Buzz
“There’s nothing good on.” We’ve all said those words, especially after lockdowns and quarantines forced most of us into prolonged stays at home. Click, click, click… 200 channels of nothing worthwhile.
Oh great, it’s season 7 of The Curse of Oak Island—a show where a group of less-than-impressive treasure hunters spends an entire hour digging an empty pit. Meanwhile, Black Monday on Showtime is so bad that it makes me loathe the ever-charismatic Don Cheadle. Maybe I’ll just rewatch a few episodes of Big Bang Theory, which gives me a laugh every few seasons.
Why do these terrible shows get greenlit, while the following ten get the axe? It’s no wonder they call it the boob tube.
10. Police Squad! (1982, 6 episodes)
“Is this some kind of bust?” “Yes, it's quite the spectacle. But we only need to ask a few questions.”
A comedy way ahead of its time, Police Squad! mocked detective shows with a rapid-fire barrage of jokes. Eschewing the usual sitcom laugh track, Leslie Nielsen and the gang let the audience decide for themselves if the jokes were funny. While it's now common to see comedies without laugh tracks (Modern Family, Veep), back in the early '80s, it was a bold experiment that sadly went unnoticed by many.
To kick things off, Police Squad! boasted one of the most iconic intros in TV history: a point-of-view shot of a runaway cop car speeding through a series of absurd scenes during the opening credits. Years later, Family Guy paid tribute to this clever moment with a scene featuring Stewie on his tricycle. The closing credits were just as inventive, freezing the characters in place while the rest of the scene continued on, often at their expense.
In essence, Police Squad! was essentially the Naked Gun films in TV form (the movies are direct descendants of the series, with the same lead character, Frank Drebin). How in the world did it get cancelled after just six episodes?
What sets Police Squad! apart from other cancelled TV shows is its unique distinction: combined, the three films it inspired have a longer runtime than all of the show's episodes put together.
9. It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (1986, four seasons)
“This is the theme to Garry’s show, the theme to Garry’s show. Garry called me up and asked if I would write his theme song…”
It may seem strange to include a show that aired 72 episodes on this list, but It’s Garry Shandling’s Show – which began on Showtime and was later picked up by the then-nascent Fox Network – was one of the most innovative TV programs of its time.
Only the neurotic genius of the late Garry Shandling could have created the first major sitcom to shatter the fourth wall. The premise – a sitcom where the characters acknowledge they’re in a sitcom, with the lead often breaking away to speak directly to the audience – revolutionized the genre and paved the way for future groundbreaking shows, starting with the “show about nothing” that was Seinfeld.
Garry invites the audience to be part of the fun. In one memorable scene at a restaurant, Garry tells a friend, “If you’re in a bad mood, don’t come in here and take it out on my audience, they’ve been here since 7 am.” The studio audience then tosses bread rolls at Garry’s lunch companion.
Despite deserving a longer run, the show propelled Shandling into the mainstream and paved the way for his role as the star-studded late-night variety show host, Larry Sanders, which became one of the smartest and funniest series ever made.
8. Twin Peaks (1990, two seasons)
Two questions: Who killed Laura Palmer, and why on earth was the most groundbreaking whodunnit ever canceled after just two seasons?
The first question is less important than the latter, because if you watched Twin Peaks with a laser focus on discovering the killer’s identity, you missed the point entirely. This cryptic drama is a wild journey into the dark side of small-town America. Everyone has secrets, and nothing is ever what it seems. As Log Lady puts it in her eerie monotone, Laura Palmer is simply the “one leading to the many.”
Unlike any show in TV history, Twin Peaks thrived on its eccentricity. From the cryptic dancing little people to the elusive and terrifying Killer Bob, David Lynch’s unconventional narrative keeps viewers constantly questioning what’s real, what’s imagined, and what each bizarre twist along the way signifies.
When Twin Peaks came to a close after just two seasons, with many of its lead characters presumed dead and the protagonist possessed by an evil spirit, the show left its audience with more questions than answers. This mystery would eventually lead to the show's short-lived revival in 2017 with 18 episodes.
7. The Critic (1994, two seasons)
Some actors never fully realize their potential because the perfect project for them—one that could have propelled them to the next level—gets cut short. This was the fate of Jon Lovitz, whose animated series The Critic was tragically canceled before it could truly take off, suffering from an early rejection by network executives.
