20 Discontinued TV Shows That Deserve a Second Chance
Some TV shows were canceled too soon, and it’s time they got the second chance they deserve.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
Television history is full of great shows that ended before their time. Whether due to low ratings, network decisions, or bad timing, some series never got the proper run they deserved. Here are 20 discontinued TV shows that absolutely need a comeback.
1. Firefly
Firefly Fox on Wikimedia Commons
Firefly was a space-western masterpiece that got canceled after just one season. Despite its devoted fanbase, Fox pulled the plug before the story could unfold. The Serenity movie gave some closure, but it wasn’t enough. A revival could finally explore the rich world Joss Whedon created.
2. Freaks and Geeks
Amblin Partners on Wikimedia Commons
This cult-classic coming-of-age series had everything—great writing, a fantastic cast, and plenty of heart. Sadly, it lasted only one season before NBC axed it. The show launched the careers of Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segel, proving its untapped potential. A revival could follow the characters as adults, giving fans the closure they crave.
3. Pushing Daisies
Wdwdbot on Wikimedia Commons
This whimsical, visually stunning show about a pie-maker who could bring the dead back to life was pure magic. Critics loved it, but ratings didn’t match, leading to an early cancellation. With today’s streaming services, it could find a fresh audience. A reboot would let us dive back into its colorful, fairy-tale world.
4. Hannibal
RicHard-59 on Wikimedia Commons
Despite being one of the most visually stunning and psychologically intense shows ever, Hannibal was canceled after three seasons. Fans still campaign for a fourth season, especially since the story was just getting to Silence of the Lambs territory. The chemistry between Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy was unmatched. A revival could finally explore Hannibal Lecter’s most famous chapter.
5. The OA
Netflix on Wikimedia Commons
Netflix pulled the plug on The OA just as it was getting truly mind-bending. This sci-fi mystery had a unique take on parallel dimensions and fate, but we never got to see its full vision. Fans even staged protests to bring it back. A revival could finally answer the questions left hanging.
6. My So-Called Life
ABC Entertainment on Wikimedia Commons
This raw, emotional teen drama perfectly captured the struggles of adolescence. Claire Danes and Jared Leto shined, but ABC canceled it after just one season. Viewers never got to see where Angela Chase’s story would go. A modern reboot could explore how the characters navigate adulthood.
7. Constantine
DC Entertainment on Wikimedia Commons
Matt Ryan’s portrayal of Constantine was spot-on, but the show didn’t survive past one season. Despite a loyal fanbase, NBC dropped the ball, forcing him to make guest appearances in the Arrowverse instead. A revival could fully embrace the dark, supernatural elements of the comics. It’s time for the Hellblazer to rise again.
8. Deadwood
Marcric on Wikimedia Commons
HBO’s Deadwood was one of the best-written shows ever but ended abruptly after three seasons. The 2019 movie helped a bit but couldn’t replace the lost potential. The show deserved at least one more full season to properly wrap up its story. A revival could bring justice to its unforgettable characters.
9. Terriers
Katmtan on Wikimedia Commons
This underrated crime drama had sharp writing, great chemistry between its leads, and a fresh take on the detective genre. FX canceled it after one season due to low ratings despite critical acclaim. Fans have been begging for a return ever since. A revival could give this hidden gem a second life.
10. The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
Alex Archambault on Wikimedia Commons
This quirky Western sci-fi adventure starring Bruce Campbell was ahead of its time. Fox didn’t know what to do with it, so they canceled it after one season. The mix of humor, action, and mystery was gold. A revival could finally let Brisco County Jr. complete his wild journey.
11. Better Off Ted
FOX8 on Wikimedia Commons
Corporate satire doesn’t get much better than Better Off Ted, but ABC axed it after two seasons. Its absurd humor and sharp commentary on workplace culture still hold up today. With so much workplace chaos in modern times, a revival would be perfect. Ted and his dysfunctional office deserve another shot.
12. Jericho
CBS Studios on Wikimedia Commons
Fans were so outraged when CBS canceled Jericho that they sent the network 20 tons of peanuts in protest. It worked briefly, but the second season was rushed and unsatisfying. This post-apocalyptic drama about a small town surviving a nuclear attack had so much more to explore. A revival could finally tell the full story.
13. Veronica Mars
Defchris on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, Veronica Mars got a movie and a Hulu revival, but it still didn’t get the long-term run it deserved. Kristen Bell’s witty, tough-as-nails detective should have had way more cases to crack. The 2019 season left fans divided, but that doesn’t mean the show should stay dead. With the right direction, Veronica Mars could make a true comeback.
14. The Tick
Mingle Media TV on Wikimedia Commons
Both live-action versions of The Tick (2001 and 2016) were brilliant but short-lived. The offbeat superhero comedy had a unique charm, but networks never gave it a real chance. Superhero fatigue is real, but The Tick’s satirical take on the genre would still stand out. A proper revival could finally do justice to this cult-favorite hero.
15. Dark Angel
20th Century Fox Television on Wikimedia Commons
James Cameron’s cyberpunk action show made Jessica Alba a star, but Fox cut it off after two seasons. The story of genetically enhanced warriors and a dystopian future had so much more potential. With today’s obsession with sci-fi and dystopian worlds, Dark Angel could thrive. A revival could pick up right where it left off or reboot the story for a new audience.
16. Almost Human
Supernino on Wikimedia Commons
A buddy-cop show with a sci-fi twist, Almost Human paired Karl Urban with an android partner. It had strong world-building and an intriguing storyline, but Fox canceled it after one season. The show was just beginning to explore its futuristic setting. A second chance could turn it into the next great sci-fi series.
17. Galavant
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
A medieval musical comedy shouldn’t have worked, but Galavant was pure fun. Despite a dedicated fanbase, ABC pulled the plug after two seasons. With its mix of humor, music, and adventure, it had all the makings of a cult classic. A revival could let this fairytale comedy truly shine.
18. Agent Carter
greyloch on Wikimedia Commons
Marvel’s Agent Carter was a stylish, action-packed show that gave Peggy Carter her time to shine. Despite critical praise, ABC canceled it after just two seasons. With so many Marvel spin-offs today, it’s shocking this one hasn’t been revived. Hayley Atwell deserves another shot at playing one of the MCU’s best characters.
19. Happy Endings
Xeworlebi on Wikimedia Commons
This smart, hilarious sitcom was often compared to Friends, but ABC canceled it after three seasons. Its fast-paced humor and lovable cast made it one of the best comedies of the 2010s. Fans still hold out hope for a revival. With so many mediocre sitcoms today, Happy Endings deserves another shot.
20. Mindhunter
Netflix on Wikimedia Commons
Netflix’s Mindhunter was one of the best psychological crime dramas ever, but it was put on “indefinite hold.” David Fincher’s deep dive into the minds of serial killers was mesmerizing. Fans are still begging for a third season to continue the unfinished story. A revival would be a true crime lover’s dream come true.