We’ve all been there. You find a show that just gets you, you invest your precious time and emotional energy into it, and then—BAM—some executive in a corner office decides your new favorite thing needs to die. Welcome to 2025, where the TV graveyard is already overflowing with shows that deserved better.
This year has been particularly brutal for television fans. From beloved reboots to promising newcomers, the cancellation hammer has been swinging hard and fast. Here are some of the shows that got the axe that we’ll genuinely miss.
S.W.A.T. (CBS)
What it was: Shemar Moore led this action-packed police procedural about an elite LAPD unit tackling the city’s most dangerous criminals.
Why we’ll miss it: After eight seasons, S.W.A.T. proved that broadcast television could still deliver intense action while grappling with what it means to be a cop in modern America. The show narrowly escaped cancellation twice before its final end, reflecting its strong fan base. Moore’s charismatic performance as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson anchored a series that balanced explosive action sequences with genuine character development.
The cruel irony: This show literally came back from the dead twice, revived after Season 6 and renewed after Season 7—only to finally stay dead after Season 8. Financial considerations, including high production costs and CBS’s focus on new programming, are reportedly the biggest reasons for the cancellation.
Frasier (Paramount+)
What it was: Kelsey Grammer returned as the pretentious psychiatrist, now back in Boston and reconnecting with his son.
Why we’ll miss it: Despite mixed reviews, this revival had its moments, and Grammer clearly still had affection for the character. The show was finding its rhythm in season 2, and there’s something to be said for comfort food television.
The cruel irony: The character of Frasier Crane had an incredible 40-year run across Cheers, the original Frasier, and this revival. That’s longer than most TV characters ever get.
A Glimmer of Hope: CBS Studios, the producer, is reportedly shopping the series to other platforms, such as Prime Video or Hulu, but as of July 2025, no new home has been confirmed.
The Wheel of Time (Amazon Prime Video)
What it was: Rosamund Pike starred in this epic fantasy series based on Robert Jordan’s massive book series about a magical world where certain people can channel powerful forces.
Why we’ll miss it: With Game of Thrones long gone, The Wheel of Time was filling a crucial fantasy void. Pike’s performance was consistently excellent, and the show was just hitting its stride after three seasons. The source material spans 14 books, so there was plenty of story left to tell.
The cruel irony: Amazon spent a fortune on this show, only to pull the plug right when it was finding its footing.
Night Court (NBC)
What it was: Melissa Rauch starred in this reboot of the beloved ’80s sitcom, playing the daughter of the original series’ Judge Harry Stone, now running her own night court.
Why we’ll miss it: The reboot successfully captured the spirit of the original while updating it for modern audiences. Rauch was perfectly cast, and the show delivered the kind of wholesome, feel-good comedy that’s increasingly rare on network television.
The cruel irony: NBC cancelled it after just three seasons, right when it was hitting its stride, much like the original show, which didn’t find its footing until season three.
Alert: Missing Persons Unit (Fox)
What it was: A procedural drama about a specialized police unit that investigates missing persons cases, bringing hope to families when traditional methods fail.
Why we’ll miss it: This show filled an essential niche in the procedural landscape, focusing on missing persons cases with both sensitivity and urgency. The series tackled emotionally charged stories while maintaining hope and humanity across three seasons.
The cruel irony: Fox cancelled a show that actually served a public service by raising awareness about missing persons cases. The cancellation was part of a broader move for the 2025-26 season by Fox, which also saw the end of other scripted series like The Cleaning Lady.
The Equalizer (CBS)
What it was: Queen Latifah starred as Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who uses her skills to help ordinary people when the system fails them.
Why we’ll miss it: This reboot of the classic ’80s series ran for five successful seasons, proving that procedurals with emotional resonance still have a place on network TV. Latifah brought a weighty performance and credible portrayal to the role, and the show tackled contemporary social issues while delivering solid action and drama.
The cruel irony: The cancellation news came right before the season 5 finale aired, so understandably, fans weren’t ready to say goodbye.
Lopez vs. Lopez (NBC)
What it was: Real-life father-daughter duo George Lopez and Mayan Lopez starred in this heartfelt family comedy about their complicated relationship.
Why we’ll miss it: This show had genuine heart and dealt with real family issues while still being funny. The authentic father-daughter dynamic between the real-life Lopezes gave the show an emotional core that most sitcoms lack.
The cruel irony: NBC canceled a show that actually had something to say about family, forgiveness, and second chances, exactly the kind of positive content television needs more of. The show’s untimely demise may have been partly due to a reported 18% ratings loss in the 18-49 demographic for Season 3, as well as NBC’s scheduling priorities.
Found (NBC)
What it was: Shanola Hampton starred as Gabi Mosely, a crisis management expert who helps find missing people while hiding a dark secret from her team.
Why we’ll miss it: This was one of the most unique procedurals on television, with a compelling premise and strong performances. Hampton delivered powerhouse acting, and the show’s exploration of trauma and justice felt fresh and relevant.
The cruel irony: Just as the show was building momentum and developing its complex storylines, NBC decided to make it go missing permanently after just two seasons.