Adult cartoons often struggle to keep their momentum. A prime example of this is Seth MacFarlane’s Family Guy, which, after two cancellations, went on to become one of the most successful animated shows of all time.
The Critic had a clever concept: Jon Lovitz voices Jay Sherman, a sarcastic, balding film critic modeled after himself. The show’s signature bit involved Sherman shoveling popcorn into his mouth while watching parodies of well-known films. “Tonight,” he quips, “I’ll be reviewing Home Alone… 5.” Cut to Catherine O'Hara on a plane, frantically realizing she’s left Kevin home alone once again, “…and he’s only 23!”
Above is a collection of some of the finest film parodies, including Tim Burton’s 'The Nightmare Before Hanukkah' and Dennis the Menace 2 Society, where Mr. Wilson finally gets his long-awaited comeuppance.
The Critic was essentially an animated version of Curb Your Enthusiasm—what happens when a comedian plays a hyperbolic version of himself. Lovitz’s portrayal of Sherman, the arrogant, woman-averse, and unapologetically cynical critic, had a level of authenticity rarely seen in animated series. Unfortunately, even a 1995 Simpsons crossover couldn’t save it from cancellation. And as Sherman would say, 'That stinks!'
6. Mr. Show (1995, three seasons)
Before his iconic role as corrupt lawyer Saul Goodman, Bob Odenkirk starred in a short-lived yet brilliant sketch comedy show on HBO that deserved far more than just 30 episodes.
Mr. Show paired Odenkirk with David Cross, who later gained fame for Arrested Development, in a series of half-hour sketches where one bizarre scene would seamlessly flow into the next. The show’s clever dialogue often featured punchlines echoed across consecutive sketches by different characters, earning it two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing in a Variety Series.
The show’s chaotic structure served as the ideal platform for the duo’s wide range of comedic talents, enabling them to switch between various roles within the same sketches. A prime example is one where a convenience store clerk must navigate the management hierarchy just to get approval for making change for a dollar.
Not every sketch hit its target, but Mr. Show’s greatest moments are among the funniest in television history. In 'Monsters of Megaphone,' the duo takes us back to a time when megaphone singing was the height of musical entertainment. Odenkirk and Cross compete to create new inventions and write impromptu jingles for a live crowd, with Cross belting out: 'Electric tie rack, it’s so nice, moves ties from side to side...'
In 2015, Netflix revived Mr. Show with four new episodes, and the comedic duo’s sharpness remained as impressive as ever.
5. The (UK) Office (2001, two seasons)
Alright, alright, so Ricky Gervais pretty much ended the show himself. Even so, it still deserves a place on this list. Unlike Dave Chappelle, who abruptly left after a huge contract for his legendary Chappelle’s Show, Gervais walked away on top, securing superstardom thereafter.
The UK Office is everything the 170-episode US version tries to be, but with Gervais’s superior talent outshining the entire American cast. Watching the American version is like drinking a generic soda—fine, but once you've had the real thing, you realize something is missing.
The explanation is straightforward: The UK Office is a showcase for Gervais's remarkable talent, and as much as we respect Steve Carell, this role belongs to Gervais. His smarmy, self-assured, and somewhat competent portrayal of a small-time office worker is spot-on. The mockumentary format, paired with Gervais’s uncomfortable arrogance, brings an edge that the more conventional US remake lacks.
The silver lining is that leaving the show opened up opportunities for Gervais, allowing him to focus on his brilliant stand-up, the podcast-turned-animated series 'The Ricky Gervais Show,' and his current success with the Netflix dark comedy 'After Life.'
4. Firefly (2002, one season)
How could a space Western set in the year 2517 possibly fail?
Firefly centers on a crew of nine passengers aboard the spaceship Serenity as they journey through a newly discovered star system. Initially, the series may come across as a typical cheesy Sci-Fi adventure, the kind that would be mocked by the Mystery Science Theater 3000 team. But it’s far more than that.
The show, well, it simply clicked. Joss Whedon, who both wrote and directed, pitched it as 'nine people looking into the blackness of space and seeing nine different things.' This blend of imaginative sci-fi is balanced with a strong focus on character development. The premise of being alone in unknown space not only adds a layer of uncertainty to the crew’s survival but also allows Whedon to explore how individuals from diverse backgrounds – including some who fought on the losing side of a civil war – deal with isolation, fear, and stress.
