25 dumbest cancellations in TV history [PHOTOS]

Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
·3 min read
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As a TV viewer, there is nothing as frustrating as becoming invested in a new series, just to have it cancelled in its prime – or sometimes even before it has a chance to reach its full potential.

For decades, the Big Three networks relied on Nielsen ratings when determining which shows survived for another season, and which would receive the axe. With the rise of streaming services, and the addition of numerous networks beyond the original Big Three, there are many more shows competing for viewership, with those viewers also having the ability to choose when to watch. Although the dynamics of viewership have changed, the same two primary elements typically determine the survival of a series: ratings and production costs.

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Nearly 60 years ago, one of the first TV shows to eventually gain cult status despite a short run was cut because of high production costs and sinking ratings. The impeding cancellation of “Star Trek” initiated one of the first letter-writing campaigns by fans to save it, but it only resulted in one more season. In the years since, sci fi shows seem to gain the most devoted followings despite short runs – including “Battlestar Galactica” and “Firefly” – and are the ones that have often found new life in other media outlets and in reboots.

Sitcoms also have a tough time, with several getting cancelled despite numerous Emmy nominations, such as “Buffalo Bill,” or even numerous wins, such as “Taxi” riding out its final season with three Emmy wins out of six nominations. Such series often fell due to network decisions to constantly change time slots, making it difficult for fans to find them – especially in the days before VCRs and DVRs. Fortunately, shows like “WKRP in Cincinnati” found new success in syndication.

Many of these shows have obtained cult status, and had fans organizing letter-writing campaigns and other efforts to save them. For shows like “Veronica Mars,” follow up films and an extra season years later helped to resolve storylines and appease fans. Some shows were actually saved by fans, and went on to survive many seasons despite being cancelled at least once (in some cases, twice). “Cagney and Lacey,” “Baywatch,” “Futurama,” “Arrested Development” and “Family Guy” are just a few that found new life after protests over cancellations, and we did not include them on this list since they did find a way to return with more success than ever.

Enjoy touring our photo gallery above of the 25 dumbest cancellations in TV history, all of which had four seasons or less on their original home networks (listed from most recent to oldest chronologically). In addition to the titles listed above, we feature “Freaks and Geeks,” “My So-Called Life,” “Hannibal,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Deadwood” and more.

You can also tour our galleries of the best shows ever for for ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.

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Launch Gallery: 25 dumbest cancellations in TV history

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