The Shocking Truth: Why Netflix Canceled 'Pulse' And Where The Cast Is Now

The Netflix medical drama Pulse, which captivated audiences with its intense look into the world of emergency medicine, has unfortunately become one of the streamer's one-season casualties. Despite a high-profile cast and a compelling premise centered around a hospital in Miami, the series was reportedly canceled shortly after its premiere. As of today, December 14, 2025, the show's status remains officially concluded, leaving fans of the high-stakes hospital setting and its characters—like the ambitious Dr. Danny Simms—clamoring for answers about why the plug was pulled so quickly.

The decision to not move forward with a second season of Pulse was a surprise to many, especially given the star power involved, including actors known for major roles in hit series like The Boys and Scream. This article dives deep into the latest updates on the show's demise, the critical reception that may have sealed its fate, and provides a complete, up-to-date profile of the talented ensemble cast who brought the Maguire Hospital emergency room to life.

The Complete Biography and Profile of the 'Pulse' Main Cast

The cast of the Netflix medical drama Pulse brought a wealth of experience from other major television and film franchises. Here is a detailed look at the core actors and their most notable roles before joining the emergency medicine series:

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• Willa Fitzgerald (as Danielle “Danny” Simms)
  • Born: January 17, 1991, in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Education: Graduated from Yale University with a degree in theater studies.
  • Major Roles: Best known for her starring role as Emma Duval in MTV’s slasher series Scream. She also portrayed Coach Colette French in the USA Network’s drama series Dare Me.
  • Character in Pulse: Danielle “Danny” Simms, a third-year resident in Emergency Medicine at Maguire Hospital in Miami.
• Jessie T. Usher (as Sam Elijah)
  • Born: Maryland, United States.
  • Major Roles: Stars as the super speedster Reggie Franklin / A-Train in the hit Amazon Original Series The Boys. He also played Cam Calloway on the Starz series Survivor's Remorse.
  • Character in Pulse: Sam Elijah.
• Colin Woodell (as Xander Phillips)
  • Born: December 20, 1991.
  • Major Roles: Known for his roles as Rick Betancourt on The Purge (TV series) on USA Network and Aiden on The CW's supernatural series The Originals. He also appeared in Devious Maids and the film Unsane.
  • Character in Pulse: Xander Phillips.
• Justina Machado (as Natalie Cruz)
  • Major Roles: A highly respected actress known for her starring role as Penelope Alvarez on the Netflix and Pop TV sitcom One Day at a Time. She also had a significant role as Vanessa Diaz in the HBO drama series Six Feet Under.
  • Character in Pulse: Natalie Cruz.
• Jack Bannon (as Tom Cole)
  • Born: March 24, 1991.
  • Major Roles: An English actor best known for playing the title role of a young Alfred Pennyworth, the future butler to Bruce Wayne, in the DC series Pennyworth. He also appeared in the ITV drama series Endeavour.
  • Character in Pulse: Tom Cole.

The Shocking Cancellation: Why 'Pulse' Won't Return for Season 2

The news that Pulse would not be renewed for a second season came as a disappointment to the show's small but dedicated fanbase. While Netflix rarely gives a single, definitive reason for its cancellation decisions, the consensus among industry analysts points to two primary factors: critical reception and streaming performance.

The medical drama reportedly did not land the way Netflix had hoped, receiving a poor critical reception from reviewers. This lack of critical buzz, combined with what were described as "very middling" ratings, likely sealed the show's fate. Even a show with a relatively lower production cost—which Pulse was speculated to be—needs to hit a certain viewership threshold to be justified for a renewal on a major streaming platform like Netflix.

The cancellation of Pulse, alongside other freshman series like The Residence, highlights Netflix's increasingly aggressive strategy of axing shows that do not immediately become a global phenomenon or demonstrate strong potential for future growth. For a medical drama, a genre with heavy competition from established hits, Pulse failed to find its unique pulse in the crowded streaming landscape.

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The Legacy of 'Pulse': A Deep Dive into the Emergency Medicine Setting

Set at the fictional Maguire Hospital in Miami, Pulse attempted to capture the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world of an emergency room, a setting that has long been a staple of successful television. The show focused on Danielle “Danny” Simms, a third-year resident who navigates the intense pressures of saving lives while dealing with her own complex personal history.

The series aimed to blend the technical complexity of emergency medicine with the personal drama of its ensemble cast. The inclusion of established actors like Justina Machado, known for her powerful dramatic and comedic performances, and Jessie T. Usher, a star from the superhero genre, was intended to give the show a broad appeal. However, the initial reception suggested that the show struggled to differentiate itself from other medical series.

The show's short run still managed to introduce compelling characters and storylines involving the intricacies of hospital politics, ethical dilemmas in patient care, and the emotional toll on healthcare workers. The focus on a teaching hospital environment, where residents are constantly tested, provided a rich backdrop for drama, even if the execution ultimately fell short of Netflix's renewal metrics.

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What’s Next for the Cast After the 'Pulse' Conclusion?

Despite the short lifespan of Pulse, the talented cast members have quickly moved on to other high-profile projects, which is typical for in-demand actors in the streaming era. The conclusion of the series simply frees up their schedules for new opportunities.

Jessie T. Usher remains a central figure in the highly successful and critically acclaimed series The Boys, ensuring his continued visibility in the superhero genre. His role as A-Train is one of the most recognizable on television, and fans can expect to see him in future seasons and spin-offs.

Willa Fitzgerald, a Yale-educated actress with a diverse portfolio, is expected to continue her career across film and television, leveraging her experience from both Scream and Pulse. Her versatility makes her a strong candidate for leading roles in future dramas.

Jack Bannon, who gained international recognition for his portrayal of Alfred Pennyworth, will continue to be associated with the DC universe, a powerful franchise that offers long-term career stability. Similarly, Justina Machado, with her extensive background in beloved series like One Day at a Time and Six Feet Under, will remain a sought-after talent for both comedy and drama roles.

The cancellation of Pulse serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the streaming world, where even a well-cast show can be quickly dismissed if it doesn't immediately resonate with a massive global audience. While the show itself is over, the careers of its stars are very much still in their prime.