• Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Netflix series Fubar canceled after two seasons due to declining viewership.
• The show faced plagiarism allegations over a supermarket app plotline.
• Despite the setback, Schwarzenegger’s long career remains resilient as he looks toward new projects.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the legendary action star who recently turned 78, has suffered a disappointing setback. His first-ever television venture, the Netflix action-comedy series Fubar, has been canceled after only two seasons. This decision comes amid a sharp drop in audience numbers. Furthermore, a legal controversy has cast a shadow over the show’s final chapter.

When Fubar first launched in May 2023, it generated a fair amount of excitement. Fans were eager to see Schwarzenegger, famous for iconic film roles like Terminator and Predator, dive into a new format. The series blends action with comedy. It featured Schwarzenegger playing Luke, a seasoned CIA operative who discovers a deep family secret just as he’s about to retire. Monica Barbaro co-starred as his daughter, and together, they navigated one last dangerous mission. Alongside them were Milan Carter, Gabriel Luna, Travis Van Winkle, and Jay Baruchel, rounding out a strong supporting cast.

From Big Expectations to Rapid Decline

When the first season dropped, it attracted 11 million viewers over its premiere weekend—a solid start that promised longevity. But the momentum didn’t last. Season two premiered on June 12, 2024, pulling in only 2.2 million viewers during its initial weekend. This steep plunge no doubt rattled Netflix executives. In an era where streaming platforms compete fiercely for attention, such a drop is often a death sentence for a show.

Deadline reported the cancellation, highlighting Netflix’s decision to pull the plug in response to the diminishing audience. For Schwarzenegger, who announced his starring role back in 2021 with palpable enthusiasm, the news must sting. He had spoken openly about his excitement for the project, saying: “Fans from all over the world have been asking me for a wild ride like this for years, and now they’re finally going to get it because of our great partners at Skydance and Netflix. I am beyond pumped to start work on the show with [creator] Nick [Santora] and Monica and the whole team.”

The show’s cancellation is particularly striking since it marked Schwarzenegger’s debut on the small screen—a milestone many thought would open new doors for the action star.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Minds

Nick Santora, known for his work on series like Scorpion and Castle, served as the showrunner and executive producer of Fubar. Schwarzenegger was also credited as an executive producer. This reflects his deeper involvement beyond just acting.

The series attempted to mix high-octane spy thrills with family drama and humor. It hoped to carve out a niche amid the crowded streaming landscape. Yet, it seems the blend didn’t fully click with audiences, especially in its sophomore run.

Legal Storm Clouds: The Plagiarism Allegations

The show’s troubles weren’t limited to ratings. In August 2023, Fubar faced serious accusations that threatened its reputation. At the center of the controversy was a major plot element: a supermarket app invented by the character played by Schwarzenegger’s on-screen son. The app was designed to help users find grocery items quickly, map the best route through the store, remind them of forgotten items, and even scan barcodes.

However, Aharon Jason Curtis, a 55-year-old entrepreneur and former rock star, claimed this concept was originally his. Curtis said he came up with an app called Aisle back in 2015, which did exactly the same thing. He alleged that he shared the idea with only two people—a manager who had transitioned into writing scripts for action films and streaming shows. The other person was a friend who now works as a writer at Netflix in Los Angeles.

Curtis expressed shock upon seeing the app idea mirrored on television in September 2023. His legal representatives sent formal letters to the producers of Fubar, demanding \$1.5 million in compensation to settle the matter without litigation. They warned that if no response came, they would initiate a court case to defend Curtis’s intellectual property rights.

Public Reaction and Industry Rumblings

News of the plagiarism claim stirred debate among viewers and industry insiders alike. Many fans expressed disappointment on social media, feeling that a show starring such a celebrated icon should not be embroiled in such controversies. Meanwhile, some supporters rallied behind Schwarzenegger, believing that the allegations might be a misunderstanding or exaggerated.

Others pointed out the steep drop in viewership as a sign that the show never quite found its footing. The plagiarism scandal only added fuel to the fire. Industry commentators suggested that Netflix’s decision to cancel Fubar was a combination of both factors. The declining interest and the negative publicity surrounding the legal dispute contributed to the show’s demise.

What Lies Ahead for Schwarzenegger?

For Arnold Schwarzenegger, this cancellation marks an unexpected turn in his illustrious career. While the actor has conquered Hollywood, politics, and fitness, television was supposed to be his new frontier. Instead, Fubar’s cancellation leaves him at a crossroads.

Yet Schwarzenegger is no stranger to bouncing back. His decades-long career has shown resilience and reinvention, from bodybuilding champion to blockbuster star, and governor of California. Fans and industry watchers will be keen to see where he goes next—whether it’s another TV project, a film comeback, or perhaps something entirely new.

The Broader Streaming Challenge

Fubar’s fate also underscores a broader challenge facing streaming platforms today. With an ever-growing sea of content, viewers have countless options. This makes it harder than ever for new shows to break through and maintain momentum. Even with star power like Schwarzenegger’s, capturing and holding an audience remains a tough game.

For Netflix, the cancellation is part of a larger strategy to optimize its offerings. This involves cutting underperforming shows while investing in fresh, promising projects. As competition heats up from rivals like Disney+, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max, streamers are becoming more ruthless in their decisions.