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Image via ABC
Sometimes, good TV shows get cancelled. It’s just the reality of networks and, now, streaming television. It can come down to many reasons, from budget to timing to lack of viewership. In some cases, fans look back in hindsight and realize how great the show is and wish they had watched when it was on. In fact, many TV show flops are finding second lives via streaming.
Some TV show flops should be buried in the dark underworld of dead television. But others deserve a second chance, a comeback to show what they have to offer with good stories, a compelling cast, and better timing or distribution.
10 'The Get Down' (2016-2017)
Created by Baz Luhrmann, Stephen Adly Guirgis
Image via Netflix
The Get Down was popular when it streamed on Netflix, yet it only lasted a single season. The reason purportedly relates to the high production costs. Set in the 1970s in the Bronx, it tells the story of the rise of hip-hop and disco music, told through the eyes of teenagers. At the time, it was the most expensive series ever for Netflix. This made it financially impossible to continue, a mistake that could have been easily corrected.
Sure, a lower budget version of The Get Down might not be as exciting or visually appealing. But the story itself was one that fans enjoyed seeing play out on screen. It was praised for its authenticity, the cast of up-and-comers, and the musicality. If the budget could he shaved, The Get Down deserves a comeback and remains on the list of streaming shows cancelled so soon.
9 'Profit' (1996)
Created by David Greenwalt, John McNamara
Image via Fox
Profit was a victim of being released at the wrong time and on the wrong network. The show was far too risqué for Fox and should have aired on a premium network like Showtime or HBO instead. The central figure, Jim Profit (Adrian Pasdar), is an amoral, unethical businessman who did things viewers thought toed the line of acceptability for primetime TV, so much so that the show received letters of outcry.
Profit may have been ahead of its time, but a version of Profit would fit right in with today’s landscape.
Yet shows of the same ilk that are even edgier than Profit, like The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, and Mad Men, came out not long after. So, Profit may have been ahead of its time, but a version of Profit would fit right in with today’s landscape.
8 'neXt' (2020)
Manny Coto
Image via Fox
neXt barely lasted a single season, despite its premise being timely and relevant. John Slattery is Paul LeBlanc, former CEO of a tech giant who created an incredible AI machine. But he is now vocal about his distaste for how much society relies on technology and AI, and he believes that the machine he built is rapidly evolving to dangerous levels. But he is also suffering from a degenerative brain disease, so time is running out for him to get people to listen and do something to stop it.
It's easy to see how neXt is art imitating life, mirroring the present day’s reliance on technology and AI. Might neXt have done better if it was released a few years later once AI became a huge buzzword? Perhaps. But cutting the show, which ranks among the best shows about AI, after only two episodes aired (the remainder of the season still aired after cancellation) was premature.
Next
Release Date 2020 - 2019
Network FOX
7 'Fastlane' (2002-2003)
Created by McG, John McNamara
Image via Fox
Crooked cops who are working a clandestine operation to take down criminals? Yes, please! That’s (sort of) the premise of Fastlane, an action crime drama starring Peter Facinelli and Bill Bellamy as Donovan “Van” Ray and Deaqon “Deaq” Hayes, two cops sent to work for Wilhemina “Billie” Chambers (Tiffani Thiessen), a shady lieutenant. They work out of a garage called the “Candy Store” where everything they confiscate from criminals is stored. Think fancy clothes, cars, weapons, and more. They need this gear, after all, to fit into the criminal underworld and convincingly take down bad guys.
Fastlane offered an exciting, fun, and different twist on the typical procedural. All three actors captured their roles beautifully, and fans were sad to see the show go. It has been more than 20 years since Fastlane ended, but all three actors could totally reprise the roles and bring this hidden gem back.
6 'Terriers' (2010)
Created by Ted Griffin
Image via FX
There are so many police procedurals on television, and most of them do well given the formulaic nature and easy-viewing. Terriers was one such show, a crime comedy-drama noir that has all the elements of a good “buddy cop” show, with the leads one of the best detective duos of the 21st century. Yet it didn’t make it beyond the first season.
The show follows Hank (Donal Logue), a former police officer who teams up with his best friend Britt (Michael Raymond-James), who happens to be a reformed criminal, to run their own private investigation company. Together, they try and help residents of their Ocean Beach town solve cases. The dynamic duo was fun to watch and fans would love to see them return.
Terriers
Release Date 2010 - 2009
Directors Ted Griffin, Adam Arkin, Clark Johnson, Guy Ferland, John Dahl, Michael Zinberg, Rian Johnson
Writers Jed Seidel, Phoef Sutton, Shawn Ryan, Nicholas Griffin, Leslye Headland
5 'Limitless' (2015-2016)
Created by Craig Sweeny
Image via CBS
Limitless is a comedy drama that aimed to capitalize on the popularity of the 2011 movie of the same name starring Bradley Cooper. Jake McDorman takes on the lead role of Brian Finch, a young man who ingests a mysterious pill that can supposedly unlock the full potential of the human brain, effectively turning him into the smartest man in the world for 12 hours. But the pill has deadly side effects, which means Brian has to secretly take an immunity shot after every dose. He uses his skills to help the FBI, working with special agent Rebecca Harris (Jennifer Carpenter). But she nor the agency know about the shot that keeps him alive each time he puts his life at risk.
The show lasted an extra-long, 22-episode season before it was announced that it would not be coming back. But the concept has so much potential. The narrative holes were singled out as a weak spot. Considering how outlandish the storylines are in some of the latest thrillers and procedurals, viewers should suspend belief and just enjoy.
Limitless
Release Date 2015 - 2015
Showrunner Craig Sweeny
Writers Craig Sweeny
4 'Pan Am' (2011-2012)
Created by Jack Orman
Image via Sony Pictures Television
There was so much promise for this period drama with such an incredible cast that includes Christina Ricci, Margot Robbie, Michael Mosley, and Mike Vogel. Pan Am is set in the ‘60s and follows the flight attendants (then known as stewardesses) and aircraft pilots of a fictional airline. It actually performed well and Sony was in talks with Amazon to pick the show up for a second season. But a deal couldn’t be reached, and Pan Amwas shelved.
It's a shame though that left Ricci open to take on other projects like Yellowjackets while Robbie became a huge movie star, heading up the cast of the record-breaking movie Barbie and being named as the world’s highest paid actress in 2023 by Forbes. While the cast might be busy with other projects now, a resurrected Pan Am with a new cast could work, too.
Pan Am
Release Date 2011 - 2011
Network ABC
Showrunner Jack Orman
Directors Jack Orman
3 'Whiskey Cavalier' (2019)
Created by David Hemingson
Image via ABC
Lauren Cohan left The Walking Dead to pursue other acting opportunities, including this action comedy drama in which she starred opposite Scott Foley as two FBI agents. Will (Foley) has just been through a bad break-up when he’s sent to work with a new CIA operative named Frankie (Cohan). Their mission is to literally save the world while trying to navigate their own complicated work and personal lives.
Whiskey Cavalier was swiftly cancelled after its first season, despite positive reviews that praised everything from the chemistry of the leads to the fun storylines. It came down to low ratings, but with the right timeslot, or even streaming service, Whiskey Cavalier could have become the next The Night Agent meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
2 'Go On' (2012-2013)
Created by Scott Silveri
Image via NBC
It was a tragedy to lose Matthew Perry far too soon, and that he starred in a few sitcoms after Friends that never had the same success. One such sitcom was Go On, where he stars as Ryan King, a sports talk radio host grieving the death of his wife. While he thinks he can do it on his own, he realizes he can’t and joins a therapy group. But he starts advising the other members to make disastrous moves. The show received decent reviews, drawing comparisons to Community.
The premise is similar to Shrinking, though that one isn’t a sitcom. But considering that Shrinking is one of the best shows on Apple TV+, there’s definitely room for the concept when done right and reaching the right eyeballs. Perhaps with some modifications, and sadly a new actor at the center, Go On could, well, go on.
1 'Not Dead Yet' (2023-2024)
Created by Casey Johnson, David Windsor
Image via ABC
Following her tremendous success in Jane the Virgin, Gina Rodriguez switched to this sitcom, playing Nell, a journalist who drops everything to move to England with her fiancé. But when they break up, she returns and tries to get her old job back. A lot has changed, however, and she’s relegated to writing obituaries until she can pay her dues and move back up. But then, she starts being able to see and interact with the ghosts of the people she’s writing about, who regale tales of their lives. This allows her to write deeply emotional, personal tributes and her column grows in popularity. But having dead people pop up throughout her days and nights proves disruptive to her personal life.
Not Dead Yet is incredibly funny and sweet with a solid supporting cast that includes Hannah Simone (New Girl), Lauren Ash (Superstore), and Rick Glassman (As We See It), each of whom adds their comedic flare. It’s a shame the show was cancelled, especially with so much promise. There was also such a great roster of guest stars as the obituary subjects, including everyone from Brittany Snow to Paula Pell, Rhea Perlman, Wendie Malick, Rob Corddry, and Marla Gibbs.
Not Dead Yet
Release Date 2023 - 2023
Network ABC
Directors Dean Holland, Melanie Mayron, Gail Mancuso, Michael McDonald
Writers Chelsea Devantez, Becky Mann, Casey Johnson, Marc Firek, Audra Sielaff, Amy Sullivan, Eddie Quintana, Maggie Mull
Keep Reading: 10 Streaming Shows That Were Cancelled Too Soon
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