During the 2017-18 season, several high-profile television series were unexpectedly cancelled mid-run or after just a few episodes, leaving viewers and industry watchers surprised. These new cancelled TV shows 2017-18 illustrate how quickly schedules can shift due to ratings, production issues, and network strategy.
The following overview highlights notable cancellations across broadcast and cable, focusing on the most talked-about examples and key details readers need to understand the patterns behind these decisions.
| Show | Network | Premiere | Cancellation Date | Episodes Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The OA | Netflix | December 2016 | June 2019 (after 2017 renewal, then cancelled) | 16 |
| The Gifted | Fox | October 2017 | January 2019 | 26 |
| Designated Survivor | ABC | September 2016 | May 2018 (renewed to Netflix) | 26 |
| The Mick | Fox | January 2017 | April 2018 | 34 |
| Training Day | CBS | February 2017 | October 2017 | 13 | rokes
Ratings and Scheduling Pressures in 2017-18
Many new cancelled TV shows 2017-8 were affected by intense competition in the 2017-18 season, where scheduling missteps led to quick pullbacks. Networks ordered shows on the strength of pilot buzz, only to discover that live+7 ratings did not justify the expense when the competitive landscape shifted.
For example, CBS dramas like Training Day struggled to retain viewers after high-profile football games, while broadcast midseason replacements such as The Mick faced erratic time slots that fractured audience builds.
Creative Direction and Cast Changes
How Creative Shifts Prompted Early Cancellations
Creative overhaul was a common thread among new cancelled tv shows 2017-18, especially when original showrunners exited or networks sought fresher angles. The OA returned for a second season with renewed creative input, only to be cancelled again later, reflecting mixed reception and unclear long-term vision.
Similarly, The Gifted navigated cast and storyline pivots in its lone season, attempting to balance mutant mythology with accessibility, but could not secure a stable audience path that satisfied both viewers and Fox executives.
Streaming, Cancellation, and Platform Strategy
Designated Survivor and the Move to Subscription Models
Designated Survivor illustrated how cancellations could pivot toward streaming when ABC chose not to retain the show for a fourth linear season. The move to Netflix gave the series renewed life but also marked a departure from traditional broadcast metrics for success.
For industry watchers, this shift highlighted how new cancelled TV shows 2017-18 increasingly reflected broader platform strategy rather than purely episodic performance.
Key Takeaways for Viewers and Industry Watchers
- Ratings volatility in the 2017-18 season led to abrupt cancellations.
- Streaming platforms absorbed some cancelled shows, reshaping long-term availability.
- Creative instability and cast turnover often preceded cancellation announcements.
- Network scheduling decisions played a decisive role in whether a series survived.
- Understanding platform strategy helps explain why some series ended while others evolved.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why were so many new shows cancelled after just one season in 2017-18?
A combination of live ratings pressure, higher production costs, and competitive scheduling led networks to cancel series quickly when they could not demonstrate audience growth or clear franchise potential.
Did streaming platforms rescue any shows that were cancelled in 2017-18?
Yes, Designated Survivor moved to Netflix after its ABC cancellation, proving that streaming platforms acted as a secondary safety valve for otherwise terminated series.
Were any critically praised shows among the new cancelled tv shows 2017-18?
While critical reception varied, most high-profile cancellations were driven more by commercial and strategic factors than outright negative reviews.
How did the 2017-18 schedule affect midseason replacements like The Mick?
Late launches and preemption by sports programming prevented The Mick from building a consistent audience, accelerating its cancellation despite solid comedy elements.