Netflix cancels two shows after just one season, and one has a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating

In a season where Netflix has unveiled big new shows and returning favorites, Building The Band has become the latest casualty, cancelled after just one season despite earning a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The reality show featured Liam Payne, the late One Direction star, in his final major TV appearance, and had the support of Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland, and AJ McLean.

Liam Payne's appearance on the show was emotional for fans, given his tragic death in Argentina in October 2024, at the age of 31. His final major TV appearance was a poignant reminder of his talent and the impact he had on the music industry. The show's premiere in July 2025 marked a significant moment for the contestants, with four bands emerging from the competition: 3quency, SZN4, Soulidified, and Midnight Til Morning. All four bands have since signed record deals, released music, and toured, with Midnight Til Morning even performing at BST Hyde Park, supporting K-Pop stars ATEEZ.

Despite its critical acclaim, Building The Band has been cancelled, with a source telling The Sun that there were no plans for a second series. While Netflix has not officially confirmed the cancellation, a statement from the network suggests that they are proud of what they achieved with the show. The reality of the situation is that Building The Band may have been a ratings success, but it was not enough to secure a second season.

The cancellation of Building The Band raises questions about the nature of reality TV and the metrics used to measure its success. While ratings and critical acclaim are often seen as indicators of a show's quality, they do not always translate to a second season. The reality is that reality TV is a competitive landscape, with many shows vying for viewers' attention. In this environment, even the most successful shows can be cancelled if they do not meet certain criteria.

As a writer, I am always fascinated by the complex dynamics of reality TV. The cancellation of Building The Band is a reminder that even the most well-received shows can be vulnerable to the whims of network executives. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds and what implications it has for the future of reality TV on Netflix.

As I finished writing this article, I couldn't help but think about the fleeting nature of reality TV success. With the constant churn of new shows and formats, it's not uncommon for even the most critically acclaimed series to be cancelled after a single season. The cancellation of Building The Band serves as a reminder that, reality TV, ratings and critical acclaim are not always enough to guarantee a second season. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds and what implications it has for the future of reality TV on Netflix.