Canceled 2026 TV Shows Ranked by Likelihood of Being Saved
When it comes to TV, it can be a fickle format, as some fan favorites don’t make it for the long haul, but cancellation isn’t always the final word for some shows.
Recent examples include comedies like Scrubs and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or even dramas like Law & Order, which made a TV comeback in 2021 after 11 years off the air. But do any of the 2026 shows that have faced cancellation so far this year have the potential for such luck? We’re breaking down and ranking the titles most likely to be saved after being axed at their respective networks.
Among the lineup are shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Hunting Party, in addition to Gen V and Watson. See how those shows and more stack up in our ranking, and let us know which show you’d like to see saved in the comments section below.
7. DMV (CBS)
CBS‘s workplace comedy about the East Hollywood branch of the DMV was charming and comprised of a strong ensemble that included Tim Meadows, Harriet Dyer, Tony Cavalero, and Molly Kearney, among others, but it wasn’t enough to score a second season at CBS. Unfortunately, due to the lack of viewer interest, we wouldn’t hold our breath for DMV‘s return, despite having enjoyed the short-lived comedy.
6. Spartacus: House of Ashur (Starz)
A follow-up to Starz‘s previous series Spartacus, this show brought some fan-favorite characters back to the screen for Steven S. DeKnight‘s sequel. Airing about 13 years after the original show wrapped, interest wasn’t strong enough for Starz to greenlight another season, but who is to say there wouldn’t be room for the characters from this drama in another sequel series in the future? So, while the chances are minimal, we can’t entirely count it out.
5. Watson (CBS)
Morris Chestnut‘s CBS drama ran for two seasons before it was unceremoniously canceled. And while there have been rumblings about what would happen in a third season, if it isn’t going to be picked up by another network, the likelihood of Watson returning is slim, especially with a star as big as Chestnut attached.
4. Gen V (Prime Video)
If you’re still reeling from The Boys‘ spinoff, Gen V, being canceled at Prime Video, then you’re not alone. After introducing us to a whole new set of young Supes at Godolkin University, the second season delivered a compelling foundation for a third chapter, but Prime Video didn’t feel there was enough hype surrounding the offshoot to keep it alive. But when it comes to The Boys universe, it seems like there’s always an opportunity for Gen V‘s fan-favorite characters to return.
3. The Hunting Party (NBC)
The Hunting Party was canceled after two seasons at NBC, but the series could find a new home elsewhere, as it was last reported that the title was being actively shopped around elsewhere. Considering star Melissa Roxburgh‘s past experience with the show Manifest, which moved to Netflix after being canceled at NBC, the possibility isn’t off the table.
2. Law & Order: Organized Crime (NBC)
Considering Law & Order came back to TV after eleven years, there’s certainly hope for its offshoot, Organized Crime, which centered around Christopher Meloni‘s Stabler. Considering the character’s popularity, whether fans see this series return or not, it doesn’t feel as though the door is closed on Organized Crime‘s plots for good.
1. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
The Late Show‘s cancellation came as a shock to fans who tuned into Stephen Colbert‘s program each night, but before the host wrapped his run, the series was a late-night staple for decades. While Colbert’s era with the series may be over, it’s easy to imagine sometime in the near future where CBS revives the classic format with a new host, and if not, we’d easily see Colbert picking up the format elsewhere under a different name. Only time will tell, but it’s still difficult to accept that The Late Show is gone forever.
Conversation26 Comments
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C
Bring back the hunting party and watson
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L
Some other station beside CBS should grab Stephen Colbert before its to late. He's a great human being. Even if you didn't like his humor, ne is a great interviewer.
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R
Please bring back Watson and The Hunting Party
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M
The Hunting Party is an awesome show with great actors & actresses. Please continue on another network!
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T
I posted the petition in a comment below. Please share it.
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R
Keep Hunting party on
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H
bring back Hunting Party for sure.
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P
Watson is the show I will miss the most.
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N
Don't watch much network tv anymore but I did watch DMV and Hunting Party and will miss them.
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S
Stephen Colbert In any format!!!!!
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T
One of The Hunting Party's main cast members re-shared the petition below a few days ago. We need to sign it and get family, friends, and co-workers to also sign and share it, contact Netflix on social media and in various ways, and watch season 1 on repeat, to get it back in Netflix's top 10 and put pressure on them to pick up the show.
https://www.change.org/p/renew-the-hunting-party-for-a-third-season
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C
I wish they’d given DMV more time for people to catch on. It was a good show 😔
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M
I think it was the worst show on tv
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P
I would love to see Steven Colbert on another Network he is a great person and Didn’t deserve what had happened to him. Hopefully we will get to see him Soon.
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L
Stephen Colbert is the only show that I will miss. I watched some of the others but I won't miss them.
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B
Bring back Stumble! So funny and not even on your list!!
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B
Really miss Stephen Colbert. Also enjoyed Watson mist if the time.
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J
The late show was Stephen Colbert was an awesome show. I’d love to Steve see Stephen Colbert come back on the air.
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P
Hunting Party, L&O Organized Crime and Watson need to be saved.
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N
Of course Law and Order Organized Crime didn't do well . . . Stupid NBC sent it to Peacock!! I really was into the show but I don't have Peacock. If NBC puts it back . . . on NBC . . it will probably do well!
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T
I would love to see Stephen Colbert come back I watched him every night I thought he was funny 🤣 😆.
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C
I think all the shows hopefully do come back or be placed on another network. All the the shows we're good to me. I had seen nothing wrong with them especially Law & order organized crime.
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V
Please bring back Watson, Hunting Party and Stephen Colbert. If another late show person is brought on PLEASE make it someone as good as Stephen with the interviewing and jokes.
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G
Bring back Watson! So much has been left untold. Character development was superior and we now are invested in each outcome. PLEASE!!!
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L
Organized Crime would be third on my list. Watson would be second. Most missed is Late Show. But if CBS tries to bring it back without Colbert as host, I'll stick with Kimmel Live just on principle. And hope to see Colbert elsewhere (especially right after local nightly news) on broadcast or cable.
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M
DMV was unwatchable. I watched 2 episodes and was cringing at how stupid the humor was. And I don’t think Morris Chestnut is charismatic enough to carry a show. That’s just me. No need to jump on me about how great you think he is.
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