Canceled 7 Years Ago, This Political Thriller Vanishes From Netflix Today

With nearly 200 million monthly users, Netflix is the largest streaming platform in the world and it creates content like it - with over 700 original shows and movies being created every year.

Not all of those originals remain on the platform forever, though. What's on Netflix revealed over 100 pieces of original content will leave the platform in 2026 - and a beloved political thriller is among them.

Secret City is leaving Netflix on March 4, seven years after it was initially canceled by the streaming platform.

What Is Secret City?

The show, based on novels by Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis, was originally created by Foxtel in 2016 and was shown in Australia before being picked up by Netflix in 2018. Season 2 of the show, renamed Secret City: Under the Eagle hit Netflix in 2019 before it was canceled following the second season.

"Beneath the peaceful facade of Canberra, there is a secret city of deals and divided loyalties, lies and opportunism," the tagline of the show from Rotten Tomatoes reads. "Political journalist Harriet Dunkley thinks she knows the city, but as she forces her way closer to the truth she discovers a conspiracy. The subterfuge that she finds threatens her career and life, in addition to endangering the freedom of all Australians."

Anna Torv of Mindhunter and Fringe was the star of the show.

The show continued to attract millions of views on Netflix each year, with the Netflix Engagement Reports covering 2023-2025, suggesting it picked up 8.3M views during that period.

However, that wasn't enough to save the show's removal from Netflix.

Why Is 'Secret City' Leaving Netflix?

What's on Netflix revealed how the Netflix "original" label can be confusing to viewers.

"While Netflix carries the show exclusively in many international territories, it did not produce it," the site explains. "Secret City is a production of Matchbox Pictures and Foxtel. It originally aired on Fox Showcase in Australia. Netflix acquired the exclusive international distribution rights, effectively renting the show for a fixed period. That period is now up."

Once the contract expires, right revet back to the original owner – in this case, Foxtel/Matchbox Pictures – and the title must be removed from Netflix unless a new deal is negotiated.

A negotiation didn't take place here and the show will now disappear from the streaming platform.

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