September 26, 2026, 2:22 pm | Read time: 9 minutes
Every TV series fan knows the effect: The first season captivates, while the second often fails to meet high expectations. The so-called second-season curse is not uncommon in the TV world. Series often start with much praise but lose significant approval in their continuation. Some series lost more than half of their positive reviews within just one season. TECHBOOK took a closer look at how significant these declines can be.
The selection and order were based on the Tomatometer ratings from Rotten Tomatoes. According to their own information, these are based on the “collected opinions of hundreds of film and TV critics.” The percentage indicates the share of considered reviews that were positive.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers.
Rank 9: “The Man in the High Castle”
- Season 1: 95
- Season 2: 64
- Decline: 32.6 percent
The alternate history series “The Man in the High Castle” is based on the novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick and is set in a world where Germany and Japan won World War II. In the first season, several characters become central to an increasingly large resistance against the occupying forces due to mysterious film footage.
In Season 2, the story of various resistance groups, political power struggles, and alternate realities continues. The series significantly expands its plot and distributes focus across multiple locations and characters. While many elements from the first season were developed further, the continuation focused more on the consequences of previous events and the development of different factions within the world. Due to the growing complexity and the multitude of parallel storylines, the narrative sometimes seemed less focused than in the highly acclaimed first season. “The Man in the High Castle” is available on both Prime Video and Netflix.
Rank 8: “American Gods”
- Season 1: 92
- Season 2: 61
- Decline: 33.7 percent
The fantasy series “American Gods” is based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman and tells the story of Shadow Moon, who, after his release from prison, becomes embroiled in a conflict between old and new gods. The first season stood out with its elaborate visuals, unusual characters, and blend of mythology and modernity. Critics particularly praised the visual design and the unique atmosphere of the series.
In Season 2, the conflict between the old and new gods is further developed. The plot follows familiar characters on their path to an impending war while introducing new characters and locations. Compared to the first season, the continuation places more emphasis on expanding the backstory and developing individual characters.
As a result, the main storyline occasionally took a backseat, and the narrative pace noticeably slowed. Meanwhile, production behind the scenes was turbulent, including personnel changes in the creative team, which were often linked to the altered direction of the series. In Germany, the series is currently not included in any streaming subscription. However, it can be purchased via Prime Video and Apple TV.
Rank 7: “Bloodline”
- Season 1: 81
- Season 2: 53
- Decline: 34.6 percent
The drama/mystery series “Bloodline” had a strong start with its first season. The seemingly perfect Rayburn family is at the center of the first season, whose dark secrets gradually come to light after the return of the black sheep, Danny.
In Season 2, the Rayburns must live with the consequences of the events from the finale. Instead of a new major secret, the plot revolves around cover-ups, guilt, and increasing tensions within the family. As a result, many episodes lacked the central tension that carried the first season for much of its run. The series is included in the Netflix subscription.
Rank 6: “Star Trek: The Next Generation”
- Season 1: 91
- Season 2: 57
- Decline: 37.4 percent
The science fiction series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” brought the “Star Trek” universe back to screens in the late 1980s with a new crew. The first season centers on the crew of the USS Enterprise-D under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, exploring new worlds, species, and phenomena on their missions. The series built on many familiar elements of the franchise and laid the foundation for numerous characters and storylines that were later developed further.
In the second season, the Enterprise continues its research missions, encountering unknown civilizations and complex moral and scientific questions. At the same time, the series continued to experiment with tone, characters, and narrative structure. The season was produced during a phase of several behind-the-scenes changes, which also affected the development of individual episodes. “Star Trek: The Next Generation” can currently be streamed as part of a trial subscription on Paramount+.
Rank 5: “Heroes”
- Season 1: 82
- Season 2: 50
- Decline: 39 percent
The superhero series “Heroes” quickly became one of the biggest TV hits of the 2000s after its debut. In the first season, people around the world suddenly discover supernatural abilities and become part of a shared story leading to a global catastrophe. The mix of interconnected storylines, new characters, and the overarching mystery of the impending destruction of New York was well-received by critics and viewers alike.
