Hulu cancels 'Buffy' sequel series, disappointing fans

The planned revival of the beloved vampire slayer show will not move forward at the streaming platform.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:08pm

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Hulu has decided to cancel the highly anticipated 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' sequel series, disappointing legions of fans who were eagerly awaiting the show's return. Star Sarah Michelle Gellar announced the news in an Instagram video, expressing her sadness but promising that if the 'apocalypse actually comes' she'll still be available. The cancellation prompted a fan rally outside Hulu's headquarters in Santa Monica, with attendees urging the streamer to reconsider its decision.

Why it matters

The 'Buffy' franchise has a passionate, multigenerational fanbase that has kept the show's legacy alive for decades since its original run ended in 2003. The planned sequel series was seen as an opportunity to revive the beloved characters and continue the story, so its cancellation is a major disappointment for fans who were looking forward to new 'Buffy' content.

The details

Hulu had officially greenlit the 'Buffy' sequel series, with original star Sarah Michelle Gellar set to executive produce and Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao attached to direct. The new show, tentatively titled 'Buffy: New Sunnydale,' was in the early stages of production when Hulu decided to pull the plug. Gellar shared the news with fans in an emotional Instagram video, while Zhao expressed that she was 'not surprised' by the cancellation, stating that their priority was to be 'truthful to the show' and its fans.

  • Hulu officially began production on the 'Buffy' sequel series in 2025 after years of careful consideration by Gellar.
  • On March 16, 2026, Gellar announced the cancellation of the series in an Instagram video.

The players

Sarah Michelle Gellar

The original star of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' who was set to executive produce the sequel series.

Chloé Zhao

The Oscar-winning filmmaker who was attached to direct the 'Buffy' sequel series.

Bren O'Brien

A lifelong 'Buffy' fan who organized a rally outside Hulu's headquarters to urge the streamer to reconsider its decision to cancel the sequel series.

Erin McClory

Another 'Buffy' fan who joined the rally outside Hulu's headquarters in support of the cancelled sequel series.

Ryan Kiera Armstrong

The actress who was set to lead the 'Buffy' sequel series as a new supernatural slayer.

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What they’re saying

“I never thought I would find myself back in Buffy's stylish yet affordable boots and thanks to Chloé I was reminded [of] how much I love her and how much she means not only to me but to all of you.”

— Sarah Michelle Gellar, Original 'Buffy' star (Instagram)

“I'm really sad. This was a moment that I've been waiting decades for.”

— Bren O'Brien, Lifelong 'Buffy' fan (Los Angeles Times)

“We, first and foremost, see ourselves as the guardians of the original show. Our priority for Sarah and for us has always been to be truthful to the show, to be truthful to our fans. So, things happen for a reason, and we keep our hearts open and we welcome the mystery.”

— Chloé Zhao, Director of the cancelled 'Buffy' sequel series (Variety)

What’s next

Fans are hopeful that another network or streaming platform will pick up the 'Buffy' sequel series after Hulu's cancellation, though no concrete plans have been announced.

The takeaway

The cancellation of the 'Buffy' sequel series is a major disappointment for the show's passionate fanbase, who had been eagerly anticipating the return of the beloved vampire slayer. While the future of the franchise remains uncertain, the enduring popularity of 'Buffy' suggests there may still be opportunities for the story to continue in some form.