Top 10 Cancelled TV Shows That Ended on Cliffhangers

#10: The Wheel of Time (2021-25)

At this point, its kind of a cliche to say the book is always better. But, trust us, the books are better. If only because they actually have an ending. Amazon Prime Video spared no expense bringing The Wheel of Time to life, and in a cruel twist of fate, that became its undoing. Low buzz and high costs arent a good combination, and the show petered out after three seasons. With nine books left to adapt, they didnt even try to resolve anything. And, now, well never know for sure how they wouldve adapted the other oathbreakers. On the bright side, if you want to know how it ends, the books are right there!

#9: iCarly (2021-23)

Across sixteen years, two series, and a combined nine seasons, theres always been one, burning question iCarly never quite answered: where the heck is Carly and Spencers mom? Shes never so much as mentioned in the original series, let alone seen. So, when she finally makes her grand, offscreen appearance in the reboots third season finale, you could say it was a long time coming. In fact, it will be a long time coming for a little bit more, because Paramount+ rudely cancelled the series on its biggest cliffhanger ever. You just have to laugh. Clearly, Carly and Spencers mother just isnt meant to be.

#8: Pushing Daisies (2007-09)

In appropriately kooky fashion, this show ends with a death, a resurrection, and an optimistic outlook for the future. Sadly, it would never come. Despite critical success, and even a few Emmy wins, Pushing Daisies was never a viewership juggernaut. Eventually, ratings were too low to justify a third season renewal, leaving the story frustratingly unresolved. Digbys alive! Theres more magical rules! Ned and Chuck are finally together again! As much as this feels like the ending of a chapter, it also blows the door wide-open for more supernatural crime-solving. And, maybe even a happily-ever-after. Alas, Ned can raise the dead, but not even he can resurrect these wilting daises.

#7: The L Word (2004-09)

Dont let the title fool you, mum is the only word when it comes to who killed Jenny. Thats right, the show ends without a killer in custody. Or, even one revealed. Its especially maddening since the entire season is a series of flashbacks and interrogations leading to a twist that never comes. The L Word has such a non-ending, it makes you wonder what the writers were thinking concluding a season like this. There is a silver-lining, though. The follow-up series, Generation Q, finally gave Jennys story the closure it deserved. At least, before it was cancelled and removed from Showtimes platform. Seriously, what gives?

#6: Moesha (1996-2001)

For being billed as a sitcom, this show doesnt just end on some crazy cliffhangers. It basically leaps off the cliff altogether. Myles is abducted by a rival gang. Moesha is torn between her boyfriend and her best friend. And then, if thats not all dramatic enough, a positive pregnancy test turns up, too! Theres so many questions brimming at the end of Moeshas sixth season, its downright criminal UPN didnt give it a proper sendoff. Wed even settle for a wrap-up movie at this point. Anything to figure out whos pregnancy test that was - and, sure, to see if Myles is okay, too.

#5: Santa Clarita Diet (2017-19)

Ironically, the human-to-undead ratio of the Hammond family went up just as the show was officially six-feet-deep. Creatively, though, it was more alive than ever. The opposite of decomposing, The Santa Clarita Diet got better with every episode, culminating in a finale bombshell that saw Sheila bite her husband, Joel, to keep him alive. Now with double the undead hijinks to contend with, The Santa Clarita Diet brilliantly teased a fourth season that would never materialize. While the Zom-Rom-Com was always a bit of an oddball in Netflixs catalogue, its fans still deserve resolution. Give us undead Timothy Olyphant, dang it!

#4: 1899 (2022)

No matter how astute your storytelling instincts are, theres no way to guess the bonkers ending of 1899s first season. Or, should we say only season. Netflix did what Netflix does best and shortchanged a potential megahit right as it was on the cusp of greatness. To put it bluntly, 1899s finale left fans questioning the very fabric of reality. But, even though it established a near-infinite list of directions season two could take, Netflix decided to leave the series unfinished. Theres no better word for it. Since season one is clearly constructed as an introduction, the lack of follow-through makes 1899 a hidden gem thats difficult to recommend.

#3: GLOW (2017-19)

As youd expect, The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling made for some truly gorgeous television. Netflix disagreed, though, and ended the Emmy-winner right as Ruth shook up the formula by leaving wrestling behind. The worst part of this ambitious ending? Netflix had already renewed GLOW for a fifth and final season! Thats right, GLOW was supposed to get a full, season-long goodbye. But, after several production delays due to the coronavirus, Netflix decided it wasnt worth the effort anymore. It makes GLOWs abrupt finale hurt even more. Not because the cliffhanger is particularly painful, but because it was so close to having the ending it deserved.

#2: My Name is Earl (2005-09)

Spoiler alert: Darnell is not Earl Jr.'s father! Across the nation, jaws dropped as everyone looked to Joy for an explanation. But, then, the screen went black, and the words to be continued appeared. Only, it never did. Thats right, My Name is Earl got cancelled after literally ending on a to be continued screen. Even for a comedy, you cant write a joke better than that. Unfortunately, for fans of the series, this unsatisfying conclusion was no laughing matter. Its sad to admit, but as the years go on, it seems more and more unlikely well ever find out who Earl Jr.s father really is.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Kaos (2024)

Not Even Jeff Goldblum Can Fend Off the Dreaded Netflix Curse

ALF (1986-90)

Hey, at Least We Got a Wrap-up Movie!

Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-97)

This Super-Baby Ended the Show on a Super-Cliffhanger

Hannibal (2013-15)

Quite Literally a Cliffhanger

#1: The OA (2016-19)

From the very beginning, this sci-fi thinkpiece was envisioned as a five-part saga. Creators Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij even had the entire arc mapped out and ready to go. But, then Netflix happened. After two well-received seasons, they pulled the plug, ensuring the planned five-season story ended as a disappointing duology. Its a hard blow no matter how you look at it, compounded by the fact that season two has almost zero closure. The last we see of our heroes, Prairie and the others are in an all-new reality grappling with the consequences of cross-dimensional travel. Its an ending that begs to be explored. Not that Netflix seemed to care.

Okay, you can only bring back one of these shows for a wrap-up season, which are you picking? Defend your choice in the comments below!