Netflix has quietly cancelled The Ultimatum: Queer Love, its reality dating series centring on queer, lesbian, and nonbinary couples. The streaming platform confirmed the decision on 2 October 2025, effectively ending the show’s run after two seasons and dashing hopes for a third.
The cancellation marks a surprising turn for Netflix, which once championed the LGBTQ+ spinoff as a bold experiment in relationship reality TV. The original version, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, continues to air, highlighting that this decision specifically affects the queer iteration.
A Bold, Brief Experiment
Debuting in May 2023, The Ultimatum: Queer Love reimagined the high-stakes relationship format by spotlighting queer couples. In each season, one partner issued an ultimatum to marry or split, after which couples separated and explored compatibility with someone new before deciding their relationship’s future.
Season 2, which premiered in June 2025, shifted the setting to Miami and introduced a fresh set of six couples navigating emotional trials and shifting loyalties. JoAnna Garcia Swisher hosted both seasons of the LGBTQ+ version, replacing Nick and Vanessa Lachey, who continue to lead the original show.
Despite strong fan engagement, the queer version has now ended—raising questions about the platform’s commitment to inclusive programming.
Why Was It Cancelled?
Netflix has not provided a detailed reason for the show’s cancellation. However, insiders suggest internal restructuring and “content scalability” played a role. The queer-focused version may have been viewed as less commercially viable compared to its heterosexual counterpart.
This decision comes amidst a broader trend across streaming services, which have increasingly scaled back reality content aimed at marginalised or niche audiences.
Representation and Impact
Though short-lived, The Ultimatum: Queer Love made a significant cultural impact. It was one of the first mainstream reality dating shows to centre entirely on LGBTQ+ relationships—moving beyond tokenism to explore real conversations around commitment, boundaries, and identity.
Its second season, in particular, generated buzz for a fiery reunion special that featured intense emotional reckonings among former couples.
While some critics noted flaws in its format and production, others praised the show for giving visibility to stories rarely seen in reality TV: queer women and nonbinary people wrestling with family pressure, long-term compatibility, and power dynamics on their own terms.
What’s Next?
With its cancellation, the show leaves behind a mixed legacy—both groundbreaking and unfinished. Many fans and media advocates are now calling on streamers to learn from its strengths: authentic casting, challenging narratives, and elevating queer voices not just on screen, but in production roles behind the scenes.
Whether future LGBTQ+ reality shows follow in The Ultimatum: Queer Love’s footsteps—or build something even stronger—remains to be seen.
