Netflix has announced the departure of several highly acclaimed and long-standing licensed shows from its platform in December 2025. Among the series that will be leaving the streamer are some of the most popular and beloved shows in recent years. The news has sent shockwaves among fans, who are now scrambling to watch their favorite shows before they disappear from the platform. Netflix has been constantly licensing series and movies to its catalog, which has made it a go-to destination for viewers seeking a wide range of content. The streamer’s return marked its second run on Netflix, following a period throughout much of the 2010s before its departure in 2017. The news has sparked a sense of urgency among fans to watch their favorite shows before they are gone.
The four major TV series that will be departing Netflix in December 2025 include Arrow, Supernatural, and The 100. Arrow, which aired on The WB and The CW, follows the story of Oliver Queen (played by Stephen Amell) as he returns to Starling City to fight crime and protect its citizens. The series, which originally aired on The WB before transitioning to The CW, follows brothers Dean and Sam Winchester (played by Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki) as they travel across the United States, battling various paranormal entities. The 100, on the other hand, is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a group of survivors are stranded on a planet that may hold the key to their survival. The series explores themes of humanity, community, and the struggle to survive in a harsh environment.
Despite being older shows, Arrow and Supernatural have garnered excellent viewership on Netflix. According to the Netflix Engagement Reports, Supernatural picked up 64.7M views from 2023 through mid-2025, with the show only being available in the United States. The reports suggest that the show’s mix of action, drama, and horror has resonated with viewers, making it one of the most popular shows on the platform. Arrow, on the other hand, has been praised for its complex characters, engaging storylines, and social commentary. The series has also been notable for its representation of diverse characters and its exploration of social issues such as racism and police brutality.
The departure of these shows from Netflix has sparked a debate about the value of licensing content and the impact it has on the streaming industry. Some argue that licensing content is a necessary evil, allowing Netflix to offer a wide range of shows and movies to its viewers. Others argue that it is a way for the streamer to offload its content and focus on producing original shows. The departure of these shows also raises questions about what’s next for Netflix and how it will continue to compete in a crowded streaming market. Will Netflix continue to license content or focus on producing original shows? Only time will tell.
