Netflix Originals Aren't Forever: Nearly 100 Titles Are Leaving in 2026
Nearly 100 Netflix Originals are set to be removed in 2026 as licensing deals expire. Find out why the 'Original' tag doesn't mean a show will be on Netflix forever.
Nearly 100 movies and series branded as "Netflix Originals" are scheduled to be removed from the streaming service throughout 2026, challenging the common assumption that the "Original" label guarantees a permanent spot in the platform's library. This move highlights the complex reality of streaming content rights.
The comprehensive list, compiled by fan site What's on Netflix and reported by The Verge, reveals that the term "Original" doesn't always mean a show is produced in-house. It often refers to titles for which Netflix holds exclusive distribution rights for a limited time. As these licensing arrangements expire, the content must be taken down.
Several high-profile animated shows are on the chopping block. According to the report, seasons one through three of The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants will leave on January 9th, 2026, followed by all five seasons of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power on February 21st. Multiple shows from Dreamworks' How to Train Your Dragon franchise are also set to depart.
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