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We Cried Over these TV Shows Getting Canceled — 5 Shows We Want to Bring Back Stat!
5 days ago
There is nothing worse than getting really invested in a TV show, learning to love the characters and their storylines… and then get left on a cliffhanger that is never answered. A cancellation is one of the worst fates for a TV show, especially when the storyline had so much potential.
These are 5 TV shows that were canceled too soon.
1. Gilligan’s Island (1964-1967)
As a show that has remained so popular in the 60 years since its debut, Gilligan’s Island , ironically, wasn’t as beloved in its early days. The series features a group of seven people who get stranded on an uncharted island and attempt to escape (many times). The cast and crew were expecting a renewal after its third season, so the sitcom came to an end with the characters still stuck on the island. When it was canceled, the storylines were not yet wrapped up, though in the late 1970s and early 1980s there would be three reunion movies that returned them to civilization.
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2. Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
Unlike many other canceled series, Twin Peaks died out because of a mistake by ABC’s CEO, Bob Iger . The show was immensely popular upon its release in 1990 as fans tuned in to figure out what happened to Laura Palmer. Writer David Lynch intended to drag that mystery out and not reveal the killer, at least not until the finale. But Iger argued that fans should know the answer and ultimately won out.
The show revealed the killer in the middle of season 2 against Lynch’s advisement, which eventually caused the ratings to plummet. Lynch attempted to bring audiences back with an incredible season 2 finale, but it wasn’t enough — Twin Peaks was canceled. It, too, would return in the form of a 1992 feature film and 2017 revival series.
Find out where Laura Palmer, aka Maddy Ferguson, and the cast ended up after ‘Twin Peaks’
3. Roswell (1999-2002)
Roswell debuted in the midst of many shows revolving around otherworldly beings like aliens and witches, giving the series a devoted fan base. While it may not have been as iconic as series like Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer , this 1999 show was still a hit. Roswell was full of drama and relationships like many other 90s series, but it also had the added twist of three alien hybrids living in the world as normal teenagers.
While the show was able to wrap up the character’s storylines before it was canceled, the ending was a bit rushed and there was room for more growth. But, as many know, TV cancellations know no boundaries.
Catch up with the Roswell cast, including Katherine Heigl, Jason Behr and more. See where they ended up after the series!
4. Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)
Now considered a cult classic, Freaks and Geeks was not always so popular. Thanks to a bad time slot on NBC (Saturday night at 8 PM), the show never brought in much of an audience. On top of that, it was aired sporadically thanks to the World Series — airing on the same network — as well as the holidays, which caused the show to be pulled for a few weeks.
Freaks and Geeks was eventually canceled after airing only 12 of its 18 episodes, but has grown a fan base over the years. Because it was the starting point for major actors like James Franco , Jason Segel and Linda Cardellini , fans go back to watch the stars’ first TV role.
Find out where else you know these major stars from!
5. The O.C. (2003-2007)
This teen drama was a massive hit when it was released. Similar to Beverly Hills, 90210 , this 2003 series pulled audiences in with its thrilling drama and toxic relationships, which is why everyone was upset when The O.C. was canceled prematurely.
Due to a drop in ratings after the main character, Marissa Cooper (played by Mischa Barton ), was killed off, the show came to an end after its 4th season, where we saw Ryan ( Ben McKenzie ) move on from Marissa with another girl and everyone else starting a new phase in life. Although it was a happy ending for the characters, fans were disappointed they didn’t get to see what else was in store for the Orange County teens.
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