15 TV Series Canceled After On-Set Abuse Allegations

Popular TV shows rarely get canceled, but serious accusations of abuse or misconduct can lead to immediate cancellation. Several series were quickly ended or shut down after individuals involved – like actors, writers, or production staff – were credibly accused of wrongdoing. These decisions often left plots unfinished and many people out of work, as the networks rushed to avoid being associated with the scandal.

‘Roseanne’ (2018)

The network ABC brought back a popular sitcom, and it quickly became a ratings hit. However, the show was unexpectedly cancelled after Roseanne Barr, the star, posted a racist comment on Twitter about Valerie Jarrett, a former advisor to President Obama. Network executives strongly condemned the comment as unacceptable and not in line with their principles. This decision was made even though the show was the most-watched series of the television season.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

After allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against Kevin Spacey, Netflix halted production of the political drama and cut ties with him. They removed him from the final season, forcing the writers to rewrite the story and center it around Robin Wright. The show finished with a shortened sixth season that had difficulty finding its direction without its original star.

’19 Kids and Counting’ (2008–2015)

The reality show was canceled after it was revealed that Josh Duggar, the eldest son, had sexually abused multiple young women, including his sisters. The network faced significant backlash from both advertisers and viewers, demanding the show be taken off the air. This scandal shattered the family’s carefully constructed wholesome public image. The series ended abruptly as the network tried to separate itself from the resulting controversy.

‘Wisdom of the Crowd’ (2017–2018)

CBS decided not to continue with the crime series after several women accused its lead actor, Jeremy Piven, of sexual assault. While the network broadcast the original thirteen episodes, they essentially canceled the show by taking apart the sets. Although ratings weren’t particularly high, the accusations created an impossible situation for CBS. Piven disputed the allegations, but the negative attention ultimately led to the show’s demise.

‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ (2012–2014)

As a big reality TV fan, I remember when “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” was everywhere. It was crazy popular, but then TLC suddenly pulled it off the air. What happened was really disturbing – reports came out saying June Shannon, the mom, had gotten back together with someone who had hurt her oldest daughter. TLC said they had to protect the kids, which they absolutely should have. They’d actually already filmed a whole new season, but it was never shown, and honestly, I can understand why.

‘Louie’ (2010–2015)

FX cut ties with comedian Louis C.K. after he publicly admitted to sexual misconduct. Although the network had previously given him a lot of creative control, they couldn’t overlook the serious allegations that were confirmed by The New York Times. As a result, his popular, semi-autobiographical show was canceled, along with any other projects he was working on with the network. The show had already been on hold, and it never returned after his confession.

‘The Royals’ (2015–2018)

Okay, so “The Arrangement” was E!’s first real dive into scripted drama, but it ended after four seasons under a really dark cloud. Basically, serious allegations of sexual harassment came out against the showrunner, Mark Schwahn. Cast and crew came forward with stories of a truly toxic work environment, not just on this show, but apparently on other projects he’d done as well. E! did an investigation, fired Schwahn when the claims were proven true, but unfortunately, despite attempts to find a new network, the show couldn’t continue anywhere else. It’s a shame, because it had potential, but the off-screen issues were just too significant.

‘Luck’ (2012)

HBO has canceled its horse racing series after three horses died during filming of the first season. Despite having safety measures in place, the network determined it couldn’t ensure the animals’ well-being. The decision came after strong criticism from animal rights groups like PETA, who called for the show to be stopped. The cancellation was unexpected, as a second season had already been approved.

‘Megan Wants a Millionaire’ (2009)

VH1 canceled its reality dating show after learning that contestant Ryan Jenkins was a suspect in a murder. Jenkins had completed filming and was reportedly a finalist when he killed his wife and then died by suicide. The network also scrapped another show he appeared on and completely changed how they investigate the backgrounds of potential reality TV stars. This event led to significant improvements in vetting processes for reality television casting.

‘Charlie Rose’ (1991–2017)

Following accusations of sexual harassment, PBS and Bloomberg Television quickly stopped airing the long-running interview show. Eight women came forward with claims that the host made unwanted sexual advances and behaved inappropriately at work. The show was canceled permanently just one day after the Washington Post published the initial report. The host’s dismissal marked the end of a decades-long broadcasting career, stemming from a harmful work environment he fostered.

‘Bulletproof’ (2018–2021)

Following allegations of sexual harassment and bullying against its star, Noel Clarke, Sky cancelled the fourth season of their police drama. The Guardian reported accusations from twenty women. Sky confirmed they would not make any more seasons with Clarke, and streaming services removed previous seasons in response to the claims.

‘Paula’s Best Dishes’ (2008–2013)

After admitting to using racist language, Food Network ended its relationship with Paula Deen, a popular southern cooking personality. A court document from a discrimination case showed she had used offensive terms and expressed a fondness for the imagery of plantations. As a result, retailers like Walmart and Target stopped selling her products, and the network quickly cancelled all of her shows.

‘Counting On’ (2016–2020)

Following Josh Duggar’s arrest on federal charges related to child sexual abuse materials, TLC canceled the Duggar family spinoff series. The show was intended to focus on the other siblings as they navigated life after the initial family controversy. However, network leaders determined they could no longer support the family with a television program given this second serious legal issue. This cancellation brought an end to more than ten years of the Duggar family being featured on the network.

‘Sam & Cat’ (2013–2014)

Despite being a hit with viewers, Nickelodeon canceled the popular teen sitcom due to reports of a difficult and unhealthy work environment. Actress Jennette McCurdy later shared in her memoir that she experienced emotional abuse and was exploited by one of the show’s creators. Problems on set were also caused by disagreements over pay and unfair treatment compared to her co-star. Instead of fixing these issues, the network chose to end the show after a single, extended season.

‘Live PD’ (2016–2020)

After protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, A&E canceled its popular police reality show. The decision came after criticism regarding the show’s handling of footage related to the death of Javier Ambler while in police custody. Network leaders felt the show no longer aligned with the national discussion about policing. The cancellation meant losing one of the highest-rated programs on cable television.

2025-11-25 07:49