiences that did not translate into broad subscriber growth for their hosting platforms. Networks balanced creative experimentation against the need for reliable audience retention in an increasingly competitive market.
Impact on Viewers and Industry Trends
The wave of cancellations in 2017 influenced viewing patterns, prompting audiences to migrate between broadcast, cable, and streaming services more frequently. This environment accelerated the industry's pivot toward data-driven greenlighting and earlier renewal signals.
Producers and writers observed tighter development cycles, with networks placing greater emphasis on clear audience pathways and demonstrable engagement before ordering additional seasons or new pilots.
Key Takeaways for 2017 Cancellations
- Ratings remained a primary driver, especially for broadcast network series.
- Streaming services balanced creative ambition with cost and engagement metrics.
- Genre and niche shows faced higher risk without broad audience appeal.
- Strategic pivots led to shorter orders and earlier decisions on renewal.
- Viewers responded by diversifying across multiple streaming platforms.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why were shows like The OA and The Get Down cancelled despite strong initial buzz?
Both titles generated significant conversation at launch, but Netflix later indicated that completion rates and qualitative feedback did not justify continued investment, leading to cancellations after two seasons.
Did low ratings alone drive the cancellation of Training Day and Conviction?
Yes, both series struggled with live viewership and time slot performance, leading networks to replace them with alternative programming that better fit scheduling and audience targets.
Were any of the 2017 cancellations reversed or renewed in later years?
While a few shows returned in limited formats on other services, most of the major cancellations from 2017 remained discontinued due to concluded storylines and shifting platform strategies.
How did streaming services alter their approach after these cancellations?
Platforms moved toward clearer data thresholds for renewal, shorter initial orders, and more structured audience measurement to reduce uncertainty around new and existing series.