10 ’70s TV Shows That Were Canceled After One Season
These '70s TV shows barely made it past their debut, but some still earned cult followings.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The ’70s gave us some of television’s most unforgettable hits, but not every show had staying power. This listicle spotlights ten TV shows from that decade that were cancelled after just one season. Still, they left behind a trace of charm, oddity, or brilliance that fans never quite forgot.
1. “The Texas Wheelers” (1974)
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
Despite a quirky cast led by Jack Elam and a young Mark Hamill, this ritual family sitcom couldn’t spin its wheels fast enough for viewers. ABC pulled the plug after just four episodes aired. It might’ve been too oddball for its own good, or just the wrong show at the wrong time.
2. “The Sixth Sense” (1972)
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
This spooky drama starred Gary Collins as a parapsychologist solving supernatural cases. It had eerie vibes and big-name guest stars, but low ratings buried it after one season. It later got chopped up and repackaged as part of “Night Gallery."
3. “Get Christie Love!” (1974)
ABC staff? on Wikimedia Commons
Teresa Graves made history as the first Black woman to lead an hour-long drama. She played a fearless undercover cop with sharp style and sharper comebacks. Still, the show only lasted one season.
4. “Me and the Chimp” (1972)
CBS Television Network on Wikimedia Commons
Created by Garry Marshall, this sitcom followed a dentist and his family’s new roommate: a chimp named Buttons. Yes, really. Critics weren’t kind, and CBS dropped it after 13 episodes, but it remains a fascinating footnote in TV history.
5. “Planet of the Apes” (1974)
CBS Television on Wikimedia Commons
This small-screen spin-off of the blockbuster film had strong source material and plenty of makeup. But even time travel and gorilla generals couldn’t hold viewers’ attention. It was cancelled after 14 episodes, but it later gained cult status.
6. “The Power of Matthew Star” (1973 pilot)
Steven E. de Souza on Wikimedia Commons
Peter Barton played an alien prince hiding as a high school student. Sci-fi meets teen drama, right? However, the original ‘73 pilot was so delayed and reworked that the series didn’t air until years later, by then, it was already doomed.
7. “Holmes & Yo-Yo” (1976)
Obsidian Soul on Wikimedia Commons
A cop buddy comedy where one of the buddies is a robot. What could go wrong? The punchlines misfired, and the laugh track couldn’t save it. It lasted only 13 episodes before the plug was pulled.
8. “Snip” (1976)
Martijn nl on Wikimedia Commons
A Norman Lear-produced sitcom set in a hair salon, loosely inspired by Shampoo. Despite buzz and a full season filmed, NBC got cold feet and never aired it. It became one of TV’s most famous “unaired” cancellations.
9. “Sons and Daughters” (1974)
TheSkinsAdded on Wikimedia Commons
This short-lived ABC drama focused on middle-class family struggles, ahead of its time in tone and style. It featured Gary Frank, who later found success in “Family.” However, after just nine episodes, the show faded quietly.
10. “S.W.A.T.” (1975)
S.W.A.T. – Die Spezialeinheit on Wikimedia Commons
Fast-paced and packed with action, S.W.A.T. seemed like a surefire hit. However, violent content and political pressure led to its cancellation after just one season. The theme song lived on longer than the show itself.