Netflix has canceled the anime series Terminator Zero after just one season, with low viewership numbers cited as the primary reason.

Creator Mattson Tomlin Addresses Cancellation

Series creator Mattson Tomlin, known for Project Power and Little Fish, announced the news directly to fans on X (formerly Twitter). He highlighted the strong critical and audience reception but noted that insufficient viewers sealed the show’s fate.

“The critical and audience reception to it was tremendous,” Tomlin stated. “But at the end of the day, not nearly enough people watched it.”

Tomlin expressed disappointment over unproduced plans for seasons two and three, which included a major “Future War” storyline. “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,” he added.

He revealed having written all scripts for season two and outlined much of season three, teasing a potential “big thread” on his vision for a full five-season arc. The series finale, part of his original pitch, held special significance. Tomlin hinted at possibly revisiting the world in another format, emphasizing his love for the project and fans’ deep connections to it.

Fan Support and Franchise Challenges

Following widespread fan support on social media, Tomlin thanked supporters and reflected on the difficulties of innovating within the established Terminator universe. “It was a challenge to go into a franchise with that much baggage and emerge with something new,” he said, adding that he succeeded for many viewers.

Plot Summary

Set in the iconic Terminator universe, Terminator Zero follows a soldier dispatched from the future to 1997. Her mission: protect scientist Malcolm Lee, who develops an AI system to counter Skynet’s nuclear threat. As Lee grapples with ethical dilemmas, a relentless future assassin pursues him, dramatically impacting the destinies of his three children.

Terminator Franchise Background

The franchise originated with James Cameron’s 1984 film The Terminator, introducing Skynet’s apocalyptic AI. Its blockbuster sequel, 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day, also directed by Cameron, revolutionized effects with the T-1000’s liquid metal design and remains a sequel benchmark.

Subsequent entries include Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), Terminator Salvation (2009), Terminator Genisys (2015), and Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), which explored alternate timelines with varying critical success.