Why WasA.P. BioCanceled Twice? Everything to Know About the Sitcom's History (And How Fans Brought It Back!) Before It Landed on Netflix

Mar. 15, 2025

Glenn Howerton in ‘A.P. Bio’.Photo:Ron Batzdorff/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Ron Batzdorff/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

A.P. Biomay have been canceled two separate times — but that doesn’t mean it has been forgotten.

Though no new episodes have been released since, the series has found a new set of fans after debuting on Netflix on Nov. 15 and quickly claiming its place on the streamer’s Top 10 list — a development Howerton gave a nod to on social media.

“From 2018-2021 we made a show called AP Bio that I am as proud of as anything I’ve ever done in my life,” he wroteon Instagram. “And now all 4 seasons are available on @netflix (and trending!) Check it out and enjoy all the weirdness.”

So why wasA.P. Biocanceled twice? Here’s everything to know about the show getting axed.

Why wasA.P. Biooriginally canceled?

(L-R) Lyric Lewis as Stef, Jean Villepique as Michelle, Mark Proksch as Philip and Mary Sohn as Mary in episode 104 of ‘A.P. Bio’.Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

WhenA.P. Biopremiered on NBC in February 2018, it had a slow start, drawing in 3.2 million viewers, according toVariety. It paled next toWill & Gracewith 4.1 million viewers andChicago Fire’s 5.6 million. In addition,A.P. Biowas the only NBC program of the Thursday lineup to bring in less than a 1.0 rating in the adults 18-49 demo, at 0.9.

Unfortunately, the series went on to average just below 2 million viewers per episode for its second installment, “making it the second lowest rated scripted series for the network,” perVariety. By May 2019, NBC canceledA.P. Bioand creator O’Brien announced the news.

“As most canceled shows probably feel, I think we were just hitting our stride and everyone was still loving the work, so this is very hard,” he wroteon X(formerly Twitter).

Why wasA.P. Biobrought back for season 3 and 4?

Glenn Howerton and Patton Oswalt in “A.P. Bio”.Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

The unexpected happened when NBCUniversal launched its streaming service, Peacock, andA.P. Biowas picked up for season 3.

Reflecting on the renewal news in September 2020, O’Brien shared that thesupport of fanshelped bring the series back.

When Howerton heard the news thatA.P. Biowas returning for season 3, he expressed his gratitudeon X. “I am overjoyed. Congrats to @MikeOBrienXOXO the most for creating such an amazing show. I’m so happy right now,” the actor wrote in July 2019.

The following winter,A.P. Biowas renewed for season 4, becoming Peacock’s first original scripted series to come back, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. Unfortunately, the same wasn’t true the next year: In December 2021, Peacock announced thatA.P. Biowould not be renewed for a fifth season.

“We were honored to be able to give fans two more seasons of this beloved, quirky comedy. We’re grateful to creator Mike O’Brien for his out-of-the-box storytelling and for taking us on this journey with these characters at Whitlock High," the streaming service said in a statement, perDeadline.

Peacock didn’t share further insight about the reasons behind the show’s second cancellation.

What did theA.P. Biocast and crew say following the show’s second cancellation?

Spencer Moore II and Allisyn Ashley Arm in “A.P. Bio”.Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

After four seasons ofA.P. Bio,the cast and crew were upsetthat the series was officially ending, but they were also thankful that the show’s journey lasted as long as it did.

“I’m so proud of this show and so lucky to have been a part of it. I’m sad to see it go. But it was a great run. Mike, you’re a genius,” Howerton wroteon Xin December 2021.

Patton Oswalt, who played Principal Ralph Durbin, echoed Howerton’s words.

Oswalt continued, “Thank you @MikeOBrienXOXO for being an a-one creator and showrunner, thank you @GlennHowerton for making every second FUN.”

Where can I watchA.P. Bio?

Aparna Brielle and Nick Peine in “A.P. Bio”.Ron Batzdorff/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

All four seasons ofA.P. Bioare available to streamon PeacockandNetflix.

This is the first time all 42 episodes of the sitcom have been available to stream outside of the NBCU streaming platform.

source: people.com