The State of US Television in 2025

The American television landscape continues to shift at pace. Streaming platforms are doubling down on flagship originals while trimming midrange content. Broadcast networks are navigating declining linear ratings by doubling up on procedurals and unscripted programming. Here's a round-up of the most significant renewal and cancellation decisions announced so far in 2025.

Notable Renewals

Broadcast Networks

  • Grey's Anatomy (ABC) – America's longest-running medical drama was renewed for its 22nd season, confirming it will continue its remarkable run on Thursday nights.
  • The Voice (NBC) – NBC's flagship singing competition was renewed through at least Season 27, reflecting its consistent ability to win its time slot.
  • NCIS: Origins (CBS) – The NCIS prequel spinoff earned a second season after strong debut numbers, showing the franchise still has room to grow.
  • Abbott Elementary (ABC) – The critically beloved mockumentary sitcom was renewed for Season 5, remaining one of broadcast TV's strongest comedy properties.

Streaming Originals

  • The Last of Us (HBO/Max) – Already confirmed for a third season following the acclaimed second season, cementing its status as HBO's prestige flagship.
  • Squid Game (Netflix) – Season 3 was greenlit ahead of the Season 2 premiere, reflecting Netflix's confidence in the global phenomenon.
  • Severance (Apple TV+) – The cerebral workplace thriller earned a Season 3 renewal on the back of strong Season 2 viewership and awards buzz.

Notable Cancellations

Broadcast

  • The Equalizer (CBS) – After four seasons, CBS cancelled the Queen Latifah-led action drama in early 2025 as part of a broader scheduling overhaul.
  • So Help Me Todd (CBS) – The legal comedy-drama was not renewed for a third season despite a dedicated fanbase.

Streaming

  • Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Apple TV+) – Apple's entry into the MonsterVerse was cancelled after one season, a rare stumble for a franchise-backed production.
  • Three Body Problem (Netflix) – Netflix's ambitious adaptation of Liu Cixin's novel trilogy was cancelled after one season, despite significant production investment, citing viewership performance.

What the Trends Tell Us

Several patterns are emerging from 2025's renewal and cancellation cycle:

  1. Franchise protection – Networks and streamers are protecting proven IP and procedural franchises (NCIS, Law & Order, Grey's Anatomy) above all else.
  2. Streaming patience is shorter – Platforms that once gave shows multiple seasons to find their audience are moving more aggressively to cancel underperformers after one or two seasons.
  3. Comedy is having a moment – Abbott Elementary's renewal is part of a broader trend of broadcast networks doubling back to multi-camera and mockumentary comedies after years of drama dominance.
  4. Prestige drama still wins – HBO/Max continues to be the gold standard for critical and commercial success in longform drama.

What to Watch This Year

With so many shows in flux, the safest bets for reliable quality in 2025 remain: The Last of Us, Severance, Abbott Elementary, and the returning White Lotus (HBO), which is generating significant early buzz for its third season set in Thailand.