Netflix fans have been left devastated by the decision to axe Terminator anime series Terminator Zero despite plans laid out for four more seasons. Premiered in 2024, Terminator Zero is set in 1997 Tokyo where scientist Malcolm Lee is developing an AI system called Kokoro designed to compete with Skynet.
The day before Judgement Day, Malcolm and his three children find themselves hunted down by a robot assassin while a soldier coming from 2022 has been tasked to protect them.
Created by Mattson Tomlin, the series has now been axed after just one season, leaving fans disappointed.
Tomlin shared the news on Twitter/X, confirming the show had been “cancelled”.
“The critical and audience reception to it was tremendous, but at the end of the day, not nearly enough people watched it,” the creator wrote.
Netflix
“I would’ve loved to deliver on the Future War I had planned in seasons 2 and 3, but I’m also very happy with how it feels contained as is.”
Tomlin also explained he had finished all the scripts for season 2 and shared hopes to continue the show “in a different form”.
“Maybe someday I’ll do a big thread about the plans I had for the full five-season run. The series finale was special and it was part of my pitch to get the job,” he wrote.
“I’ve written all of the season two scripts and outlined pretty much all of season three.”
Netflix
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“I really do love it, and it was extremely gratifying to see so many people connect with it the way they did.”
Fans were quick to throw their supported behind the series after Netflix pulled the plug on it.
“It was a great show and I thought it brought back the vibes of T1 and T2. Shame to see it not get another season,” one person wrote, while another branded the cancellation “deeply disappointing”.
“It was a phenomenal season and easily one of the best addition to the Terminator franchise in a long, long time,” they noted.
“Very bummed to learn that Terminator Zero on Netflix was cancelled. Premiering in August 2024, it was a great story and perhaps a glimpse into the actual future,” someone else wrote.
“Shame. It was the best media this franchise has produced in 20 years,” was another comment.
“I’m so sad! Terminator fans really got a raw deal. Again,” a fan added, hoping for the show to be picked up elsewhere. “If only Amazon or someone would take over and let you finish your vision. I loved the show.”
Terminator Zero is streaming on Netflix.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.Â
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).Â