5 Minutes
Netflix has quietly pulled the plug on three of its 2024 animated projects, surprising fans and stirring fresh debate about how streaming platforms decide which shows deserve another season. Among the cancellations is Twilight of the Gods, the mythic Norse-inspired animated series from filmmaker Zack Snyder — a notable cut given Snyder's high-profile relationship with Netflix and the strong fanbase that followed the show.
Which shows were canceled?
Twilight of the Gods, Exploding Kittens and Good Times will each stop after one season. All three premiered in 2024 and, according to reporting from What’s On Netflix and coverage in outlets such as ComicBook, Netflix has no plans to commission second seasons. While Exploding Kittens — adapted from the popular card game — earned a relatively positive reception, and Twilight of the Gods found a built-in audience thanks to Snyder's attachment, Good Times struggled critically and commercially, drawing sharp negative reviews and controversy.
Why these cancellations matter
The trio of cancellations highlights an industry truth that's grown clearer in the streaming era: critical acclaim no longer guarantees longevity. Netflix and other streamers rely heavily on viewing metrics, completion rates and audience retention to justify renewals. Good Times reportedly scored just 10% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Exploding Kittens landed a 'Fresh' rating. Even with favorable critic response, Exploding Kittens couldn't overcome Netflix's internal benchmarks for a follow-up season.
This trend is part of a broader pattern. Netflix has seen major animation hits — from Japanese anime such as Sakamoto Days, Baki Hanma and Beastars to American series like Devil May Cry, Castlevania and BoJack Horseman — but success is selective. The platform is increasingly pragmatic, shepherding only the projects that meet strict performance targets into additional seasons.
Zack Snyder’s animation streak stalls
Snyder’s involvement makes the cancellation particularly notable. He has produced several high-profile projects for Netflix, including live-action films like Rebel Moon and Army of the Dead. Yet several of his Netflix-linked properties have wrapped sooner than initially expected: Rebel Moon won’t continue past its first two films, and Twilight of the Gods will end after a single season despite earlier hints from creators about a possible follow-up. Fans who hoped Snyder’s signature visual style would translate into a long-running animated saga will be disappointed, though the first season can still stand as a self-contained experience.
Film critic Anna Kovacs weighs in: 'Streaming decisions today are less about artistic merit and more about hard numbers. Twilight of the Gods showed real ambition, but Netflix’s calculus is unforgiving — even established directors face the same pressure as newcomers.'
Context and quick comparisons
Exploding Kittens follows a growing trend of adapting games to animated series — compare it to the success of other game-to-screen efforts that found audiences by leaning into the source material's tone. By contrast, Good Times appears to have misfired with critics and viewers, demonstrating how adult animation still needs the right mix of concept and execution to thrive.
Behind the scenes trivia: Living The Dream, a new Netflix animation created by a storyboard artist from The Amazing World of Gumball, is among several titles the streamer has pinned for 2026. Also headed our way are Stranger Things: Tales From '85, an animated spin-off, and Devil May Cry season 2 — illustrating Netflix’s commitment to animation even as it trims projects that don’t meet performance goals.
For creators, the cancellations are a reminder that the streaming era rewards both cultural buzz and consistent viewing figures. For viewers, it’s a mixed bag: a few promising shows are gone early, but Netflix’s slate still includes high-profile returns and new series that could define the next wave of animation.
In short: fans of Twilight of the Gods and the other canceled shows can still enjoy their complete first seasons, but the age of near-automatic renewals for high-profile creators seems to be over. Netflix will likely continue to experiment, but its strategy is increasingly data-driven — an outcome that will shape how animation gets made and continued in the years ahead.
Leave a Comment