'Wonder Man' Had 52% Audience Retention Yet Was Canceled As Broadcast TV Sees Higher Renewal Rates Than Streaming — Report
News Source
•Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:32:25 +0000
📰 What Happened
A new report says broadcast TV shows are renewed more often than streaming shows. The data firm Luminate found broadcast networks renewed 65% of their shows in 2025. Streaming services renewed only 44%.
Marvel's Wonder Man was cancelled despite keeping 52% of its audience. Broadcasters face fewer budget and slot limits, and get clearer ratings. Their yearly season also forces faster choices. Luminate says these factors make renewal decisions simpler than on streaming platforms.
🔍 The Backstory
Streaming was once seen as TV's future. But platforms make so much content that cancellations are common. Streamers can also take a long time to decide a show's fate. Luminate points to Netflix's The Politician, which has not returned since 2020 but was never formally cancelled.
Netflix still had one of the highest renewal rates among streamers. The study questions the idea that streaming is the safest home for a show. It also found Emmy TV ratings fell 10% from last year. The findings arrived as the fall TV season got under way.
🎯 Why It Matters
Fans invest years in a show and hate surprise cancellations. This report helps viewers understand which platforms are most likely to keep shows alive.
A new report says broadcast TV shows are renewed more often than streaming shows. The data firm Luminate found broadcast networks renewed 65% of their shows in 2025. Streaming services renewed only 44%.
Marvel's Wonder Man was cancelled despite keeping 52% of its audience. Broadcasters face fewer budget and slot limits, and get clearer ratings. Their yearly season also forces faster choices. Luminate says these factors make renewal decisions simpler than on streaming platforms.
Streaming was once seen as TV's future. But platforms make so much content that cancellations are common. Streamers can also take a long time to decide a show's fate. Luminate points to Netflix's The Politician, which has not returned since 2020 but was never formally cancelled.
Netflix still had one of the highest renewal rates among streamers. The study questions the idea that streaming is the safest home for a show. It also found Emmy TV ratings fell 10% from last year. The findings arrived as the fall TV season got under way.
Fans invest years in a show and hate surprise cancellations. This report helps viewers understand which platforms are most likely to keep shows alive.