Netflix Cancels Popular Show After One Season
Mattson Tomlin, the creative mind behind Terminator Zero, has officially shared the disappointing news that Netflix will not be moving forward with a second season of the animated series.
Despite the project receiving high marks from both critics and fans, the showrunner took to social media on Friday, February 13, to clarify that the numbers simply didn’t add up for the streaming giant. He explained that while the feedback was tremendous, the ultimate reality was that not nearly enough people watched it to justify the high costs and lengthy production time.
The series, which debuted in August 2024, sought to expand the iconic franchise by blending its signature sci-fi themes with high-quality anime aesthetics. Tomlin noted that Netflix was a supportive partner throughout the process, granting him significant creative freedom to tell a story that felt personal and unique.
However, he acknowledged the business side of the industry, stating that the only way to justify such an expensive venture was if the audience showed up for it, and unfortunately, they just didn’t.
It was cancelled. The critical and audience reception to it was tremendous, but at the end of the day not nearly enough people watched it. I would’ve loved to deliver on the Future War I had planned in season’s 2 and 3, but I’m also very happy with how it feels contained as is. https://t.co/Dh7G6gkBF7 pic.twitter.com/dqCSXHIytg
— mattson tomlin (@mattsontomlin) February 13, 2026
While Tomlin had originally envisioned a sprawling narrative that would have spanned five seasons, including a deep dive into the “Future War” in seasons two and three, he expressed a sense of peace with where the story ended.
He told fans that he is very happy with how it feels contained as is, though he did mention that Netflix had offered a few additional episodes to wrap things up after the cancellation. He ultimately declined the offer, preferring to let the first season’s finale stand as a complete, singular vision.
The cancellation comes despite a strong critical pedigree, with the show maintaining an impressive 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The voice cast was equally stellar, featuring the likes of Timothy Olyphant as the relentless Terminator, alongside André Holland, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rosario Dawson.
For many fans, the silence following the show’s premiere was an ominous sign, but Tomlin’s recent confirmation finally provides the clarity that the community had been seeking. As Terminator Zero fades into the digital archive, the creative team and cast have already transitioned to major new milestones.
Mattson Tomlin is currently one of the busiest writers in Hollywood, co-writing the highly anticipated The Batman Part II with director Matt Reeves. The sequel is set to begin filming this April in the UK, with Tomlin recently teasing that they have worked exceptionally hard to deliver a story that feels new and dangerous for Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader.
Timothy Olyphant is also maintaining a packed schedule, moving from one massive franchise to another. He is set to star in the upcoming FX series Alien: Earth, where he plays a synthetic named Kirsh, and he will appear in the action-comedy thriller Over Your Dead Body alongside Jason Segel and Samara Weaving, which premieres at SXSW in March.
Meanwhile, Sonoya Mizuno is reprising her role as Mysaria in the third season of House of the Dragon, and Rosario Dawson has joined the cast of the soccer drama Baton, executive produced by David Beckham. Even with the end of this animated chapter, the Terminator universe continues to evolve in other directions.
James Cameron has recently hinted at working on a new live-action script for the franchise, though he has clarified that the story will move away from the original cast. For Tomlin, while he’d love to return to the world of Skynet one day, his focus remains on the streets of Gotham and the high-stakes blockbusters that continue to define his rising career.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments.