Netflix Originals Aren't Forever: Nearly 100 Titles Are Leaving in 2026

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.

PRISM Insight: This wave of removals confirms that the "Netflix Original" branding is more of a marketing tool for exclusive, timed distribution than a mark of perpetual ownership. It signals a strategic shift in the streaming wars, where the value proposition is less about a permanent, static library and more about a constantly evolving, curated collection. For consumers, this reinforces the reality that content loyalty may require subscribing to multiple services as shows migrate between platforms.