Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has said that *Mindhunter* did not return chiefly because creator David Fincher chose not to continue it, challenging the widely held view that Netflix cancelled the acclaimed crime drama solely over cost. The series has effectively been dormant since its second season in 2019, despite strong reviews and an ending that suggested further stories.

Fincher previously said the show was too expensive for its audience size, and that Netflix could not justify another season at a similar budget. Sarandos said he would have welcomed a third season, while Fincher has since confirmed the project is officially finished; Netflix nevertheless continued working with him on *Mank* and *The Killer*.