Netflix has decided not to renew Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action series FUBAR for a third season, according to Entertainment Weekly. The cancellation follows the show’s debut in 2023 and a steady initial audience, marking an unexpected end for the series despite its strong start. Schwarzenegger’s FUBAR cancellation Netflix news highlights how the streamer still recognizes the dedication of the producers, cast, and crew behind the project.
Plot Overview: A Spy Thriller with a Family Twist
FUBAR centers on a father and daughter who discover that they have both secretly been CIA operatives for years, forcing them to confront the reality that much of their relationship was built on deception. As they are compelled to work together, the series blends intense spy action with humor and familial dynamics, offering a unique take on the genre through a combination of suspense and emotional depth.
Production Details and Cast Highlights
The showserved as Schwarzenegger’s first leading role on a scripted television series, starring alongside Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Fabiana Udenio, Aparna Brielle, Guy Burnet, Andy Buckley, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jay Baruchel, Barbara Eve Harris, and Scott Thompson. Nick Santora created and served as showrunner and executive producer, collaborating with Schwarzenegger and other executive producers including Adam Higgs, Scott Sullivan, Phil Abraham, Amy Pocha, Seth Cohen, as well as representatives from Skydance Television like David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunell. Skydance Television handled the production.
Mixed Reception and Declining Audience Numbers
The first season of FUBAR was praised by Netflix for its strong ratings and audience engagement. However, season two experienced a notable drop in viewership, with Variety reporting that it only appeared in Nielsen’s top 10 streaming originals for the week of June 16 before falling off the chart. This advertising decline likely influenced Netflix’s decision not to continue the series further.
Showrunner Reflects on Creating FUBAR
Nick Santora expressed his enthusiasm about the project prior to the show’s premiere, describing it as
“by far, the most surreal project of my career.”
He detailed his admiration for Schwarzenegger, stating:
“I grew up watching Arnold Schwarzenegger films — I’d hit my dad up for a few bucks so I could race to the movies and see the biggest star in the world on the big screen — so creating the first scripted television project for Arnold is unbelievably exciting for me.”
Santora further emphasized the unique tone of the show, adding:
“The thing I always marveled at was how Schwarzenegger could be funny while still kicking ass … that’s why I wanted FUBAR to be a hysterical, CIA-spy comedy mixed with heart-stopping action! And it is all that — and more. I’d love to elaborate with more details, but, sorry, it’s classified.”
Netflix Continues Investing in Other Series
While FUBAR will not continue, Netflix has renewed multiple other series recently, including Wednesday, Untamed, Tires, Ransom Canyon, Virgin River, Bridgerton, Forever, Four Seasons, The Diplomat, My Life with the Walter Boys, Survival of the Thickest, Geek Girl, Lincoln Lawyer, Sweet Magnolias, Devil May Cry, Beauty in Black, Nobody Wants This, A Man on the Inside, and The Vince Staples Show. This ongoing investment illustrates Netflix’s strategy to maintain a diverse content lineup despite cancellations like FUBAR.
The Impact of FUBAR’s Cancellation on the Spy Genre and Future Projects
FUBAR offered an innovative mix of family drama, comedy, and spy thriller elements, particularly with Schwarzenegger at the lead in a television format for the first time. Its cancellation underscores the challenges streaming services face in balancing viewer retention with ambitious productions. The show’s end may influence how networks approach action-comedy hybrids in future endeavors, especially those that involve high-profile movie stars transitioning into TV roles.
