The Truth Behind The Rumors: Was Dr. Pimple Popper Cancelled? (2025 Update)

The short answer is no, Dr. Pimple Popper was not cancelled, but the show is undergoing a massive and highly anticipated transformation in 2025. For years, the internet has been ablaze with speculation that the beloved, yet stomach-churning, TLC series starring dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee had been quietly axed due to dwindling ratings, patient complaints, or general network fatigue.

However, as of December 12, 2025, the reality is far more exciting for "popaholics." Dr. Sandra Lee is not only continuing her television career but is also launching a brand-new series, Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out, on a different network, signaling a major evolution in her television presence. This move completely refutes the cancellation rumors and sets the stage for a fresh chapter in her mission to treat life-altering skin conditions.

Dr. Sandra Lee: A Complete Professional Biography and Profile

Dr. Sandra S. Lee, known globally by her moniker Dr. Pimple Popper, is an American dermatologist, YouTube personality, and reality television star. Her career exploded after she began posting videos of dermatological procedures, particularly the extraction of large cysts, blackheads, and lipomas, to social media platforms.

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• Full Name: Sandra S. Lee, M.D.
• Known As: Dr. Pimple Popper
• Date of Birth: December 20, 1970
• Birthplace: Queens, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Parents: Her father is a retired dermatologist of Singaporean Chinese descent; her mother is of Malaysian Chinese descent. The family relocated to Southern California when she was five.
• Education:
  • Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology.
  • Medical School: Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now Drexel University College of Medicine) in Philadelphia, PA.
  • Residency: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
• Specialty: Board-Certified Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon.
• Practice: Skin Physicians & Surgeons in Upland, California.
• Husband: Dr. Jeffrey Rebish (also a dermatologist).
• Children: Two sons.
• Net Worth: Estimated to be between $5 million and $7 million, derived from her medical practice, TLC show, YouTube revenue, book deal, and her SLMD Skincare product line.

The Definitive 2025 Status: Why Dr. Pimple Popper Was NOT Cancelled

The persistent question, "Did TLC cancel Dr. Pimple Popper?" is a classic case of a rumor spiraling out of control during a network transition. The show, which premiered in 2018, ran for multiple successful seasons on TLC, but the latest news confirms a pivot, not a permanent end.

The primary reason the cancellation rumors are false is the official announcement of a new series. In September 2024, Dr. Sandra Lee confirmed that she was moving to the Lifetime network with a new show titled Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out. This move is less of a cancellation and more of a strategic career shift, demonstrating that the demand for her unique medical content remains exceptionally high.

The new Lifetime series is scheduled to debut in April 2025. Furthermore, Lifetime has already shown immense confidence in the new format by ordering a 20-episode second season of Breaking Out, even before the first season airs. This multi-season commitment is the strongest possible evidence that Dr. Lee's TV career is thriving, not ending.

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The new show is expected to maintain the core elements that fans love—treating complex and often life-altering skin conditions like massive lipomas, steatocystomas, and rhinophyma—but with an added educational layer. The new format will feature Dr. Lee mentoring and guiding younger dermatologists, broadening the scope of the show beyond just the extractions.

The Controversies and Criticisms That Fueled the Cancellation Rumors

While the show was never officially cancelled, it did face various professional and public criticisms over the years, which undoubtedly contributed to the persistent online rumors. These controversies touch on the fine line between medical practice, patient privacy, and reality television entertainment.

1. Professional Criticism of Popping Techniques: Many dermatologists and medical professionals on platforms like Reddit and in medical forums have criticized the show's portrayal of certain procedures. Some argue that the methods shown for extracting common blemishes like blackheads are overly aggressive or not standard practice, suggesting that home popping, inspired by the show, can lead to scarring and infection. The show often focuses on the most visually dramatic procedures, which may not always reflect the nuanced reality of dermatology.

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2. The Ethical Debate on Patient Privacy: The show’s premise relies on patients exposing deeply personal and often embarrassing skin conditions to a massive television audience. While patients sign waivers, the ethical debate about the level of exploitation for entertainment remains a recurring topic. Dr. Lee has consistently defended her work, stating that the show provides a platform for people who cannot afford treatment, often performing procedures for free or at a deep discount, thereby changing their lives. The new show's focus on mentoring may be a way to shift the narrative slightly toward education and away from pure spectacle.

3. Public Feuds and Media Backlash: Dr. Lee has occasionally found herself in minor media spats. She once received criticism from an RN (Registered Nurse) journalist regarding comments she made about nursing practices, leading to a public exchange about scope of practice. She also famously responded to a joke made by Joy Behar on The View, defending the medical necessity and value of her work against claims that it was merely "gross" entertainment. These high-profile moments, though minor, kept the show in the news cycle and provided fuel for the "is it too controversial to last?" speculation.

The Future of Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out on Lifetime in 2025

The new series, Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out, represents a significant and exciting evolution for Dr. Sandra Lee. The shift from TLC to Lifetime, a network known for its focus on female-led narratives and dramatic reality programming, suggests a fresh approach to the content.

The core intention of the new show is to provide a deeper look into the world of dermatology. By adding a mentorship element, Dr. Lee is positioning herself as a teacher, passing on her specialized knowledge of excisions and extractions to the next generation of dermatologists. This format allows the show to retain the dramatic "pop" moments while adding a layer of educational gravitas, potentially appealing to a wider audience and silencing critics who argue the show is purely sensationalism.

While the move to a new network and the launch of Breaking Out in 2025 means the original Dr. Pimple Popper series on TLC has concluded its run, it is a creative and business decision, not a cancellation. Fans can look forward to seeing Dr. Lee back on their screens, tackling the "craziest things" and mentoring new talent, confirming that the world's most famous dermatologist is here to stay. There is also a mention that following the release of the new show, Dr. Lee may take a "well-earned break" from her intense reality TV schedule, but her medical practice and product line, SLMD Skincare, will certainly continue.