It’s official—Fubar is done. After two seasons of spy games, punchlines and explosions, Netflix has called time on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action-packed series. And while the show kicked off with promise, it seems the second chapter didn’t quite hit the target.
From streaming hit to quiet exit
When Fubar premiered back in 2023, it caused a bit of a stir. It was, after all, Schwarzenegger’s first-ever leading role in a television series—a fact that carried weight for fans of the action legend. With its blend of espionage, over-the-top stunts and tongue-in-cheek humour, the show found quick success and even claimed a spot in Netflix’s top charts at the time.
Fast forward to season two, which dropped in June after more than two years of radio silence. Expectations were high. But despite the wait, the momentum didn’t last. While the second season made an initial splash, landing in Nielsen’s top 10 for original streaming content during its debut week, it vanished from the rankings just as quickly.
It’s a bit like going in for a sequel to your favourite blockbuster—only to find it’s swapped the fireworks for a slow shuffle. And unfortunately for Fubar, audiences noticed.
A big cast, bold premise… and a short run
Fubar had all the makings of a long-running franchise. It boasted a stacked cast alongside Schwarzenegger, including Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle and Carrie-Anne Moss—yes, The Matrix‘s own Trinity. The story followed a father-daughter spy duo, each hiding their double lives until a joint mission brought everything crashing down. Cue wisecracks, family tension and a whole lot of explosions.
Created as a high-energy mix of James Bond antics and sitcom dynamics, the series didn’t lack personality. But strong characters and stunt sequences can only carry a show so far. Without the staying power of a gripping plot or evolving stakes, even Schwarzenegger couldn’t keep this one in the ring.
What next for Arnold?
The silver lining? Schwarzenegger’s foray into the world of streaming wasn’t without merit. He’s proven he can still hold the screen—whether he’s dodging bullets or cracking dad jokes—and there’s little doubt we’ll see him again in some form, possibly even in another series.
Still, the cancellation of Fubar is a reminder that even with big names, streaming success isn’t guaranteed. Audiences expect more than just nostalgia and star power—they want compelling stories that grow, twist and surprise.
So while Fubar may have fired its last shot, it gave us a few good one-liners along the way. And if nothing else, we got to see the Terminator in a Hawaiian shirt trying to manage a family crisis. Worth it? That depends on how much you like your spy thrillers with a sitcom twist.
