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Netflix and goodbyes go hand in hand.
Unfortunately, the reality for two of Netflix’s recent scripted originals is that they have been cancelled. According to an exclusive report from Deadline, the streaming company has now decided not to move forward with additional seasons of Pulse and The Residence. After months of uncertainty and speculation, both series have officially been cancelled after just one season.
Why did Netflix cancel Pulse and The Residence?
While both shows launched to mixed critical reviews, they each developed a dedicated fan base that had hoped for more. In the end, however, it seems the support wasn’t quite enough to secure a second chapter for either series.
Meanwhile, Netflix continues to greenlight other new scripted projects. Among those recently renewed are Man On the Inside, featuring Emmy-winner Ted Danson, the Kate Hudson-led Running Point, and Ransom Canyon, starring Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel, each signalling the platform’s continued investment in high-profile talent and genre-diverse content.
The team behind Pulse was reportedly informed of the decision more than a month ago. Created by Zoe Robyn and starring Willa Fitzgerald and Colin Woodell, the show was pitched as a contemporary spin on the classic medical procedural. Despite its potential and a capable cast, the series wasn’t able to secure a renewal.
More recently, Netflix also made the call to end The Residence, a White House-set mystery drama produced by Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland and created by Paul William Davies. The cancellation came as a surprise to many, particularly given the show’s high-profile cast, which included Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Jason Lee, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Randall Park.
Beyond the acting talent, The Residence also attracted attention for its ambitious production design, which featured one of the most elaborate recreations of the White House ever built for television. The detailed craftsmanship behind the set became a point of pride for the show’s crew (as it should be), from set designers to builders, and added a striking level of authenticity to the series.
While both shows may have only lasted a single season, they leave behind a story and a small but passionate audience who embraced these stories. Their early exits serve as a reminder of how quickly the streaming landscape can shift, and how even promising series are never guaranteed more time to grow.