Streaming was supposed to be the safer home for ambitious genre TV. Bigger swings, fewer traditional ratings pressures, and global audiences all seemed to favor platforms over old-school networks. But a new report from data intelligence company Luminate suggests the opposite is happening: broadcast TV is currently giving shows a better shot at survival than streaming.
According to the report, broadcast networks renewed 65% of their scripted and unscripted output in 2025. Major SVOD platforms, meanwhile, renewed just 44% of their shows. That gap is striking, especially as streamers continue to promote themselves as the future of television.
‘Wonder Man’ cancellation raises questions about streaming renewals
The most eye-catching detail is the reported cancellation of ‘Wonder Man’, despite the show posting 52% audience retention. In streaming terms, retention matters because it shows how many viewers stick with a series after sampling it. A show that keeps more than half its audience would not automatically look like a failure from the outside.
But streaming renewal decisions are rarely based on one number. Platforms weigh completion rates, budget, subscriber growth, international performance, marketing spend, franchise value, and whether a series drives new sign-ups or simply entertains people who were already subscribed. That equation can be brutal for expensive genre shows.
Broadcast TV renewal rates beat streaming in 2025
Luminate’s data points to a major shift in how the industry is managing risk. Broadcast networks, long viewed as more conservative, appear to be renewing a significantly higher share of programming. That may be because broadcast shows often operate under clearer business models: ad sales, syndication potential, predictable seasonal scheduling, and established viewing habits.
Streaming services, by contrast, have spent the last few years cutting costs and tightening their content pipelines. The era of renewing almost anything to build a giant library is over. Now, shows must justify themselves quickly, and even decent performance can fall short if the production is expensive or the platform is changing strategy.
Why streaming shows get canceled even with loyal audiences
The ‘Wonder Man’ audience retention figure is a useful reminder that fan loyalty and corporate logic do not always match. A passionate viewer base can help a title trend online, but streamers are often looking for scale. If a show performs well with the people who watched it but fails to bring in enough total viewers, it may still land on the chopping block.
Genre shows face particular pressure. Superhero, sci-fi, and fantasy projects usually cost more than workplace comedies or unscripted series. Visual effects, longer production schedules, and franchise expectations can make a renewal harder to justify unless the show becomes a breakout hit.
What this means for Disney+, Netflix, Hulu and other streamers
The broader takeaway is clear: streaming cancellations are no longer limited to obvious underperformers. Viewers should expect more platforms, including Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, Apple TV+, and Paramount+, to be selective about renewals as they focus on profitability rather than endless expansion.
For audiences in the US, UK, and EU, availability also remains fragmented. A series may be easy to find in one region but delayed, moved, or unavailable in another because of licensing and platform strategy. That can affect how quickly a show builds momentum worldwide.
Where can ‘Wonder Man’ be watched?
‘Wonder Man’ is tied to Disney’s Marvel television slate and is expected to be associated with Disney+ where available. If the cancellation report affects release plans, viewers should check the official Disney+ app or Marvel announcements for the latest regional status. Disney+ is available in the US, UK, and many EU countries, though catalog availability can vary by market.
Tags: #WonderMan #StreamingNews #DisneyPlus #TVRenewals #StreamingWars
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