A flat screen tv on top of a wooden table
A flat screen tv on top of a wooden table Thibault Penin/Unsplash

Disney+ has confirmed that three of its notable series, Goosebumps, Primos and Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, will not be returning in 2025, despite varying levels of popularity and cultural impact.

The announcements, made between early and mid-2025, affect audiences in the United States and around the world. While the reasons differ for each show, the decisions appear tied to a mix of corporate cost-cutting, strategic shifts in programming and in some cases, controversy.

Goosebumps Cancelled After Strong Viewership

The live‑action horror anthology Goosebumps has been cancelled after two seasons, a decision announced despite impressive performance metrics. The show recorded approximately 75 million hours watched in the U.S. and around 43 million internationally.

According to Variety, Goosebumps will not return for a third season and its second‑season finale now effectively serves as a series finale. Producer Sony Pictures Television is already shopping the show to other platforms, signalling potential continuation of the franchise.

Goosebumps was also notable as the third LGBTQ-inclusive series removed from Disney+ in recent years, which has fuelled discussion among fans about diversity representation in streaming programming.

Primos Ends Amid Cultural Representation Controversy

Animated series Primos, created by Natasha Kline, concluded after one season. The multicultural, diversity-focused show, which centred on family and cultural identity, saw production halted mid‑2025.

As reported by Animation Magazine, Disney Television Animation confirmed that Primos would not return for a second season following its debut run.

While the series garnered attention for its representation of Latino culture, it also faced criticism for inaccurate Spanish language usage and reliance on stereotypes. These concerns became part of a wider discussion on authenticity in children's programming.

The show concluded after 28 episodes, with two originally intended episodes cut prior to its debut as part of pre-release changes.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Concludes After Two Seasons

Marvel's animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur officially wrapped after its second season in early 2025. According to Bam Smack Pow, Disney+ confirmed the series' conclusion as part of its 2025 programming changes.

The finale provided narrative closure for fans, but the run was not without controversy. An episode titled 'The Gatekeeper', which featured a trans character and LGBTQ themes, was shelved and never aired.

The decision to withhold the episode coincided with broader shifts in Marvel animation priorities at Disney+, as the platform continues to refine its content portfolio.

Industry Context: The Strategy Behind the Cuts

The cancellations come at a time of major change for Disney's streaming operations. A key factor is the ongoing merger of Hulu into Disney+, aimed at consolidating services into a single platform. Analysts project that this integration could save the company up to $3 billion (£2.23 billion).

Disney's strategy appears increasingly focused on profitability rather than content volume. Even titles with strong audience engagement, like Goosebumps, are not immune if they carry high production costs or face internal concerns over brand alignment.

The trend mirrors other recent high-profile cancellations across the industry, such as the axing of The Acolyte, a big-budget Star Wars project reportedly costing $230 million (£171 million).

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