5 TV shows that ended on cliffhangers (but never got renewed)

How I Met Your Father (Image via YouTube/@One Media)
How I Met Your Father (Image via YouTube/@One Media)

TV shows ending on a cliffhanger often create excitement for viewers, but it can feel disappointing when the season ends and the series is not renewed.

The entertainment industry has produced a number of TV shows that the audience has loved in the past years. However, their cliffhanger endings and then show cancellation left viewers wondering what would have happened next. Sadly, they are never going to get answers to it.

If you're also searching for similar shows, keep reading to find out five TV shows that ended on cliffhangers but never made their way to the next season.

Disclaimer: The following list is based on the writer's personal opinions. Reader discretion is advised.


TV shows with cliffhanger endings that never got renewed

1) ALF (1986-1990)

TV shows (ALF) (Image via YouTube/@ALF)
TV shows (ALF) (Image via YouTube/@ALF)

The story revolves around ALF, a different creature, and a Terran family who live together as they enjoy his company. The series ran for four seasons.

The series ended on a big cliffhanger with him trying to leave the Earth so that he could join his friends on New Melmac. However, his plan becomes unsuccessful as he is captured by military agents. The fate of his character was never revealed, and sadly, the series was cancelled by NBC. It was reported that the series received low viewership and ratings, which led to its sudden cancellation.


2) Hannibal (2013-2015)

Hannibal became a fan favorite after its release, giving viewers more details about the character of Hannibal Lecter, a character that appeared in the movie of the same name. The story of the series revolved around Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham and how their bond grows darker over time.

In the season finale, the two main leads are seen facing the Great Red Dragon. In that moment, both Will and Hannibal fall off a cliff, leaving the viewers on a cliffhanger on whether they survived or died.

However, Hannibal never got renewed for another season, leaving their character's fate unclear. Though the post-credit scene gave a hint that Hannibal survived the fall, it was never confirmed.


3) Salvation (2017-2018)

TV Shows (Image via YouTube/@TV Promo 360)
TV Shows (Image via YouTube/@TV Promo 360)

For the sci-fi series fans, Salvation took its place on their watchlist in no time after its release. The story of Salvation revolves around Liam Cole, Darius Tanz, and Grace Barrows as they try to protect the Earth from an asteroid.

In the season finale, it's revealed that what they believed to be an asteroid wasn't an asteroid, as it stops on its way. However, viewers never got to know what it was or why it was heading towards the earth.

The series was cancelled after two seasons due to low ratings.


4) How I Met Your Father (2022-2023)

Adding to the list of TV shows is How I Met Your Father, which ran for two seasons. In the final episode, Jesse and Sophie tell each other about how they haven't moved on and express their love for each other, sharing a kiss during the thunderstorm.

On the other side, viewers saw Sid's relationship with Hannah falling apart, and Valentina's future with Charlie is hinted at as Sophie shows their photo with baby Alex.

The show ended on multiple cliffhangers about the characters' future. Sadly, viewers will never get an answer due to its cancellation.


5) Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008-2009)

The series ran for two seasons, ending on a cliffhanger. John decides to get Cameron's CPU, and to do it, he decides to follow John Henry. Meanwhile, Sarah, the main lead, is trying to stop Skynet. However, it is revealed that John Henry was actually Catherine's creation. And John Connor gets stuck in a new place where no one recognizes him.

The show didn't get renewed for another season, leaving viewers with the question of what happened to John and whether he will ever come back.


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Edited by Vatsala Chauhan