There is a LOT of crap on TV. If you don't believe me, check out my previous post that covers 24 hours of TV programming. With so many shows out there, it is hard to believe, and often very disappointing when networks decide to cancel your favorite show. These are my picks for the top 10 shows that were cancelled before their time. This does not include shows that ran their course and producers decided to end gracefully, but consists of shows that for one reason or another, were shunned by the network and taken off the air.
1. Arrested Development, FOX 2003-'06: By far the most original and humorous sitcom since Seinfeld. The show lasted three seasons, and they were at least informed midway through the last season that they would not be renewed, so they could tie up the show at least somewhat. The show had a strong fan following and won multiple Emmy Awards, but for some reason FOX shuffled it around their weekly schedule and viewers had a hard time keeping up. The show also featured no laugh-track, was a smarter breed of comedy than most, and did require viewers to watch weekly to keep up with running plot lines. This combination unfortunately sealed the shows fate. Seasons 1-3 can all be obtained on DVD for a reasonable price.
2. Freaks and Geeks, FOX 1999-'00: Another huge mistake by FOX to cancel this show after just 18 episodes. The show follows the life of a handful of high school students during the 80's. While it was a great show that integrated comedy with a touch of nostalgic, sentimental drama, FOX could not find a demographic to cater to with the show and didn't give it enough of a chance to pick up viewer support. The show is not yet being shown in syndication, but the full series DVD is available.
3. NewsRadio, NBC 1995-1999: When Phil Hartman was killed in 1998, NewsRadio tried to carry on, but the comedic heart behind the show had been lost. Though ratings were never all that high for NewsRadio, it's awesome cast of Dave Foley, Andy Dick, Joe Rogan and Maura Tierny provided enough laughs for it to stay on the air. I don't think this show got enough credit while it was on, and I don't think it gets enough credit now for being one of the best comedies of the 90's. The show is being released gradually on DVD, and re-runs can be seen frequently on TBS.
4. Dead Like Me, Showtime 2003-2004: Even though I think this show is great, it's not surprising that it would get canned. First, it was shown on a premium cable channel, which puts a big limit on the viewers it can attract. It did not feature any well known actors, and it's plot concept walked a fine line between dark comedy and drama. The show features a young woman who is killed by a falling airplane toilet seat and becomes a grim reaper In writing it might sound lame, but it really is a good show and the acting is fantastic. DVDs for both seasons are a little pricey, but can be found at great prices on ebay.
5. Carnivale, HBO 2003-2005. Carnivale is a perfect example of why I don't like about HBO. They have a handful of shows that they pump so much money into, that profits cannot possibly keep up with production costs. They seem to constantly be looking for the next "Sopranos" and don't give their shows enough of chance. Carnivale in two seasons won 5 Emmy's and was nominated for dozens of other awards. Yet, at the end of the second season, just when the drama was peaking in suspense, HBO decided not to renew. The show takes place in depression-era America and follows a traveling circus, as an epic battle good and evil is emerging. Imagine X-files with more likable characters, a more compelling story, amazing production & sets, and you have carnivale. HBO also charges ridiculous amounts for its DVDs. So while both seasons are available for purchase, I would recommend spending much less and renting them at your local independent video store (For those in Tucson, try Casa Video, with two-for-one rentals on Tues. and Wed.)
The others:
6. Wonderfalls
7. Mystery Science Theater 3000
8. Family Guy (Though it was brought back from cancellation 3 years later)
9. Dog bites man
10. VH1 Pop-up video
(some informational material from this post was found at IMDB.)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
This is a great list. I pretty much agree with every show on her except the two I never saw... Dog Bites Man and Wonderfalls.
I would probably put Dead Like Me as #1 and Arrested Development at #2. But other than that, Bravo.
Clone high is another one. It was the best show on MTV (surprising, I know) so I knew that it wouldn't last. It was too smart for their demographic.
i watch dead like me reruns on saturday afternoons. i am sad to hear it was cancelled.
Facts about the show Dead Like Me FACT 1 the young woman (Ellen Muth) is killed by a falling toilet seat but not from airplane it was from a space station. FACT 2 As far as not having any well known actors in this show is just not true Mandy Patinkin is very well known. Hear are a few of his movies. Dick Tracy, Alien Nation, The Princess Bride, Yentl, Ragtime and a new series just out 2008 Criminal Minds. Jasmine Guy is known for her role in Harlem Nights as well as her countless appearances on TV shows thought the 80’s and 90’s.
I would add The Dresden Files to this list. It only had one season was about a wizard who killed his uncle with black magic, and worked with the police to solve weird cases. it was never given a fair chance as is the case with most SciFi shows these days.
Post a Comment