Terminator Zero will not be returning for a second season, finally bringing to an end months of speculation. Series creator and writer Mattson Tomlin confirmed that Netflix has canceled the series due to lack of viewership.
"It was cancelled," Tomlin confirmed on X. "The critical and audience reception to it was tremendous, but at the end of the day not nearly enough people watched it. I would’ve loved to deliver on the Future War I had planned in season’s 2 and 3, but I’m also very happy with how it feels contained as is."
Created by Production I.G, No Brakes, Skydance Television, and Netflix Animation Studios, Terminator Zero tells a standalone story set within the broader Terminator universe. Unlike most entries in the franchise, which focus on the Connor family, this series introduced a new cast based in Japan.
Set mainly in 1997 as Judgment Day looms, the plot centers on a scientist developing a cutting-edge AI designed to rival Skynet. Predictably, a Terminator is sent back in time to eliminate him, while a resistance fighter follows to protect him.
Fortunately, Terminator Zero delivered a largely self-contained story, wrapping up its main conflict without relying on a dramatic cliffhanger. Still, the finale hints at bigger repercussions and future possibilities within the Terminator universe. Although it provides a satisfying conclusion for new viewers, a few character arcs and thematic threads feel like they were intended to continue in a second season.
Upon confirmation that Terminator Zero has been canceled, Tomlin was asked if he would consider releasing a general outline for the seasons he will no longer be able to make.
"Maybe someday I’ll do a big thread about the plans I had for the full five season run," he responded. 'The series finale was special and it was part of my pitch to get the job. I’ve written all of the season two scripts and outlined pretty much all of season three."
Tomlin revealed that Netflix offered to let him create two or three more episodes to wrap up the story, which he declined.
"I felt the story I wanted to tell was much longer, and the finale of season one actually left things in a good place," he explained. "But they didn’t have to offer that. Good partners here."
Terminator Zero had impressed critics, earning an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. Even general audiences viewed it favorably with a 79% on the Popcornmeter. Unfortunately, even positive reviews couldn't convince enough people to watch.
"Generally speaking, anime audiences skew younger. Terminator audiences skew older. Terminator Zero asked them to meet in the middle, and they didn’t in the way the corporation needed to justify the spend to continue. I’m extremely grateful to the people who have watched it," Tomlin reasoned.
It's unfortunate we won't be getting another season of Terminator Zero, but I highly suggest anyone who hasn't watched the first season check it out on Netflix.