Max cancels Tokyo Vice, and fans of the highly-rated crime series aren't happy

Ken Watanabe and Ansel Elgort in Tokyo Vice

(Image credit: HBO)

Max subscribers may be frustrated with the streaming service after the shocking news of an immediate subscription increase last week. Furious Max users have had their say about the recent price hike, criticising the streamer’s relative lack of content – and the same arguments are being made after its decision to cancel the show Tokyo Vice.

The series has had a short life, airing from 2022 to 2024. It followed Western journalist Jake Adelstein who worked for a publication in Tokyo, as he takes on one of the city's most powerful crime bosses. But it has now reached an end point, leaving many fans criticizing Max even further.

Speaking about the cancellation of what we rate as one of the best Max shows, a spokesperson for the streamer said (per Deadline): “From Tokyo Vice’s richly written material to the gorgeously composed shots to the lived-in performances, the care and creativity of this enormously talented cast and crew shines in every frame of the show.

“We thank J.T., Alan, Ansel, Ken, Fifth Season, and Wowow for their partnership on this wholly unique modern noir thriller.”

Elsewhere, series creator J.T. Rogers and executive producer Alan Poul added: “The response from both the press and from fans, in particular to Season 2, has been overwhelming. It’s been thrilling to find out how deeply viewers have engaged with our characters, and to hear how they are clamoring for more.

“We know there is more story to tell. Of course we’ll see what the future holds, but we are indeed grateful to have been able to share this story on Max until now.”

Why are people angry about Tokyo Vice ending?

Tokyo Vice’s cancellation has further fuelled the fire for many disgruntled subscribers, who have taken to social media to complain about the lack of original content on the streaming service. With the creators admitting there could have been scope for season three, fans are disappointed the opportunity has been cut short.

‘Tokyo Vice’ Canceled by Max After Two SeasonsThis is so disappointing ⁦@StreamOnMax⁩ I love this show. So mad. Why would you cancel it was only thing I was watching currently on Max. Why do I need Max now? I don’t until Dragons. So cancel it. 🤷‍♀️ https://t.co/v1NzsjBhWtJune 8, 2024

Another argued that the series should move to Netflix, calling it “one of the most quality-driven shows in decades”, criticizing Max for an oversaturation of content but neglecting to focus on good-quality shows.

@netflix @Ted_Netflix_CEO Belongs with an org that is not afraid to put quality before quantity. Tokyo Vice is one of the most quality-driven shown in decades, How brave; needs a braver platform to distribute it.June 9, 2024

Right now, Tokyo Vice’s future is uncertain but it looks like its time on Max has come to an end. If it is picked up, it will likely go to one of the other best streaming services – after all, it wouldn't be the first cancelled Max show with killer reviews to find itself on Netflix.

Lucy is a long-time movie and television lover who is an approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes. She has written several reviews in her time, starting with a small self-ran blog called Lucy Goes to Hollywood before moving onto bigger websites such as What's on TV and What to Watch, with TechRadar being her most recent venture. Her interests primarily lie within horror and thriller, loving nothing more than a chilling story that keeps her thinking moments after the credits have rolled. Many of these creepy tales can be found on the streaming services she covers regularly.

When she’s not scaring herself half to death with the various shows and movies she watches, she likes to unwind by playing video games on Easy Mode and has no shame in admitting she’s terrible at them. She also quotes The Simpsons religiously and has a Blinky the Fish tattoo, solidifying her position as a complete nerd.