Netflix has continued to strengthen its global footprint in animation over the last several years, delivering everything from critically acclaimed adult animation to high-budget fantasy sagas. But even with major hits on the platform, not every animated series gets renewed.
In a recent update, three of Netflix’s notable adult animated titles—Exploding Kittens, Twilight of the Gods, and Good Times—have officially been ruled out for a second season.
While the news may not shock long-time Netflix followers (given that none of these shows received updates for over a year), fans often hope for last-minute renewals. To set the record straight, here’s a complete, detailed breakdown of why Netflix has decided not to move forward with Season 2 for these shows—and what viewers can expect next from the streamer’s massive animated lineup.
Why Netflix Cancels Shows After One Season
Before diving into each title, it’s important to understand Netflix’s renewal strategy. Historically, if a series doesn’t receive a renewal announcement within 12 months of release, chances of continuation drop drastically.
Netflix analyzes metrics such as:
- Completion rate (how many viewers finish a season)
- Global watch hours
- Cost vs. performance
- Top 10 chart presence
- Social buzz & long-term potential
If a show underperforms in these areas—even if critics or fans enjoy it—a second season becomes unlikely.
1. Exploding Kittens: No Season 2 Despite Early Development Work
A Wild Battle of Gods, Devils, and… Cats
Released in July 2024, Exploding Kittens was adapted from the popular card game known for its chaotic humor and massive cult following. The animated series followed a quirky storyline where God and the Devil are sent to Earth as cats, bringing cosmic-level drama into a suburban family’s life.
The voice cast included big names:
- Tom Ellis
- Lucy Liu
- Ally Maki
- Abraham Lim
- Mark Proksch
- Sasheer Zamata
The show launched with nine episodes packed with absurd comedy, neighborhood drama, cosmic rivalries, and plenty of feline mischief.
Why Netflix Cancelled Exploding Kittens
Although early development for Season 2 had begun, Netflix ultimately chose not to proceed. The factors likely include:
- The show didn’t break into the weekly global Top 10.
- Viewership remained stable but not strong enough to justify investment.
- Mixed audience engagement, as casual fans of the card game didn’t fully translate into dedicated viewers.
However, the brand isn’t entirely gone from Netflix.
The Exploding Kittens mobile game continues to be available on Netflix Games, remaining one of the most-played titles in the catalog.
2. Twilight of the Gods: Zack Snyder’s Animated Epic Ends Early
One of Netflix’s Biggest Animation Gambles
Touted as one of Netflix’s flagship animation projects of 2024, Twilight of the Gods came from visionary creators Zack Snyder, Jay Olivia, and Eric Carrasco. Produced jointly by Stone Quarry Animation and Xilam Animation, it attempted to deliver a gritty Norse mythological saga on a cinematic scale.
The story follows a mortal king and a shield-maiden whose revenge-driven quest draws them into conflict with Norse gods, triggering prophecies, betrayals, and battles that threaten the Nine Realms.
The cast featured:
- Sylvia Hoeks
- Stuart Martin
- Rahul Kohli
- Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
- Paterson Joseph
- Peter Stormare
Season 1 arrived on September 19, 2024, with impressive visuals and ambitious world-building.
Why Netflix Cancelled Twilight of the Gods
Despite high expectations, the series didn’t perform as Netflix hoped:
- It failed to chart in Netflix’s global weekly Top 10.
- It spent several weeks in daily Top 10 lists across 60+ countries but still didn’t meet renewal benchmarks.
- Zack Snyder’s previous Netflix projects (Army of the Dead, Rebel Moon) also faced mixed reception and declining performance.
- Snyder has reportedly stepped away from new Netflix projects, making further development more complicated.
Jay Oliva confirmed in an interview that plans for Season 2 existed, but Netflix decided to discontinue the series due to lack of strong long-term performance.
This marks another ambitious Snyder project put on hold at Netflix, alongside the uncertainties surrounding future installments of Rebel Moon and other proposed titles.
3. Good Times: The Most Predictable Cancellation of the Three
A Risky Reboot Attempt
Good Times was perhaps the most controversial of Netflix’s adult animated releases. Based on the iconic sitcom of the same name, the show attempted to modernize the franchise through animation.
The voice cast included:
- J.B. Smoove
- Marsai Martin
- Yvette Nicole Brown
- Jay Pharoah
The reboot, however, sparked debate. Some viewers felt it misunderstood the tone of the original show, while others criticized it for perpetuating stereotypes or offering humor that didn’t resonate with today’s audience.
Why Netflix Cancelled Good Times
The cancellation wasn’t unexpected, and the numbers explain why:
- It only spent a few days in the U.S. Top 10.
- Between early 2024 and mid-2025, it accumulated 5.4 million views—far below Netflix’s renewal threshold.
- Social media reactions and critical reviews were mixed to negative.
Ultimately, the show didn’t meet Netflix’s expectations creatively or commercially.
Netflix’s Animation Slate Continues to Grow Stronger
Even though these three series won’t see a second season, Netflix isn’t slowing down its animation output. In fact, the platform has multiple high-profile animated shows lined up for 2025 and beyond.
Upcoming Netflix Animated Projects Include:
- Alley Cats (from Ricky Gervais)
- Living The Dream (from the creator of Apple & Onion)
- Strip Law (February release)
- The One Piece (animated version)
- Magic: The Gathering
- Midnight Sun
- Stranger Things: Tales from ’85
- Mating Season
- Clash of Clans
- Ghostbusters
- Motel Transylvania
- Minecraft
- And several unannounced projects.
Renewed Animated Series Coming Soon
Netflix has also renewed fan-favorite titles:
- Tomb Raider – New season in December
- Devil May Cry – Returning in 2026
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners – New season in development
- Long Story Short
- Haunted Hotel
- Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
- Blue Eye Samurai – New season confirmed
Netflix’s investment in animation remains massive, even if every project doesn’t succeed.
Final Thoughts: Are Fans Disappointed?
Fans of Exploding Kittens and Twilight of the Gods may definitely feel the loss, especially because both shows had unique worlds with room for expansion. Meanwhile, the cancellation of Good Times seemed inevitable, considering its reception.
Netflix did not comment on these cancellations officially, but the platform continues adjusting its strategy to focus on shows with strong global appeal, high viewership, and long-term franchise potential.
If you’re a fan of these shows, share your thoughts on whether they deserved another season.
