January 2026 has kicked off with a mix of excitement and heartbreak for TV fans, as networks and streaming platforms announce which shows will live on and which will fade into rerun history. But here's where it gets emotional: while some beloved series are getting the green light for more seasons, others are being unceremoniously canceled, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
CBS decided to end the month on a high note by renewing a slew of fan-favorite shows, including Matlock, Elsbeth, and the ever-popular NCIS franchise. Yes, NCIS is still going strong, with the original series heading into its 24th season—a testament to its enduring appeal. And let’s not forget The Amazing Race, which will return for its 39th season, and Survivor, renewed for Season 51 even before its milestone 50th season premieres. While these renewals aren’t exactly shocking, they’re sure to delight long-time viewers (and probably their grandparents too).
Over on Hulu, Shoresy, the second most popular hockey show on TV right now, has been renewed for a sixth season. It’s a win for fans of the Letterkenny spin-off, though it’s worth noting that it’s not quite filling the void left by Heated Rivalry. But hey, straight guys deserve a hockey show too, right?
But here's where it gets controversial: not every show is getting a second (or third, or 24th) chance. Netflix has canceled two series this month, marking the first major TV cancellations of 2026. The Abandons, a Western drama starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey, has been axed after just one season. Meanwhile, The Vince Staples Show, a comedy series created by and starring Vince Staples, has been canceled after two seasons. Is this a sign of Netflix’s shifting priorities, or simply a case of these shows not finding their audience? It’s a question worth debating.
Whether you’re celebrating the return of your favorites or mourning the loss of a show in your regular rotation, we’ve got you covered with the full list of January’s cancellations and renewals below. And this is the part most people miss: these decisions often reveal larger trends in the industry, from viewer preferences to streaming platform strategies.
ALSO READ: For a trip down memory lane, check out December's renewals and cancellations or dive into what to watch in January.
TV Show Cancellations
- The Abandons, Netflix: This Western drama, created by Sons of Anarchy's Kurt Sutter and starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey, has been canceled after one season. (Jan. 21, Deadline)
- The Vince Staples Show, Netflix: Vince Staples’ comedy series has been canceled after two seasons. (Jan. 21, Deadline)
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TV Show Renewals
- Shoresy, Hulu: Renewed for Season 6, this Letterkenny spin-off continues to bring the laughs and the hockey. (Jan. 22, Hulu)
- Tracker, CBS: Justin Hartley’s drama will return for a fourth season, solving more missing persons cases. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, CBS: The Big Bang Theory universe expands with a third season of this Young Sheldon sequel. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- Matlock, CBS: Kathy Bates’ legal drama is back for Season 3. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- Elsbeth, CBS: The stylish attorney returns for a fourth season. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- Fire Country, CBS: Max Thieriot’s firefighter drama is renewed for Season 5. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- NCIS, CBS: The original procedural juggernaut is back for Season 24. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- NCIS: Origins, CBS: The '90s-set prequel, following a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, returns for Season 3. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- NCIS: Sydney, CBS: The Australian spin-off is renewed for Season 4. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- Survivor, CBS: No surprise here—the reality show is back for Season 51. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- The Amazing Race, CBS: The globe-trotting competition returns for Season 39. (Jan. 22, CBS)
- Culinary Class Wars, Netflix: The Korean cooking competition is back for Season 3 with a new team-based format. (Jan. 15, Variety)
- Black Mirror, Netflix: Charlie Brooker’s tech anthology series returns for Season 8. (Jan. 9, Netflix)
- The Pitt, HBO Max: The medical drama has been renewed for Season 3 before its Season 2 premiere. (Jan. 7, HBO Max)
- Real Time with Bill Maher, HBO: Renewed for two more seasons, ensuring Bill Maher stays on the air through 2028. (Jan. 7, HBO)
- The Lowdown, FX and Hulu: Sterlin Harjo’s mystery dramedy, named one of TV Guide’s best shows of 2025, returns for Season 2. (Jan. 7, FX)
- Emily in Paris, Netflix: Renewed for Season 6 shortly after Season 5 premiered. (Jan. 5, Netflix)
- Mayor of Kingstown, Paramount+: Taylor Sheridan’s series, starring Jeremy Renner, has been renewed for a fifth and final season. (Jan. 5, Deadline)
Thought-Provoking Question: With so many shows being canceled after just one or two seasons, are streaming platforms giving new series enough time to find their audience? Or is the rapid turnover a necessary part of the industry’s evolution? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
