Netflix has canceled The Punisher and Jessica Jones, its last remaining Marvel TV shows. This effectively brings the Marvel Netflix Universe to an end. However, a statement from Marvel itself suggests this won't be the last time we see these characters on TV.

The Rise and Fall of The Marvel Netflix Universe

Comic book characters now dominate the cinematic box office, so it was only a matter of time before they burst onto our TV screens too. Which is why it was exciting to see Netflix building its own mini Marvel universe based around The Defenders.

The individual shows---Daredevil, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and The Defenders---garnered mixed responses. So much so that we reviewed and ranked Marvel's Netflix shows, branding Daredevil the best of the bunch. But now they've all been canceled.

Netflix Cancels The Punisher and Jessica Jones

Netflix canceled Iron Fist and Luke Cage in October 2018 after two seasons apiece. That was quickly followed by Daredevil, which was canceled in November 2018 after three seasons. The Defenders only ran for one season, leaving just two shows still airing.

Now, as first reported by Deadline, Netflix has canceled The Punisher and Jessica Jones. The Punisher is being knocked out after just two seasons, while Jessica Jones will be retired after her third season airs. Which signals the end for the Marvel Netflix partnership.

Netflix issued a statement saying:

"Marvel’s The Punisher will not return for a third season on Netflix. In addition [...] the upcoming third season will also be the final season for Marvel’s Jessica Jones. We are grateful to Marvel for five years of our fruitful partnership and thank the passionate fans who have followed these series from the beginning."

Marvel also issued a letter to the fans, with Jeph Loeb saying:

"Our Network partner may have decided they no longer want to continue telling the tales of these great characters... but you know Marvel better than that. As Matthew Murdock's Dad once said, 'The measure of a man is not how he gets knocked to the mat, it's how he gets back up.' To be continued...!"

Loeb's statement strongly suggests that Daredevil and co. will be back in some form or another. Whether that's on the big screen or the small screen, and together or apart, remains to be seen. But lest we forget that Disney is launching Disney+ in late 2019.

What to Watch on Netflix After The Defenders

For now, we'll just have to bid a fond farewell to Daredevil, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, The Punisher, and The Defenders. But don't despair. If you have watched all of Marvel's Netflix shows, here are the shows to watch after you finish The Defenders.