Quick Read
- The 100 debuted on The CW in 2014 and ran for seven seasons, ending in 2020.
- Netflix will remove The 100 from its platform on December 18, 2025.
- The series is praised for its fresh take on post-apocalyptic drama and strong ensemble cast.
- Lexa’s death in Season 3 sparked controversy over LGBTQ representation.
- The show remains available for streaming on HBO Max in the U.S.
When The 100 made its debut on The CW in 2014, few predicted the seismic impact it would have on the post-apocalyptic genre. In a decade brimming with ambitious science fiction—from the philosophical labyrinths of Westworld to the supernatural intrigue of American Gods—the show carved its own niche, blending survival drama with social commentary. Now, as 2025 draws to a close, The 100 bids farewell to Netflix, prompting fans and newcomers alike to revisit its enduring legacy.
For seven seasons, The 100 told the story of humanity’s desperate gamble after a nuclear event rendered Earth uninhabitable. The remnants of civilization survived in orbit, clinging to a fragile existence aboard the Ark. Their solution to dwindling resources and mounting tension? Send one hundred teenage prisoners back to the planet to test its habitability. What unfolded was not just a tale of survival, but a nuanced exploration of morality, leadership, and the weight of choices made under extraordinary pressure.
The Rise and Resonance of The 100
Created by Jason Rothenberg, The 100 quickly distinguished itself from its contemporaries. While zombie dramas dominated the post-apocalypse landscape, this series asked deeper questions: What does it mean to rebuild society from scratch? How does trauma shape identity? Eliza Taylor’s portrayal of Clarke Griffin—a reluctant leader thrust into chaos—became the emotional anchor for viewers. Alongside Bob Morley’s Bellamy and a sprawling ensemble cast, the show tackled complex alliances, betrayals, and the perennial struggle between hope and despair.
Critics were initially cautious, but momentum built. The first season landed a respectable 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, and subsequent seasons saw a steady climb in acclaim. By the show’s final years, the series boasted a perfect 100% score for three consecutive seasons, a testament to its narrative ambition and cast performances. Rothenberg’s decision to conclude the story after seven seasons was both bold and respectful—a move to preserve the integrity of the arc rather than chase endless renewals.
Controversy and Conversation: Lexa’s Legacy
No discussion of The 100 is complete without addressing its most contentious moment: the death of Lexa (Alicia Debnam-Carey) in Season 3. The character’s relationship with Clarke was groundbreaking for LGBTQ representation on mainstream television, sparking hope and excitement among fans. But Lexa’s abrupt exit echoed the infamous “Bury Your Gays” trope—a pattern where queer characters are disproportionately killed off—igniting outrage and disappointment.
For many, Lexa’s death was an inflection point. It forced both creators and audiences to confront the responsibilities of storytelling. The backlash rippled beyond fandom circles, prompting industry-wide conversations about representation and the impact of creative choices. While The 100 continued to push boundaries in other areas, the controversy remains a defining part of its legacy.
A Cast That Became Family
Over its seven-year run, The 100 amassed a diverse and dynamic cast, each bringing depth to the evolving narrative. Marie Avgeropoulos’ Octavia Blake transformed from rebellious outcast to formidable leader. Lindsey Morgan’s Raven Reyes became the show’s resilient heart, embodying intelligence and grit. Supporting performances from Devon Bostick, Paige Turco, Henry Ian Cusick, Isaiah Washington, Richard Harmon, Tasya Teles, Ricky Whittle, and others ensured that the ensemble felt authentic and lived-in.
The chemistry among cast members fueled countless storylines—some tragic, others triumphant. The show’s willingness to reinvent itself, introducing new characters and shifting alliances, kept the narrative fresh even as the stakes grew ever higher. The final season’s conclusion was bittersweet, wrapping up arcs while leaving room for reflection on what survival truly costs.
Streaming Shifts: Where to Watch The 100 in 2025
As of December 18, 2025, The 100 will leave Netflix, joining other CW staples like Supernatural and Arrow in departing the platform. For fans who haven’t finished the saga—or those eager to relive Clarke’s journey—there’s still a silver lining: HBO Max remains the show’s U.S. streaming home. This shift underscores the evolving landscape of digital distribution, where beloved series migrate between platforms, sometimes out of reach for casual viewers.
While the removal is disappointing for many, it’s also a reminder of the impermanence of streaming libraries. The 100’s availability on HBO Max ensures its story will continue to find new audiences, even as the era of “everything on Netflix” fades into memory.
The Enduring Appeal of The 100
Why does The 100 continue to resonate, five years after its finale? Perhaps it’s the show’s refusal to shy away from difficult questions. Maybe it’s the cast’s raw performances, or the world-building that balanced spectacle with substance. For some, it’s the memory of those first uncertain steps on Earth—a metaphor for every fresh start, every leap into the unknown.
As fans say goodbye to The 100 on Netflix, the conversation doesn’t end. The show’s legacy lives on in debates about representation, in the passion of its fanbase, and in the way it expanded the boundaries of what television science fiction can achieve.
In revisiting The 100’s journey, we’re reminded that the best stories don’t just entertain—they challenge, provoke, and endure. The show’s departure from Netflix is a milestone, but its impact will linger, shaping the genre and its audience for years to come.
