Netflix Pulls the Plug: “The Residence” and “Pulse” Canceled After One Season
Netflix has once again swung the cancellation axe—and this time, two freshman series didn’t survive. The streamer confirmed that both “The Residence”, the high-profile White House murder mystery from Shondaland, and “Pulse”, its buzzy Australian medical thriller, have been canceled after just one season each.
The news, which broke earlier this week, has sparked disappointment among fans and fresh debate over Netflix’s increasingly ruthless programming strategy.
“The Residence,” created by Paul William Davies (Scandal, For the People) and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, debuted earlier this year with solid buzz. Loosely inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, the show blended political intrigue and murder mystery, set against the backdrop of the White House staff’s daily life. Despite its promising premise and star-studded cast—including Uzo Aduba and Andre Braugher—the series struggled to build strong viewership numbers beyond its premiere weekend.
Meanwhile, “Pulse” came from Australia and centered around a young doctor navigating the pressures of modern medicine while battling a chronic illness. Critics praised the series for its authentic portrayal of healthcare workers and for bringing a fresh, international voice to the Netflix lineup. Still, like many international titles, it appears it couldn’t break through the crowded streaming landscape to become a must-watch hit.
Netflix didn’t elaborate on the cancellations, but insiders suggest both shows faced “performance-related” decisions: meaning, simply, that their viewership numbers and engagement didn’t justify further investment. In the era of binge culture and fierce competition, even well-reviewed series can disappear if they don’t hook large audiences quickly.
The streamer’s decision is part of a familiar pattern. Over the past few years, Netflix has canceled several shows after just one season, drawing criticism from fans who feel left hanging with unfinished stories. From 1899 and The Midnight Club to First Kill and Cowboy Bebop, the platform has often prioritized new content over giving existing series room to find their footing.
For creators and fans alike, the cancellation of “The Residence” and “Pulse” is a sobering reminder of how volatile the streaming landscape remains. Shows now have little time to prove themselves, and even big names behind the scenes—like Shonda Rhimes—aren’t guaranteed long-term runs.
As for what’s next, Netflix continues to invest heavily in upcoming series and high-budget limited dramas, but for those who became attached to “The Residence” or “Pulse,” it’s another abrupt farewell in the ever-churning world of streaming TV.
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