30 Netflix Originals That Totally Bombed

Netflix has pumped out countless original movies and shows, aiming to capture audiences with fresh stories and big names. Not every swing is a hit, though, and some projects have flopped hard, failing to connect with viewers or critics despite high hopes.

From lackluster comedies to misguided dramas, I’ve rounded up 30 Netflix Originals that didn’t make the mark. These are the ones that fizzled out, whether due to poor execution, weak scripts, or just bad timing. Let’s dive into the misfires.

The Ridiculous 6 (2015)

This Adam Sandler-led Western comedy aimed for goofy laughs but landed as a painful slog. Sandler plays a man raised by Native Americans on a quest to find his father, joined by a band of misfit brothers.

The humor leans on crude gags and tired stereotypes, alienating viewers and critics alike. Despite a star-studded cast, including Taylor Lautner and Steve Buscemi, it failed to spark any cultural buzz and vanished quickly.

He’s All That (2021)

A gender-swapped remake of the teen classic ‘She’s All That’, this film follows a social media influencer betting she can transform a nerdy classmate into prom king. It hoped to ride nostalgia but fell flat.

The charm of the original got lost in a sea of clichés and forced modern vibes. Critics panned its lack of wit, and audiences barely noticed it, making it a forgettable addition to Netflix’s catalog.

The Starling (2021)

Melissa McCarthy stars as a grieving woman finding solace through an unlikely friendship with a bird and a quirky therapist, played by Kevin Kline. The premise aimed for heartfelt but stumbled.

The mix of comedy and drama felt jarring, and the story never found its emotional core. Despite McCarthy’s talent, the film was criticized for being shallow and quickly faded from memory.

Diana: The Musical (2021)

This filmed Broadway musical traces Princess Diana’s life, from her marriage to Prince Charles to her tragic end. It aimed to capture the magic of stage but crashed hard on screen.

Critics slammed its cheesy lyrics and uneven tone, while audiences found it more awkward than moving. It disappeared from conversations almost instantly, failing to become the camp classic Netflix hoped for.

Super Drags (2018)

This animated series follows three gay co-workers who moonlight as superhero drag queens. It pitched itself as a bold, fun take on superhero tropes but missed the mark.

The humor leaned heavily on stereotypes and shock value, lacking the depth to engage viewers. With only five episodes, it failed to build a fanbase and was quietly shelved.

The Mist (2017)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, this series follows a small town trapped by a mysterious, creature-filled mist. It aimed to expand the story into a gripping thriller but faltered.

Poor pacing and weak character development left it feeling like a generic horror show. It struggled to capture the novel’s tension, and low viewership led to its cancellation after one season.

Hoops (2020)

This adult animated comedy centers on a foul-mouthed high school basketball coach trying to turn around a losing team. It banked on crude humor to win laughs but flopped.

The reliance on shock gags over substance alienated viewers, and it failed to stand out in Netflix’s animation lineup. Critics called it forgettable, and it was axed after one season.

Devil in Ohio (2022)

This thriller follows a psychiatrist who takes in a teen girl who escaped a cult, only to unravel dark secrets. It had a creepy premise but fell apart in execution.

The story leaned on overused horror tropes and lacked real scares, disappointing fans of the genre. It fizzled out with audiences, earning a quick cancellation after its debut season.

God’s Favorite Idiot (2022)

Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone star in this comedy about an office worker chosen by God to stop the apocalypse. The quirky setup promised laughs but delivered little.

Weak writing and uneven humor failed to showcase the leads’ comedic talents. It struggled to find an audience, and Netflix pulled the plug after one lackluster season.

Pretty Smart (2021)

This sitcom follows a book-smart woman moving in with her quirky sister and her roommates. It aimed to revive classic 2000s sitcom vibes but felt outdated.

The predictable plots and flat characters didn’t resonate, and it lacked the spark to stand out. It quietly faded after one season, with little fanfare or push for renewal.

The Midnight Club (2022)

This horror series follows terminally ill teens in a hospice who share spooky stories and seek supernatural answers. Created by Mike Flanagan, it had high expectations but stumbled.

The pacing dragged, and the scares felt tame compared to Flanagan’s other hits. Despite a solid cast, it didn’t grip viewers, leading to its cancellation after one season.

Q-Force (2021)

This animated comedy about a team of queer superspies aimed for bold, inclusive humor. It promised fresh representation but tripped over its own execution.

The reliance on stereotypes and forced gags alienated its target audience. It failed to build a following, and Netflix quietly dropped it after a single season.

The Pentaverate (2022)

Mike Myers stars in this comedy about a secret society controlling world events, packed with his signature absurd humor. It aimed for quirky fun but fell flat.

The convoluted plot and over-the-top gags didn’t land, confusing viewers. Despite Myers’ star power, it was panned and quickly forgotten by audiences.

Space Force (2020-2022)

This workplace comedy, starring Steve Carell, follows a team tasked with building a new U.S. military branch for space. It aimed for sharp satire but missed the mark.

