Despite Altered Carbon opening up a whole new sci-fi world to Netflix viewers, fans have cited many flaws in the second season that leave them not entirely surprised by its cancellation. A Reddit userposting by the handle u/KevTravels wrote, "Folks blaming Mackie but it's the abysmal writing that did in the show. And the massive cut in budget!"

Many fans, whether justified or not, don't think Mackie was the right person to play Kovacs no amount of talent can save a role that's just the wrong fit. Still, that's not the only reason they believe Altered Carbon's plug was pulled after season 2. One user believed the second season was lacking clever twists and engaging mysteries, calling it a mediocre love story between Kovacs and Quellcrist Falconer (Rene Elise Goldsberry). Another user went as far as calling the writing "hot garbage."

At times, Altered Carbon season 2 left audiences feeling like it was relying on its world and aesthetics to do the heavy liftingat the expense of character development. A true protagonist isn't clear in the second season, with Quellcrist's story eating up a lot of time and yet another Kovacs reappearing (this one played by Will Yun Lee), making it hard to follow and get invested. After Kovacs was the clear protagonist in season 1, fans were confused about who to root for in season 2.

Whether the characters were paper-thin, the flashy effects and sets were less impressive, or the writing left a lot to be desired, it appears not enough people showed up to the digital stadium. According to Deadline, "Netflix's decision not to proceed with further seasons was made in April and is not COVID-related but stems from the streamer's standard viewership vs. cost renewal review process." As a monster budget even a reduced one is always going to be required for a project of Altered Carbon's scale, it presumably made more sense for Netflix to cut its losses as opposed to bleed cash on another season.

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Here's why fans think Altered Carbon got canceled - Looper