Why Are People Cancelling Netflix? What Has Gotten the Streaming Population Upset?

Published 02/04/2026, 11:02 AM EST

Despite holding a revered and accoladed roster, Netflix is not safe from slipping up from time to time. Even amidst constant additions, originals, and an ever-growing population of subscribers, a segment of viewers had not only left Netflix but blacklisted it from their choice of streamers.

As it turns out, Netflix might not be everyone’s cup of tea, enough for them to crush it into cancellation. 

The truth behind Netflix’s cancel battle

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 Around October 2025, a trend where multitudes of subscribers started cancelling their plans erupted around Netflix. Continuing into 2026, the parent patrons' issues have revolved around the streamer’s content for children, combining the agenda of transgenderism in its messaging. The first example was the backlash against Hamish Steele, creator of the children’s cartoon on Netflix: Dead End: Paranormal Park. 

Steele’s show, which includes a young, transgender character, did not sit well with parents. Elon Musk furthered a surge, directly calling for parents to cancel their Netflix plans for their children’s betterment. 

Responding to Musk’s call, hundreds of users flooded X with screenshots of their cancelled Netflix plans, some even stating the reason to be the streamer’s assumed ideology. On February 4, 2026, upon being questioned by Senator Josh Hawley about whether Netflix holds any hidden agendas behind content of this nature to be created, Netflix’s CEO replied with a denial of any such intention. 

All the Shows Netflix Canceled in 2025

On the other hand, Netflix lets no blockade come in its way of streaming content, even for animation enthusiasts.

Netflix’s animated features for 2026

The first to grace the list should definitely be the modern-day Art déco mastermind, Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn. With a date yet to be set, the film is turning out to be one of the most anticipated animated features coming to Netflix. Netflix and Paper Kite Productions’ feature Steps is another number, yet to be dated.  

Nathan Greno will also be helming Netflix’s collaboration with Skydance Animation, titled Swapped

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

As any business would go about, Netflix faces a constant battle of extremes between a slew of new releases and cancellations. While parents might be concerned about the effects of media on impressionable minds, there still exists a large part that looks forward to Netflix’s turnouts. 

Upcoming Netflix Series 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Shows New and Returning This Year in Order

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think of Netflix being cancelled? Let us know in the comments below!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Adiba Nizami

1004 articles

Adiba Nizami is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. Covering the Hollywood beat with a voice both sharp and stylish, she blends factual precision with a flair for wit. Her pieces often dissect celebrity narratives—both on-screen and off—through parasocial nuance and cultural relevance.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK