17 Canceled TV Shows That Deserve Another Season
When a TV show is canceled abruptly, it can devastate fans. Some cancellations may be justified, but others leave loyal viewers disappointed they didn't get any closure. With shows being canceled left and right, there is no shortage of series that deserve a final season.
1. Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)
Pushing Daisies was a fantasy series that followed a pie maker who could bring the dead back to life with a touch. The show was praised for its whimsical tone and clever storytelling but was canceled after two seasons due to low ratings. Another season could allow the show to continue exploring its unique concept and quirky characters.
2. Ozark (2017-2022)
Mark William and Bill Dubuque's crime drama series followed a financial planner who moves his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a drug cartel. Like Breaking Bad, the show was praised for its tense storytelling and strong performances. However, despite its popularity, the series faced a shocking cancelation after four seasons due to the showrunners' decision to end the story on their terms.
3. GLOW (2017-2019)
GLOW‘s cancellation left a lot of fans disappointed. As they tend to do, Netflix canceled the show without warning and never gave fans an ending.
4. Happy Endings (2011-2020)
Happy Endings was a hilarious comedy that sadly only lasted for three seasons. The cast had amazing chemistry and comedic timing.
5. Heroes (2006-2010)
Heroes is a science fiction drama series about individuals with extraordinary abilities who come together to save the world from destruction. The show had a strong following during its first season but suffered from poor writing and character development in subsequent seasons, leading to its cancellation after four seasons.
6. Firefly (2002)
Firefly was a space western that followed the crew of the spaceship Serenity as they traveled through the galaxy, taking on jobs to survive. Despite its critical acclaim, the show was canceled after just one season, disappointing fans. The show's well-developed characters and the story had a lot of potential for exploration. A revival could provide an opportunity to explore the characters and their backstories in greater depth and the universe in which the show was set.
7. Daredevil (2015-2018)
Daredevil was a superhero series that followed the story of Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who uses his heightened senses to fight crime in the streets of New York City. The show was praised for its gritty realism and compelling characters but was canceled after three seasons due to Netflix's decision to halt all of its Marvel shows.
Though Disney+ is reviving the series under the name Daredevil: Born Again, a few central actors, such as Deborah Ann Woll, are not returning, which changes the nature of the show.
8. Altered Carbon (2018-2020)
Altered Carbon was a science fiction series exploring a future where human consciousness can be transferred into new bodies, allowing people to live forever. The show was praised for its stunning visuals and complex plot but was canceled after two seasons due to budget concerns. A revival could allow the show to continue exploring the implications of this technology and the ethical questions it raises.
9. Sense8 (2015-2018)
This science fiction series follows eight individuals worldwide who suddenly become psychically connected. The show was praised for its diverse cast and unique storytelling but was canceled after two seasons due to high production costs. A reboot could provide an opportunity to explore the characters, their connections, and the larger conspiracy that drove the plot.
10. My Name Is Earl (2005-2009)
My Name Is Earl is a comedy series about a man named Earl Hickey who sets out to right all the wrongs he's done in his life after winning the lottery and subsequently losing his winning ticket due to bad karma. The show was praised for its quirky characters and unique premise but was abruptly canceled after four seasons, leaving many storylines unresolved. Fans have been calling for a revival or a movie to give closure to the characters' arcs and see Earl complete his list of good deeds.
11. Westworld (2016-2022)
Adapted from the 1973 film, Westworld was a science-fiction series set in a high-tech Wild West-themed amusement park, where humanoid robots called “hosts” cater to human guests' every desire. It achieved far greater success and critical acclaim than its predecessor. The show explores themes of consciousness, free will, and artificial intelligence.
After four seasons spanning over six years, it was announced that HBO was no longer renewing the series. While the show lost steam over its television run over each passing season and the long breaks taken in between, die-hard fans have been clamoring for more due to its complex storytelling and philosophical themes.
12. Community (2009-2014)
Community is a comedy series that follows a group of misfit students at a community college who become unlikely friends. The show was praised for its clever writing, meta humor, and talented cast but was canceled after six seasons due to low ratings.
13. Mindhunter (2017-2019)
The critically acclaimed Netflix crime drama features FBI agents interviewing imprisoned serial killers to help solve ongoing cases. It is based on the novel Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit.
David Fincher, an executive producer, confirmed in February 2023 that the series is unfortunately finished despite previous wishes to revive it.
14. Better Off Ted (2009-2010)
Critics loved this satirical dark comedy, which still has a loyal following, but it failed to register with a large viewing audience. It was canceled after two seasons and has a cult following.
15. Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)
The acclaimed NBC coming-of-age comedy-drama has some serious star power behind it. Judd Apatow was the executive producer, Paul Feig created the series, and it has an ensemble cast starring Linda Cardellini, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Martin Starr.
16. Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
Despite a loyal following, after three seasons, Netflix canceled the series, starring Drew Barrymore as a zombie craving human flesh. Fans definitely wanted to see quirky story play out more.
17. Rome (2005-2007)
Many fans claim that Rome walked so Game of Thrones could run. Its first season is lauded as some of the best television ever, but the HBO series couldn't find an audience through two seasons. Perhaps it was ahead of its time.
