The CW has officially ended the run of Good Cop/Bad Cop, the crime comedy series starring Leighton Meester and Luke Cook, after just one season. The news comes directly from Cook himself, who took to social media to share the disappointing update with fans who had been hoping for more episodes of the quirky brother-sister detective show.
The series, which premiered on The CW in February 2025, followed siblings Lou and Henry Hickman as they solved crimes in the small Pacific Northwest town of Eden Vale while navigating their complicated family dynamics. Despite earning strong reviews from critics and audiences alike, the show won’t be returning for a second season.
Luke Cook Confirms the Cancellation on Social Media
Luke Cook, who played the awkward but brilliant Detective Henry Hickman, broke the news to fans through a heartfelt TikTok video. The Australian actor didn’t hold back his emotions as he explained that the series would not continue.
“Sad to let you know this but we will not be doing a Season 2 of ‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’,” Cook shared in his video. “I loved making that show, I loved making friends with everybody on that cast and crew, and John (Quaintance), who wrote the show. They’re all my great friends. So I’m sad we won’t get to do it again. But thank you to everyone who watched the show, like thank you.”
Cook went on to acknowledge the supportive messages he received from viewers who discovered the series. He also reflected on the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
“People who were like, ‘Oh, there’s Luke, I’m going to watch him in that show.’ It’s very kind, and I’m glad you loved it. Everyone wrote to me and said they loved it, and I’m so glad that you did. I’m sorry that it didn’t work out and we won’t be doing more of it. But it’s a tough business. Hollywood has the ability to make your dreams come true and also break your heart. Onwards and upwards. Thanks for the support.”
What Was Good Cop/Bad Cop About?
Created by John Quaintance, who previously worked on Will & Grace, the series offered a fresh take on the police procedural format. Leighton Meester starred as Lou Hickman, the no-nonsense detective who finds herself partnered with her younger brother Henry when he returns to their hometown after working for the Seattle Police Department.
While Henry brought impressive detective skills to the job, his complete lack of people skills often created chaos. The situation became even more complicated because their father Big Hank Hickman, played by veteran actor Clancy Brown, served as the police chief. The family dynamic added layers of tension and humor to each episode.
The supporting cast included Blazey Best as Nadia Drozdova, Devon Terrell as Shane Carson, Scott Lee as Joe Bradley, Shamita Siva as Sarika Ray, and Grace Chow as Lily Lim. Fans also spotted Adam Brody making a guest appearance during the eight-episode season.
Critical Acclaim Didn’t Save the Show
What makes this cancellation sting more for fans is the fact that Good Cop/Bad Cop received genuinely positive feedback from both critics and viewers. The first season holds an impressive 91% critics score and 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes .
John Anderson of The Wall Street Journal praised the series, particularly highlighting Meester’s performance.
“Ms. Meester is a deft comedian who elevates what would have been a surprisingly smart comedy anyway. She’s also playing something like a recognizable human, who happens to be funny.”
Fans who discovered the show, especially after it landed on streaming platforms, quickly became passionate advocates for more episodes. Many drew comparisons to beloved comfort shows like Gilmore Girls, but with crime elements mixed in.
One fan wrote on social media: “Perfect balance of mystery, small town/family light-hearted drama and comedy! Gives off the same classic warm and fuzzy feeling of Gilmore Girls but with a crime twist. I really love the refreshing cast and characters who make me constantly look forward to the next episode!”
Another viewer shared: “Such a fun show. Each episode gets better and better. Love the brother/sister dynamic. It puts a fresh spin on a police procedural show. Both actors (Luke Cook, Leighton Meester) are fantastic. The rest of the cast are perfectly cast in their roles. My only gripe was that it was only 8 episodes. I really hope we get a season 2 because I want to see much more of this superb show.”
Low Ratings on The CW Likely Led to the Decision
Despite the strong critical response and passionate fan reactions online, Good Cop/Bad Cop struggled in one crucial area during its original broadcast run. According to ratings trackers, the show was among the least-watched programs on The CW when it aired .
The network has been going through significant changes in recent years, shifting its programming strategy and focusing on more cost-efficient content. Budget considerations likely played a role in the decision not to renew the Australia-based production, which filmed in Queensland as a co-production between Future Shack Entertainment, Jungle Entertainment, and ITV Studios .
Streaming Success on Netflix and Prime Video Came Too Late
Interestingly, Good Cop/Bad Cop found a much larger audience after it became available on streaming platforms. The show landed on Netflix and Prime Video in early 2026, where new viewers discovered it and began demanding more episodes .
On Prime Video, the series achieved a 94% audience rating, proving that viewers who actually gave the show a chance genuinely enjoyed it . Us Weekly even included the series in their list of best sitcoms to stream on Netflix as of January 2026, describing it as “good — both as a police procedural and a comedy about a working-class family trying to get along with one another” .
The streaming success created hope among fans that a second season might still happen. However, the cancellation announcement from Cook confirms that the show’s fate was already decided, likely before the streaming numbers could make a difference.
International Availability and Production Background
Good Cop/Bad Cop aired on The CW in the United States and on Stan in Australia, where it was filmed. The series also secured a deal with Prime Video last year, expanding its reach to international audiences .
For viewers in Germany and other European territories, the show has not yet been released, leaving international fans waiting for distribution deals . UK viewers can access the series through various streaming platforms where it has become available.
The show’s Australian production roots brought a unique visual style to the small-town Pacific Northwest setting, with Queensland standing in for Washington state. This international co-production model has become increasingly common as networks look for ways to create high-quality content while managing budgets.
Where to Watch Season 1 Now
For those who haven’t yet experienced the Hickman family dynamics, all eight episodes of Good Cop/Bad Cop Season 1 remain available to watch. US viewers can find the series on The CW app, Prime Video, and Netflix . The show is also accessible through Roku platforms .
Australian audiences can stream the series on Stan, where it originally aired alongside the US broadcast . The show’s availability across multiple platforms means new viewers can still discover the series and form their own opinions about the canceled gem.
The season ends on a note that clearly set up potential stories for a second season. Lou and Henry uncover evidence of shady family involvement in crime, leaving viewers to wonder how the siblings would balance their duty as police officers with loyalty to their family . Unfortunately, those questions will now remain unanswered.
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The Cast Moves On
With the show officially finished, the talented cast members are moving on to other projects. Leighton Meester, best known for her iconic role in Gossip Girl, delivered one of her most praised performances as Lou Hickman. Fans had celebrated seeing her return to television in a lead role.
Luke Cook, recognizable from Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, brought physical comedy and heart to the role of Henry. His genuine connection with the cast and crew came through in his emotional announcement video.
Clancy Brown, whose career spans decades and includes voicing Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob SquarePants along with dramatic roles in The Penguin and Lost, added weight to the family dynamics as the Hickman patriarch .
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