Netflix just canceled another original show — 'Unstable' with Rob Lowe is over

(L to R) Rob Lowe as Ellis, John Owen Lowe as Jackson in Netflix Original comedy "Unstable"
(Image credit: John P. Fleenor/Netflix)

Another day, another Netflix cancelation. Just days after one of the best streaming services confirmed that its latest hit — the romantic comedy "Nobody Wants This" — would be returning for a second season, we've learned that another Netflix show won't be making it to season three.

Yes, for anyone who hasn't already heard, we're sorry to share that the Rob Lowe comedy show "Unstable" is the latest series to be given the boot by Netflix. The news was originally reported by Deadline and comes not long after the streamer also angered subscribers by canceling the new mythological series, "Kaos" after just one season.

Why was "Unstable" canceled? Well, it sounds like "Unstable" season 2 simply didn't manage to find a big enough audience when it hit Netflix on August 1, 2024. As Deadline notes, the series failed to even break into the Netflix Top 10 Shows list, drawing fewer than 1.3 million views in its first full week on the platform.

What was 'Unstable' about?

Unstable: Season 2 | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Unstable: Season 2 | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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"Unstable" was a Netflix comedy series co-created by Rob Lowe, his son John Owen Lowe, and Victor Fresco.

The father-son show revolves around Jackson (John Owen Lowe) an introverted young man who starts working under his successful, publicly adored biotech entrepreneur father Ellis Dragon (Rob Lowe) in an effort to stop him spiraling in the wake of his wife's death.

After beginning to reconnect, season 2 saw Ellis setting Jackson a series of challenges to see whether he had what it takes to succeed him... though a newcomer had other ideas.

Could 'Unstable' return?

Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe in Unstable

(Image credit: Netflix)

The short answer is... possibly? Sources told Deadline that "Unstable" producers had already begun shopping the show around to try and find it a new home, though we have no idea whether other streaming services or networks are interested in picking it up just yet.

In need of more laughs? Check out our round-up of the best Netflix comedies you can watch right now. For a more comprehensive breakdown of the streamer's library (and to get even more top streaming recommendations), be sure to look over our guide to the best Netflix shows available to watch.

More from Tom's Guide

Staff Writer, Streaming

Martin is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things movies and TV. If it’s in the theaters or available to stream somewhere, he’s probably watched it… especially if it has a dragon in it. Before joining the team, he was a Staff Writer at What To Watch where he wrote about a broad range of shows that stretched from "Doctor Who" and "The Witcher" to "Bridgerton" and "Love Island". When he’s not watching the next must-see movie or show, he’s probably still in front of a screen playing massive RPGs, reading, spending a fortune on TCGs, or watching the NFL.

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  • husky91
    I haven't seen this show or know anything about it, but it seems like these shows have a short window to capture your attention and if they fail, they're gone. Seems like Netflix with their endless categories "Documentaries", "Things we think you'll like", etc. could have a "Great reviewed shows on the chopping block" category where they promote shows in danger of being cancelled giving them one last chance to gain some traction.
    Reply