Picture Credit: Starz
It’s time to tap out, wrestling fans. The critically acclaimed Starz drama Heels is officially set to depart Netflix US in September 2026. Not only does this mean you’re running out of time to binge the first two seasons, but it also drives the final nail into the coffin for any hopes of Netflix reviving the series for a third season.
If you cast your mind back to September 2024, Netflix struck a licensing deal with Lionsgate and Starz to bring the Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig-led wrestling drama to the platform.
At the time, the show’s arrival came with a massive glimmer of hope. Showrunner Mike O’Malley and the cast heavily campaigned for fans to watch the show on Netflix, with the open secret being that if the viewership numbers were strong enough, Netflix might just step into the ring, rescue the canceled show, and order Season 3.
Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be, and the show’s time on the streamer has officially run its course.
When is Heels leaving Netflix?
According to removal notices now appearing on the Netflix platform, both seasons of Heels will depart Netflix US on September 15th, 2026. (Keep in mind, this means your last full day to watch Jack and Ace Spade battle it out in the Duffy Wrestling League is September 14th).
As we often discuss here at What’s on Netflix, licensed pickups generally operate on fixed, predetermined terms. In this case, Lionsgate handed Netflix a strict two-year window. With that 24-month contract now expiring, the DWL is packing up its ring.
Why didn’t Netflix renew Heels for Season 3?
The possibility of a Netflix revival was the talk of the town back in late 2024. Even WWE superstar CM Punk (who played Ricky Rabies on the show) boosted hopes during interviews, hinting that the series just needed a broader audience to justify a continuation.
So, what happened? While Heels definitely found a solid new audience on Netflix, it never quite pulled in the astronomical global viewership numbers required to justify the massive cost of reassembling a sprawling cast and crew years after the fact. In fact, the Netflix Engagement Report numbers suggest the show started with a whimper, and in the first half of 2026 it didn’t even qualify for the bi-annual report, implying each season got under 100K views. During its tenure on Netflix, we know it picked up 11.7M viewing hours, translating to 1.5M views.
As we noted at the time, the clock was always ticking against a revival. By the time the engagement numbers settled and the initial hype cooled off, the actors had already begun booking new gigs. Stephen Amell became deeply committed to his new Suits spinoff (Suits L.A.), and bringing everyone back together simply became a logistical impossibility. While it’s always a bummer when a licensed show doesn’t get the Lucifer or Manifest treatment, fans can at least be glad they got two incredible seasons of indie wrestling drama available to a wider audience for a couple of years.
What else is leaving Netflix in September 2026?
Heels isn’t the only casualty this month. September 2026 is shaping up to be a brutal month for the US library, with several major licensed titles heading for the exit door.
As we’ve been documenting in our comprehensive guide to everything leaving Netflix in September 2026, Heels is joining a mass exodus of high-profile licensed departures. We’ve just recently learned that the massive Arrowverse hit Black Lightning is departing, alongside the beloved country music drama Nashville and the historical action epic Spartacus.
As always, keep an eye on our Leaving Soon section for all the latest removals, and let us know what you’re prioritizing on your watchlist.
Will you be sad to see Heels leave Netflix? Are you still bummed we never got a Season 3? Let us know in the comments down below.
