Netflix Viewers Spent Years Following One Of The Streamer's Most Addictive International Thrillers — But The Decision That Finally Brought The Story To An End Is Why Fans Are Once Again Debating Whether The Platform Gives Popular Shows Enough Time To Continue**

The streaming giant has cancelled a number of shows this year, including the Western drama The Abandons and Alice in Borderland

Netflix has built a global reputation for creating smash-hit series like Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Bridgerton. However, despite the platform’s huge library of binge-worthy shows, subscribers are all too familiar with the disappointment of seeing beloved series cancelled before their stories can properly conclude.

The streaming giant has a long history of ending popular titles, including Shadow and Bone, Santa Clarita Diet, Lockwood & Co., and Mindhunter.

Alice in Borderland cast — Alice in Borderland concluded with its third season

This year, the trend continues with the cancellation of 11 more series. This includes the Japanese sci-fi thriller, Alice in Borderland, which first debuted in 2020. Netflix confirmed in January that the show concluded with its third season.

Based on Haro Aso’s manga, the series had been hailed as a “masterpiece” by fans. While season two dominated with 61.2 million viewing hours over its opening weekend, the third and final season – which drew 25 million views – provided a definitive conclusion.

What is Alice in Borderland about?

The series follows Arisu, a video-game-obsessed young man who finds himself trapped in “Borderland,” an alternate-dimension version of Tokyo. To survive, he and his companions must navigate a series of lethal challenges.

Netflix’s Alice in Borderland has become one of the platform’s most successful Japanese thrillers, earning strong ratings and a passionate global fanbase. The series currently holds a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb, based on more than 140,000 user votes, reflecting its popularity among international audiences.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the survival thriller has also received positive recognition, with the series scoring 78% on the Tomatometer and 79% from audiences. Critics have praised its gripping atmosphere, stylish visuals, and the way it transforms Haro Aso’s manga into a tense, unpredictable live-action experience.

The show’s biggest strength has been its ability to combine high-stakes survival games with emotional character journeys. Viewers have especially highlighted the intense challenges, shocking twists, and the chemistry between Arisu and Usagi, making the series stand out among Netflix’s growing collection of international hits.

After its second season became a major streaming success, Alice in Borderland continued to attract attention worldwide. While some fans had mixed reactions to later story choices, the series is still widely regarded as one of Netflix’s most ambitious Japanese productions, praised for its world-building, suspense, and memorable characters.