Netflix has terminated its popular anime series Terminator Zero after just one season, with creator Mattson Tomlin confirming the cancellation on social media platform X. The decision was driven by low viewing numbers, despite the show receiving strong critical acclaim and positive audience feedback.
Creator Expresses Disappointment Over Axed Plans
In a detailed post on X, Tomlin responded to a fan inquiry about the status of a second season, bluntly stating, "It was cancelled." He elaborated that while the reception from critics and viewers was "tremendous," ultimately "not nearly enough people watched it" to justify renewal.
Tomlin expressed regret over unrealised ambitions for the series, revealing he had envisioned a five-season arc. "I would've loved to deliver on the Future War I had planned in seasons 2 and 3," he wrote, noting that he has already written all scripts for season two and outlined much of season three. Despite this, he found solace in the self-contained nature of the first season's conclusion.
No Hostility Towards Netflix
Importantly, Tomlin emphasised he holds "no ill will" toward the streaming giant, describing Netflix as "good partners" who granted him significant creative freedom. He disclosed that Netflix even offered the option to produce additional episodes to provide a more definitive ending, which 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," Tomlin explained. "But they didn't have to offer that. Good partners here."
Series Overview and Premise
Terminator Zero is a science-fiction anime set within the iconic Terminator universe originally created by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd. The narrative centres on Malcolm Lee, a character developing an artificial intelligence system in 1997. As Lee grapples with his creation's implications, he becomes the target of a futuristic assassin pursuing his three children.
Context Within Netflix's February Lineup
The cancellation news emerges as Netflix promotes its extensive February slate of new films and television series. Highlights include the return of the hit series The Night Agent, a new show from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee titled How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, and the concluding instalment of Bridgerton season four.
Additionally, the platform is adding documentaries featuring figures such as chef Gordon Ramsay, convicted nurse Lucy Letby, and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder in Matter of Time. A significant addition is the long-running medical drama ER, which has experienced renewed interest following the Emmy-winning success of The Pitt, both starring actor Noah Wyle.
Tomlin hinted at a potential future for the Terminator Zero concept, suggesting he might "return to that world in a different form." He also teased the possibility of sharing his full five-season vision in a detailed thread someday, stating, "Maybe someday I'll do a big thread about the plans I had for the full five season run."
The creator concluded by reflecting on the personal satisfaction derived from the project, noting it was "extremely gratifying to see so many people connect with it the way they did."