The series also tackles the future in a grounded way. Fast-forward 500 years, humanity has depleted Earth’s resources, which prompts a technological drive to colonize new planets and moons. The central government is a hybrid of China and the United States, bent on expansion as they search for new worlds to inhabit. This fosters a 'boldly go' mentality that often contrasts with the actual vulnerabilities and struggles of the Serenity’s crew.
Sadly, the show didn’t have the chance to explore its nine characters in full depth, as Firefly was prematurely sucked into Hollywood’s black hole, lasting only a single season with 14 episodes.
3. Mindhunter (2017, two seasons…?)
In a world where 'Law & Order' ran for 20 seasons with six spinoffs, and the NCIS franchise has racked up nearly 800 episodes, how on earth has 'Mindhunter' not been renewed after just two seasons by Netflix, a company worth more than Disney?
Based on the true-crime book 'Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit,' the series immerses viewers in the 1970s Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI. Here, two agents and a criminal psychologist interview imprisoned serial killers to understand what drives them to kill compulsively. Chillingly, many of the dialogues in the prison scenes are based on actual interview transcripts.
Mindhunter is a gradual dive into the twisted mind of a serial killer. Its portrayal of addiction – the compulsive urge to kill, which fuels itself – is particularly gripping. At a time when infamous figures like Ted Bundy and the Son of Sam were terrorizing the streets, Mindhunter feels like a period drama that stands apart from the usual whodunnits that dominate prime-time TV.
In January, Netflix chose to release the cast of Mindhunter from their contracts. While this doesn’t confirm the show’s cancellation, it certainly doesn’t bode well. Perhaps Netflix should redirect some of the funds from the endlessly captivating 'Fuller House' or stop handing out specials to every second-rate comedian (yes, I’m looking at you, Ali Wong). There are serial killers out there who need catching. Priorities, folks.
2. Timeless (2016, two seasons)
For history enthusiasts, Timeless offered a fascinating narrative with a deceptively simple concept: saving the world by traveling through different time periods.
Timeless weaves a compelling theme of humanity's self-destruction through technology. A brilliant inventor creates a time machine, only for an evil corporation to steal it. A diverse trio – a U.S. Army Delta Force operative, a scientist, and a historian – are entrusted with preventing a global secret organization from changing history for the worse, as they journey across time and space.
Engaging and thought-provoking, viewers find themselves immersed in both familiar and obscure historical events, ranging from the American Civil War to the eerie “Murder Castle” built by serial killer H.H. Holmes during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The protagonists face the dilemma of protecting history without altering it for their own benefit; the Hindenburg must still meet its tragic end, the Alamo must remain a lost battle, and JFK's fate remains sealed.
The montage above highlights Timeless' undeniable allure, and sadly, one of the reasons it was prematurely cut short: period dramas come with hefty production costs. Coupled with lackluster ratings in a world more focused on mainstream entertainment like Dancing with the Stars, Timeless almost faced cancellation after its first season, and ultimately ran out of time after two.
1. Sleeper Cell (2005, two seasons)
Amidst the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the London bombings, and other notable acts of terrorism, Showtime debuted what was initially marketed as a ten-episode miniseries under the tagline 'Friends. Neighbors. Husbands. Terrorists.'
The story follows an undercover FBI agent, a practicing Muslim, who infiltrates a terrorist cell plotting a major strike in Los Angeles. While at times it can feel overly preachy – with the show seemingly going out of its way to present a racially diverse cast of aspiring terrorists, like a radical Islamic Burger King Kids’ Club – it still succeeds in delving into the tension between Western life and the falsehoods of religious violence, while presenting an array of personal life stories.
Through a blend of flashbacks and flash-forwards, viewers witness how each aspiring terrorist grew disillusioned with America, eventually deciding to sacrifice their lives for Allah. Despite the relatively unknown cast, the acting stands out and played a role in earning an Emmy nomination.
The series shines in its focus on anti-action, carefully laying out the breadcrumbs that lead characters on their distinct paths toward martyrdom, while exploring the deceit and loyalty tests imposed by their suspicious, calculating leader. Sleeper Cell transforms the unimaginable into something chillingly plausible – a tense, 'who can you trust?' thriller aimed at unsettling an already fearful public. Given its concept and potential for countless storylines, its premature cancellation after just two seasons felt like a missed opportunity.
