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© History Oasis
Cancelled: December 2002
Joss Whedon’s space western followed the crew of Serenity navigating the outer rim of civilization. Fox aired episodes out of order. And the network infamously cancelled Firefly after only 11 of 14 episodes. Later, a passionate fanbase known as the “Browncoats” launched campaigns for its return. The move led to the 2005 film Serenity. The show won an Emmy for visual effects despite its brief run. Probably something Apple or HBO should look into resurrecting it.
Cancelled: July 2000
Paul Feig and Judd Apatow created this authentic portrayal of 1980s high school life in Michigan. But NBC relegated Freaks and Geeks to the Saturday night death slot. The move doomed the series before it even had a chance. The show was critically acclaimed by critics, but couldn’t get the viewership needed to continue the series. The show launched careers for Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segel. The series is best remembered for capturing adolescent awkwardness.
Cancelled: June 1991
A murder mystery series crafted by David Lynch and Mark Frost. The series followed a murder case involving FBI Agent Dale Cooper investigating Laura Palmer’s death. Twin Peaks would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. But ABC randomly revealed the true killer, destroying the show’s central mystery. The series ended on a cliffhanger. Luckily, the show returned 26 years later for all those murder freaks on Showtime.
Cancelled: February 2006
This serialized comedy followed the dysfunctional Bluth family after patriarch George Sr.’s arrest for fraud. Arrested Development pioneered dense storytelling. It required episode-by-episode viewing, confusing audiences that were used to standalone sitcoms. Fox dumped the final episodes during the Winter Olympics. Netflix later revived the series.
Cancelled: May 1995
Claire Danes starred as Angela Chase. The show followed her teenage life and gained acclaim for its realistic portrayal of adolescent life. My So-Called Life earned praise from Steven Spielberg and launched Danes’ career alongside Jared Leto’s. ABC cancelled the show after one season despite Golden Globe wins.
Cancelled: November 2008
Bryan Fuller’s forensic fairy tale featured a pie-maker named Ned. Ned had a special power of resurrecting the dead to solve murder mysteries. Pushing Daisies won seven Emmy Awards for its storybook visual style and whimsical tone. But in 2007-08, a writers’ strike put the series on pause. ABC then cancelled the show, saying the ratings collapsed in the second season.
Cancelled: October 2004
Another Bryan Fuller series. Dead Like Me was a dark comedy that transformed Georgia Lass into a grim reaper after her death by falling space debris. Dead Like Me explored mortality with sardonic humor. But conflicts arose during the filming, which forced Fuller to quit. The second season declined in quality without his guidance. Showtime had no choice but to cancel the series after 29 episodes.
Cancelled: March 2002
Judd Apatow’s college comedy followed freshman Steven Karp adjusting to university life. Future stars Jay Baruchel and Seth Rogen made their mark in this comedy. But the timing of the series was off to a bad start. Undeclared premiered weeks after September 11th, when audiences avoided lighthearted content. Fox cancelled the show after 17 episodes. It was an early setback in Apatow’s television career.
Cancelled: April 2004
Bryan Fuller’s third series featured Jaye Tyler receiving messages from inanimate objects at Niagara Falls. Fox cancelled Wonderfalls after broadcasting only four of the thirteen completed episodes. The show later found a cult following via DVD releases. The show was great at showing Fuller’s signature blend of supernatural elements and dark humor.
Cancelled: June 1969
Gene Roddenberry’s iconic space exploration series launched the USS Enterprise crew on their five-year mission. Star Trek was almost cancelled after season two until fan letter campaigns saved it for a third year. NBC cancelled the show despite its groundbreaking diversity and social commentary. The series would go on to spawn a multimedia franchise lasting decades, including movies and merchandise.
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