Netflix is home to an extensive library of shows that can either keep you hooked for hours on end or leave you feeling disappointed and reaching for the remote to hit ‘exit.’ While some series start off strong and manage to maintain their momentum, others take a turn for the worse, losing their charm along the way.

Like many binge-watchers, I’ve had my fair share of shows that I eagerly started, only to abandon them halfway through. Sometimes it’s because the storyline becomes convoluted, the characters lose their appeal, or the plot takes an absurd direction that no longer makes sense. Whatever the reason, there are just some Netflix shows that I couldn’t bring myself to finish—and I doubt I ever will.

Here are three Netflix shows I started watching but ultimately gave up on, and why I wouldn’t go back to them.

1. Riverdale

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
• Age Rating: TV-14
• Episode Length: ~42 minutes
• Creator: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

I think most people who started watching Riverdale in its early seasons can agree that it had potential. Based on the characters from Archie Comics, the show follows Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) and his friends as they navigate high school life while uncovering dark secrets about their seemingly quiet town.

The first two seasons had everything you’d expect from a teen drama—mystery, romance, betrayal, and suspense. It was a guilty pleasure that kept viewers entertained. But then something happened: the show completely lost its way.

As the seasons progressed, the writers seemed to throw every possible plot twist at the wall, hoping something would stick. Instead of maintaining its gripping mystery-thriller aspect, Riverdale took a turn for the bizarre, incorporating supernatural elements, cults, and even alien abductions. I officially checked out after the infamous ‘floating babies’ scene in Season 3, followed by the ridiculous introduction of the Gargoyle King. The once-intriguing show became a confusing mess of disjointed storylines, over-the-top musical numbers, and unexplainable plot twists.

Despite Riverdale lasting for seven seasons, I couldn’t bring myself to watch beyond the third. If you’re a fan of chaotic storytelling that defies logic, you might still enjoy it. But for me? Riverdale is a one-way trip I won’t be revisiting.

2. The Night Agent

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%
• Age Rating: TV-MA
• Episode Length: ~50 minutes
• Creator: Shawn Ryan

When The Night Agent first premiered, I was hooked. The high-octane political thriller, based on Matthew Quirk’s novel, follows Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), a low-level FBI agent monitoring an emergency phone line in the White House basement. One fateful night, he receives a call that drags him into a web of conspiracy, espionage, and national security threats.

The first season had me glued to the screen. The suspense, action-packed sequences, and intriguing political drama kept me invested. It was gripping, intense, and everything you’d want in a government-conspiracy thriller.

However, when The Night Agent Season 2 rolled around, my enthusiasm faded. With Peter now a full-fledged ‘Night Agent,’ I expected more action and spy-driven thrills. Instead, the pacing slowed down dramatically, focusing more on intricate political schemes rather than the heart-racing suspense that made the first season so compelling. The character development felt stagnant, and the storyline lacked the urgency that initially drew me in.

By the time I reached the halfway mark, I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Without the adrenaline rush of Season 1, The Night Agent lost its appeal, and I eventually abandoned it for good. If Season 3 ever arrives, I doubt I’ll be tuning in.

3. Elite

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%
• Age Rating: TV-MA
• Episode Length: ~49 minutes
• Creators: Carlos Montero, Darío Madrona

Elite was one of those shows that felt fresh and exciting when it first hit Netflix. Set in the prestigious private school of Las Encinas, the Spanish drama followed a clash between wealthy students and three working-class newcomers, resulting in a murder mystery that unfolded over the season.

The first few seasons were undeniably engaging. The show had an enticing blend of teenage angst, romance, betrayal, and murder, making it a must-watch for fans of Gossip Girl meets How to Get Away with Murder. The tension between the characters, combined with shocking twists and intriguing backstories, made it a fun and dramatic ride.

However, the show suffered from a common pitfall: cast departures. Many of the original cast members left after Season 3, and the attempt to introduce new characters just didn’t work for me. The fresh faces lacked the same level of complexity and depth that made the first few seasons so compelling.

To make matters worse, Elite fell into a cycle of repeating itself. The same scandals, betrayals, and love triangles played out with different characters, making it feel redundant. Instead of keeping things fresh, it became a formulaic teen drama with diminishing returns.

By Season 4, I realized I no longer cared about the story or its new characters, and I stopped watching altogether. With each new season seemingly adding more unnecessary drama without real substance, I have no intention of revisiting Elite anytime soon.

I Stopped Watching and Wouldn’t Go Back To

While Netflix offers a treasure trove of binge-worthy content, not every show can keep its momentum. Whether it’s due to a dip in quality, absurd storytelling, or a lack of engaging characters, some shows simply lose their magic over time.

For me, Riverdale, The Night Agent, and Elite are prime examples of shows that started strong but ultimately couldn’t hold my interest. Maybe they still have a loyal fan base, but as far as I’m concerned, these are three Netflix series I stopped watching—and won’t be going back to.

Have you ever abandoned a Netflix show halfway through? Let me know in the comments which series you couldn’t finish and why!