Netflix has quietly terminated one of its original series after just a single season, with the creator publicly confirming the cancellation on social media platform X. Mattson Tomlin, the showrunner behind Terminator Zero, announced that the streaming giant axed the anime series due to insufficient viewing numbers, despite it receiving strong critical praise.
Creator Reveals Disappointment and Future Plans
In a candid post on X, Tomlin responded to a fan inquiry about the status of a potential second season by stating, "It was cancelled." He elaborated that while the critical and audience reception was tremendous, ultimately not enough people tuned in to justify renewal.
"I would've loved to deliver on the Future War I had planned in seasons 2 and 3, but I'm also very happy with how it feels contained as is," Tomlin wrote. He revealed that he has already written all scripts for season two and outlined much of season three, with original plans for a five-season arc.
No Ill Will Toward Netflix
Despite the disappointment, Tomlin expressed no bitterness toward Netflix, describing them as good partners who provided significant creative freedom. The streaming service even offered him the opportunity to create additional episodes to properly conclude the series, an offer he declined.
"I felt the story I wanted to tell was much longer, and the finale of season one actually left things in a good place," he explained. "But they didn't have to offer that. Good partners here."
About Terminator Zero
The cancelled series was a science-fiction anime set within the iconic Terminator universe originally created by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd. The plot centered on Malcolm Lee, a character developing an artificial intelligence system in 1997 while simultaneously being pursued by a futuristic assassin targeting his three children.
Netflix's February Content Strategy
The cancellation news emerges as Netflix continues to roll out new content throughout February. The streaming platform's upcoming releases include:
- The return of popular series The Night Agent
- A new show from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee titled How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
- The concluding chapter of Bridgerton season four
- Documentaries featuring Gordon Ramsay, Lucy Letby, and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder
Notably, the medical drama ER represents a significant addition to Netflix's catalog, experiencing renewed popularity following the Emmy-winning success of The Pitt, which stars Noah Wyle.
Tomlin concluded his social media revelation by suggesting he might eventually share detailed plans for the unrealized seasons and expressed openness to returning to the Terminator universe in a different format, stating his affection for the project and gratitude for the audience connection it achieved.
