Giri/Haji (BBC/Netflix, 2019)

Giri/Haji stands as one of the most critically lauded cancellations of the decade, earning BAFTA nominations and a 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, yet the BBC and Netflix pulled the plug after a single season. The show's bold bilingual narrative and neon-noir visuals drew comparisons to the nuanced storytelling of Patriot, but unlike that stealth gem, Giri/Haji had significant promotional backing. Over 60% of reviews from major outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times named it a must-watch, yet its viewership failed to crack 2 million in the UK—a fate harsher than the average one-and-done drama. This axing cost fans a resolution to the tangled Tokyo-London crime saga, outpacing the typical cancellation in sheer critical bewilderment.