HBO Max Cancellations Hit Hard in 2025

HBO Max has been making bold moves, shaking up its lineup for the 2025-2026 season, and that means saying goodbye to some shows we’ve grown to love. The platform, soon to be rebranded back to its original name, has axed a handful of series, leaving us with mixed feelings.

From sharp comedies to gripping thrillers, these cancellations cover a wide range of stories that hooked viewers in different ways. Let’s take a closer look at the six shows that won’t be back, diving into what made them stand out and why their endings feel like such a loss.

The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021-2025)

This vibrant comedy-drama, created by Mindy Kaling, followed four freshmen roommates at Essex College as they tackled relationships, school, and personal growth. With a talented cast including Amrit Kaur, Pauline Chalamet, and Alyah Chanelle Scott, the show brought fresh energy and sharp humor to the coming-of-age genre.

Its cancellation after three seasons came as a shock, especially after strong viewership numbers. The departure of key cast member Reneé Rapp may have played a role, but we’re still rooting for a revival, with rumors swirling about a potential move to another platform.

Duster (2025)

‘Duster’ was a stylish crime drama set in the 1970s, centered on a getaway driver, played by Josh Holloway, working with an FBI agent, Rachel Hilson. Co-created by J.J. Abrams, it mixed high-octane action with a retro aesthetic, earning praise for its bold visuals and gripping plot.

Despite climbing into HBO Max’s Top 10, the show didn’t pull in enough viewers to secure a second season. Its abrupt end left us frustrated, especially with unresolved storylines that promised more thrills.

Bookie (2023-2025)

This high-energy comedy starred Sebastian Maniscalco as a sports bookie navigating a wild world of bets and chaos. With a strong supporting cast like Vanessa Ferlito and Omar Dorsey, ‘Bookie’ delivered quick wit and plenty of laughs over its two seasons.

HBO Max’s decision to cancel it came down to shifting priorities, despite the show’s solid fanbase. There’s still hope it could find a new home, as producers are reportedly exploring other networks.

The Righteous Gemstones (2019-2025)

Danny McBride’s outrageous comedy about a greedy televangelist family, led by John Goodman, gave us four seasons of wild antics and surprising heart. The show’s mix of satire and family drama made it a standout, poking fun at megachurch culture.

HBO confirmed the fourth season would be its last, with McBride noting the story felt complete. While we’re glad it got a proper ending, we’ll miss the Gemstones’ chaotic energy.

The Franchise (2024-2025)

This sharp satire, created by Sam Mendes and Jon Brown, took aim at the messy world of superhero movie production. Starring Himesh Patel and Aya Cash, ‘The Franchise’ offered biting humor and a peek behind the Hollywood curtain in its lone season.

Low viewership led to its cancellation, despite critical buzz and a talented team. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that another streamer might give this gem a second chance.

Somebody Somewhere (2022-2025)

‘Somebody Somewhere’ was a heartfelt gem, starring Bridget Everett as Sam, a woman rediscovering herself in her Kansas hometown. Its blend of quiet humor and emotional depth built a devoted following over three seasons.

HBO Max’s focus on bigger projects led to its cancellation, which stung for fans who loved its unique tone. The show’s authentic storytelling will be hard to replace.

Which HBO Max show cancellation hit you the hardest, or is there a series you’re hoping gets picked up elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments!