Netflix fans devastated as 'breathtaking' series with 87% Rotten Tomatoes score is axed - despite show runner planning FOUR more seasons

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Netflix fans were gutted after a show boasting a 87% Rotten Tomatoes score was axed - despite plans for four more seasons.

The sci-fi series, which is part of the Terminator universe, made its debut on the streaming platform in August 2024.

Developed by Mattson Tomlin, the anime programme Terminator Zero takes place in Tokyo.

The premise follows a soldier from 2022 who time travels to 1997 'to change the fate of humanity,' per the official Netflix page for the show.

'She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee (Andre Holland) who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet's impending attack on humanity.'

'As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he's hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future, which forever alters the fate of his three children,' the synopsis concluded.

Developed by Mattson Tomlin, anime programme Terminator Zero premiered in 2024 and takes place in Tokyo

The show's sci-fi premise follows a soldier from 2022 who time travels to 1997 'to change the fate of humanity,'

Despite achieving a rating of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, developer Mattson Tomlin confirmed the show has been axed

But despite the show's impressive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Mattson confirmed to fans that it had been axed. 

He wrote on X: 'It was cancelled. 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 seasons 2 and 3, but I’m also very happy with how it feels contained as is.

'Maybe someday I’ll do a big thread about the plans I had for the full five-season run. 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… Maybe I will return to that world in a different form. 

'I really do love it, and it was extremely gratifying to see so many people connect with it the way they did.' 

One fan wrote: 'What a pity. It is excellent.'

Another added: 'Shame. It was the best media this franchise has produced in 20 years.'

Writing online, fans shared this disappointment that Terminator Zero would not be returning for further episodes

A third shared: 'Phenomenal work on the writing. Its one of the most unique entries and one I think that resonated really well with the fans who were open to change. Great work.'

A fourth remarked: 'I was really looking forward to more seasons being a Terminator fan.

'I discovered it entirely [by] accident and despite watching a ton of Terminator & related robot/android/cyborg stuff it doesn't feel like Netflix advertised this thing at all.

A fifth penned on IMDB: 'The depth of care at all levels of Terminator Zero is simply breath-taking.

'Without spoilers, Terminator Zero builds on the foundations of the original movies, but explores a completely new dimension. 

'Direction, characters, animation and - most importantly - story plunge us back into the universe of the Terminator in a way that is both respectful and mind-expanding.'

Taking to X, developer Mattson Tomlin confirmed Terminator Zero would not be returning - as fans shared their disappointment

The show's English-language dub features talents such as Rosario Dawson, Timothy Olyphant and Ann Dowd.

Speaking previously, Mattson opened up to Entertainment Weekly about his vision for the show.  

He explained: 'We're not going to pretend that the third movie didn't happen. We're not going to pretend that the sixth movie didn't happen.' 

The showrunner also expressed that he made the decision to have the setting of the anime take place in Japan, but did face a few obstacles. 

He said: 'I was aware that there aren't really guns in Japan, and I don't think I quite appreciated how real that was.' 

One of the ways the issue was solved is to showcase The Terminator, who has blades for arms, per the outlet, and include fight sequences with swords. 

'If I was going to fight a Terminator and I don't have guns, what are the weapons that I could concoct?' Mattson questioned. 

He also opened up, creating the series with original characters: 'I think that it's time to go into new characters and not burden myself with another John and Sarah Connor saga. There's been a run at that a couple of different times.' 

Linda Hamilton from the original Terminator film franchise portrayed the role of Sarah Connor, while Edward Furlong played John Connor. 

'There are a lot of callbacks to the other films,' he continued. 'Fans who really know the movies are going to be doing the Leo meme from Once Upon A Time In Hollywood...' 

Tomlin appeared to be referencing the snippet from the movie where DiCaprio points at a television screen.