If The Hunting Wives made you a fan of intense, character-driven thrillers, there’s an important update you shouldn’t miss. Hightown, the gritty crime drama from the same creator, Rebecca Cutter, is officially leaving Netflix US in January 2026—and its stay on the platform has been shockingly short.
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Despite gaining renewed popularity and charting on Netflix’s Top 10 shortly after arrival, the series is now confirmed to exit the streaming service just six months after being added. For viewers who planned to watch it later, the clock is ticking.
In this article, we’ll break down when Hightown is leaving Netflix, why it’s happening, what the show is about, and how it connects to The Hunting Wives, while also explaining what this trend means for Netflix users going forward.
Hightown Leaving Netflix: Confirmed Removal Date
According to updated streaming schedules, all three seasons of Hightown (25 episodes total) will leave Netflix US on January 23, 2026.
- Netflix US removal date: January 23, 2026
- Total time on Netflix: Approximately 6 months
- Original platform: Starz
- Netflix arrival date: July 23, 2025
This means viewers have a limited window to finish—or even start—the series before it disappears from the platform.
Why Hightown Was Added to Netflix in the First Place
Hightown originally aired on Starz, where it ran for three seasons before concluding. In mid-2025, Netflix licensed the show as part of a broader strategy to bring popular third-party series to its catalog amid increasing competition in the streaming space.
When Hightown landed on Netflix in July, it quickly found a new audience. In fact:
- The show entered Netflix US Top 10
- It stayed on the chart for 8 consecutive days
- Interest surged due to its connection with The Hunting Wives
The success suggested strong rewatch and discovery value—making its short licensing period even more surprising.
Why Is Hightown Leaving Netflix So Soon?
Netflix has not officially explained why Hightown is being removed after such a brief run, but industry trends offer some insight.
Short-Term Licensing Is Becoming Common
In recent years, Netflix has increasingly relied on short-term licensing deals for non-original content. Instead of multi-year agreements, many shows are now licensed for:
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
This allows rights holders (like Starz) to retain long-term control while still benefiting from Netflix’s massive reach.
Similar Shows Are Also Leaving
Hightown is not alone. Several other licensed series, including Mr. Robot, which was also added in July 2025, are set to leave Netflix around the same time.
This suggests Netflix likely signed batch licensing agreements with identical expiration windows, rather than making individual renewal decisions.
What Is Hightown About? (Spoiler-Free Overview)
Set against the deceptively scenic backdrop of Cape Cod, Hightown is a dark, emotionally charged crime drama that explores addiction, crime, and personal redemption.
Story Summary
The series follows Jackie Quiñones, a National Marine Fisheries Service agent with a destructive lifestyle. Her world changes when she discovers a dead body on the beach, pulling her into a complex murder investigation tied to the opioid epidemic ravaging the region.
Rather than focusing on glamorous crime-solving, Hightown dives deep into:
- Substance abuse and recovery
- Moral ambiguity
- The emotional toll of law enforcement
- The “off-season” reality of tourist towns
The tone is raw, grounded, and unapologetically intense—very different from conventional crime procedurals.
Cast and Performances That Made Hightown Stand Out
One of the biggest strengths of Hightown is its cast, led by powerful performances:
- Monica Raymund as Jackie Quiñones
(Chicago Fire) - James Badge Dale as Detective Ray Abruzzo
- Amaury Nolasco (Prison Break) as Frankie Cuevas
- Riley Voelkel (The Originals) as Renee Segna
- Atkins Estimond as Osito, a fan-favorite enforcer
Critics consistently praised the show for its authentic acting and refusal to romanticize addiction or violence.
Connection to The Hunting Wives: Why Fans Are Paying Attention
The departure of Hightown is especially notable because of its creator, Rebecca Cutter.
Cutter is also the creator and showrunner of Netflix’s breakout 2025 hit, The Hunting Wives—a soapy, high-stakes thriller starring Malin Åkerman and Brittany Snow.
Key Differences Between the Two Shows
| Aspect | Hightown | The Hunting Wives |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Gritty, realistic | Glossy, dramatic |
| Platform | Licensed (Starz) | Netflix Original |
| Genre | Crime drama | Thriller |
| Status | Leaving Netflix | Renewed for Season 2 |
While The Hunting Wives is a true Netflix Original and safe from removal, Hightown was always a temporary license, making its exit inevitable.
For fans who discovered Cutter’s work through The Hunting Wives, Hightown offered a deeper look at her darker, more grounded storytelling style.
Where Will Hightown Be Available After Leaving Netflix?
While Netflix US will remove Hightown in January 2026, the series is expected to:
- Remain available on Starz
- Possibly rotate to other platforms through future licensing deals
However, availability may vary by region, and there’s no guarantee it will return to Netflix anytime soon.
What This Means for Netflix Viewers
The removal of Hightown highlights an important trend every streamer should be aware of:
Don’t Delay Licensed Shows
Unlike Netflix Originals, licensed titles can disappear quickly—sometimes with little advance notice.
If you see a show labeled:
- “Leaving Soon on Netflix”
- Or recently added from another network
…it’s best to watch it sooner rather than later.
Final Reminder: Watch Hightown Before January 23, 2026
If you enjoy:
- Dark crime dramas
- Character-focused storytelling
- Shows about addiction, morality, and consequence
…then Hightown is absolutely worth your time—but only if you watch it before January 23, 2026.
Once it leaves Netflix, fans of The Hunting Wives will lose easy access to Rebecca Cutter’s earlier, critically acclaimed work on the platform.
Are you planning to binge Hightown before it leaves Netflix?
Let us know your thoughts and whether you’d like to see more Starz shows added—or kept longer—on Netflix.