The humor felt forced, and the show struggled to find a consistent tone. Despite a strong cast, including John Malkovich, it was canceled after two seasons due to low viewership.

The Irregulars (2021)

Set in the Sherlock Holmes universe, this series follows a group of teens solving supernatural crimes in Victorian London. It aimed for gritty mystery but faltered.

The uneven mix of teen drama and dark fantasy didn’t gel, and it strayed too far from the Holmes charm. It was axed after one season, failing to capture a wide audience.

Jupiter’s Legacy (2021)

This superhero drama follows aging heroes passing the torch to their kids, based on a popular comic. It promised epic stakes but collapsed under its own weight.

Bloated storytelling and weak character arcs failed to hook viewers. High production costs and lukewarm reception led to its cancellation after a single season.

Cowboy Bebop (2021)

This live-action take on the beloved anime follows a group of bounty hunters in a futuristic world. It aimed to honor the original but disappointed fans.

The adaptation lacked the anime’s flair, with clunky dialogue and uneven pacing. Despite a talented cast, including John Cho, it was canceled after one season due to backlash.

Archive 81 (2022)

This horror series follows an archivist uncovering eerie secrets while restoring old tapes. It had a creepy setup but struggled to maintain momentum.

The slow-burn story and confusing twists lost viewers over time. Despite some critical praise, it didn’t pull enough viewers, leading to its cancellation after one season.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019-2020)

This prequel to the cult classic film used stunning puppetry to expand the fantasy world of Thra. It aimed for epic storytelling but faced hurdles.

High production costs and a niche audience limited its reach, despite critical acclaim. Netflix canceled it after one season, leaving fans disappointed with no resolution.

Away (2020)

This drama follows an astronaut, played by Hilary Swank, leading a mission to Mars while grappling with family issues on Earth. It aimed for emotional depth but fell short.

The soap opera-style drama overshadowed the sci-fi premise, alienating viewers. High costs and mixed reviews led to its cancellation after a single season.

The Society (2019-2020)

This teen drama follows a group of kids in a mysterious town where all adults have vanished. It built intrigue but couldn’t sustain its promise.

Production delays and budget issues, worsened by the pandemic, led to its cancellation after one season. Fans were left frustrated with unresolved cliffhangers.

I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

This coming-of-age drama follows a teen girl discovering her superpowers while navigating high school. It aimed for quirky charm but didn’t stick the landing.

The short season and abrupt ending left viewers wanting more, but not in a good way. It was canceled after one season, partly due to pandemic-related production woes.

Teenage Bounty Hunters (2020)

This comedy-drama follows twin sisters juggling high school and bounty hunting with their mentor. It had a fun premise but struggled to find an audience.

The humor and drama didn’t quite mesh, and it flew under the radar. Netflix axed it after one season, leaving fans of the quirky show disappointed.

Cursed (2020)

This fantasy series reimagines the Arthurian legend through a young sorceress, played by Katherine Langford. It aimed for epic adventure but stumbled.

Weak world-building and uneven pacing failed to hook viewers. Despite a promising cast, it was canceled after one season due to lackluster reception.

The Get Down (2016-2017)

This musical drama follows teens in the 1970s Bronx navigating the rise of hip-hop. Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant vision aimed high but crashed.

High production costs and a fragmented story didn’t draw enough viewers. It was canceled after one season, despite its bold style and talented cast.

Sense8 (2015-2018)

This sci-fi drama follows eight strangers linked by a psychic connection, created by the Wachowskis. It had a loyal fanbase but struggled with scale.

The sprawling story and massive budget made it unsustainable, despite its ambition. Netflix ended it after two seasons, with a finale special to wrap things up.

Marco Polo (2014-2016)

This historical epic follows the explorer’s adventures in Kublai Khan’s court. It aimed for grand storytelling but fell short of expectations.

The slow pace and high costs didn’t justify its modest viewership. Netflix pulled the plug after two seasons, unable to rival hits like ‘Game of Thrones’.

Bloodline (2015-2017)

This family drama follows dark secrets unraveling in the Florida Keys, with a strong cast including Kyle Chandler. It started strong but lost steam.

The story grew repetitive, and production costs outweighed its audience. Netflix ended it after three seasons, leaving some fans unsatisfied with the rushed finale.

Hemlock Grove (2013-2015)

This horror series follows supernatural mysteries in a small town, blending werewolves and vampires. It aimed for gritty thrills but faltered.

The convoluted plot and uneven tone confused viewers, despite a creepy vibe. It ran for three seasons but ended with little lasting impact.

Gypsy (2017)

This psychological thriller stars Naomi Watts as a therapist crossing ethical lines with her patients’ lives. It aimed for dark intrigue but missed the mark.

The slow pace and lack of compelling twists failed to hook audiences. Netflix canceled it after one season, with little outcry from viewers.

Which of these Netflix flops surprised you the most, or did I miss a dud worth mentioning? Drop your thoughts in the comments!