In Season 2, the series universe is expanded with new characters, threats, and conspiracies. This time, a deadly virus, conflicts within the group, and further mysteries about the origin of the abilities are central. At the same time, the season was significantly shorter than planned after the writers’ strike in Hollywood affected production. As a result, several storylines were shortened or not continued as originally intended. “Heroes” is included in the Netflix subscription.
Rank 4: “Reaper”
- Season 1: 100
- Season 2: 60
- Decline: 40 percent
The fantasy-comedy series “Reaper” revolves around young Sam Oliver, who learns on his 21st birthday that his parents sold his soul to the devil before he was born. From that moment on, he must capture escaped souls for the devil and send them back to hell. The first season combines supernatural elements with humor and follows Sam as he tries to balance his normal life with his unusual task.
In Season 2, Sam’s relationship with the devil takes center stage more than ever. While he continues to hunt escaped souls, he learns more about his parents’ contract and the circumstances that led him to this situation. At the same time, conflicts over his future intensify as several characters try to influence his fate. The second season focuses more on the overarching plot and highlights the background of Sam’s mission. In Germany, the series is currently not included in any streaming subscription. However, it can be purchased via Prime Video and Apple TV.
Rank 3: “Wayward Pines”
- Season 1: 78
- Season 2: 43
- Decline: 44.9 percent
The mystery series “Wayward Pines” begins with a secret: Secret Service agent Ethan Burke wakes up after an accident in the seemingly idyllic small town of Wayward Pines. He quickly realizes he cannot leave the town and that something is amiss behind the perfect facade. The first season thrives on its puzzles and revelations as Ethan tries to uncover the truth about Wayward Pines.
In Season 2, the focus shifts to new characters and the future of the community within Wayward Pines. After the central mysteries of the first season were largely resolved, power struggles, conflicts between different groups, and the survival of the residents take center stage. The series evolves from a mystery story to a drama about an isolated society and its internal tensions. The series lost a significant part of its suspense due to the absence of many puzzles and surprises. The first season of “Wayward Pines” is available for free on Prime Video, but the second season is a purchase title.
Rank 2: “True Detective”
- Season 1: 91
- Season 2: 47
- Decline: 48.4 percent
The anthology series “True Detective” debuted in 2014 with a highly acclaimed first season, in which detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart investigate a mysterious murder case in Louisiana. The series combined classic crime elements with psychological themes and a dark atmosphere. The performances of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, as well as the complex storytelling, were widely praised.
In Season 2, a completely new story with new characters is suddenly told. This time, several investigators and a criminal are at the center, who become entangled in a web of corruption, power struggles, and crime after the murder of a politician. Instead of rural settings and a case spanning years, the series shifts focus to the criminal structures in California and the connections between politics, business, and organized crime. The fifth season is set to air in 2027 on Prime Video. “True Detective” is fully available on HBO Max.
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Rank 1: “13 Reasons Why”
- Season 1: 77
- Season 2: 29
- Decline: 62.3 percent
The drama series “13 Reasons Why” is based on the novel of the same name by Jay Asher. It centers on student Clay Jensen, who receives several tapes after the suicide of his classmate Hannah Baker. On them, Hannah explains which events and people from her environment contributed to her decision. The series sparked worldwide discussions about bullying, mental health, and handling sensitive topics.
In Season 2, the consequences of Hannah’s death and the impact on her classmates are further explored. At the center are a court case against the school, new revelations about the events before Hannah’s death, and the question of how those affected deal with the incidents. However, the central story was largely concluded in the first season, so the continuation could not unfold the same narrative impact. All four seasons of “13 Reasons Why” can be watched on Netflix.
A Poor Sequel Is Not a Death Blow
The comparison shows how difficult it is for many series to follow up on a successful debut. The declines become particularly evident when the central story has already been told, key characters are missing, or the tone and direction of the series change noticeably.
At the same time, the list shows that a poorly rated second season does not necessarily mean the end of a series. Some titles even managed to significantly improve in the following years. “True Detective” reached a Tomatometer score of 84 percent with Season 3, while “Star Trek: The Next Generation” even achieved 100 percent for its third season.
It’s important to note that the Tomatometer ratings reflect only the critics’ assessments. Viewer ratings can differ significantly, so fans should not be deterred by a poorly rated second season.