It’s generally accepted that television series are often terminated, for a multitude of reasons. However, the criteria for cancellation have significantly evolved as the TV landscape has transformed. In the days of cable, shows were axed primarily because of viewership numbers, essentially asking “is anyone tuning in?” With the advent of streaming services, where shows can be binge-watched, released weekly like traditional TV, or even distributed in batches by Netflix, the decision-making process has become more intricate due to less transparent viewership data. Despite this, there are numerous high-quality series that have met an untimely end.
Moving from a beloved ’90s teen comedy that launched several stars into stardom to a TV series shrouded in mystery, which unfortunately didn’t reach its conclusion, here are some canceled television shows that could use a comeback before long. While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights some of the most notable ones. If your favorite show isn’t included, don’t worry; it’s intended to spark discussion rather than be definitive.
Girls5Eva
As a devoted fan here, I can’t help but share my excitement about the witty and hilarious show, “Girls5Eva.” Co-created by Meredith Scardino, with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock at the helm (both of whom have a rich history from “30 Rock”), this series was twice canceled yet remains unforgettable, fast-paced, and side-splittingly funny.
The show revolves around four former pop group members – Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Gloria (Paula Pell), Summer (Busy Philipps), and Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry) – who decide to reunite after hearing their hit song “Famous 5Eva” sampled in a new rap track. The fifth member, Ashley (Ashley Park), tragically passed away in an incident involving magicians and an infinity pool, though she appears occasionally in flashbacks. During the show’s run, Park was busy with “Emily in Paris,” which might explain her limited involvement in the series.
Initially airing its first two seasons on Peacock, the series “Girls5Eva” was unfortunately canceled but found a new home on Netflix for its third season. However, it was then canceled again, possibly permanently. Regardless, this show with its unique and outstanding collection of original songs, such as the mysterious “B.P.E.”, deserves another chance. The stories of Summer, Dawn, Gloria, and Wickie are far from concluded.
A League of Their Own
In 2022, Amazon Prime unveiled its version of the 1992 film titled “A League of Their Own,” which had several appealing aspects. The TV series was crafted by Will Graham (“Mozart in the Jungle”) and Abbi Jacobson (“Broad City”). It offers a fresh perspective on the familiar ground covered by the movie with Madonna, Tom Hanks, and Geena Davis, as this adaptation features new characters playing for the Rockford Peaches team, such as Carson Shaw (portrayed by Jacobson), Greta Gill (D’Arcy Carden), Maxime “Max” Chapman (Chanté Adams), and Shirley Cohen (Kate Berlant).
The revamped “A League of Their Own” is undeniably more contemporary compared to its earlier counterpart. To begin with, it’s an openly LGBTQ+ series, featuring characters like Max, Greta, and Carson who identify as gay but are also attracted to women. Notably, Greta and Carson are in a secret relationship. Rosie O’Donnell, the lead actress from the original movie, makes an appearance as the owner of a hidden gay bar, and Nick Offerman plays a charming guest role as the team’s coach. Regrettably, production was halted in 2023 following a renewal for a brief second and final season due to the WGA strike. Despite this premature end, the show’s talented cast and updated narrative make a strong case for another opportunity to shine.
High Fidelity
Similar to “A League of Their Own,” the Hulu series “High Fidelity” reimagines a classic film, Stephen Frears’ 2000 production with the same title, by flipping the gender role of its main character. Instead of Rob, portrayed by John Cusack in the movie, we now have Robyn (played brilliantly by Zoë Kravitz, who goes simply by Rob), who shares similarities with her male counterpart: they both manage a record store and grapple with romantic misfortunes. The setting for Rob’s record store, Championship Vinyl, is the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn. Accompanied by friends Cherise (Da’Vine Joy Randolph, an Academy Award hopeful) and Simon (David H. Holmes), Rob delves into understanding what led to her past relationships’ downfall.
In this modern adaptation, character Rob maintains her love for the classic “top 5” list format, and both characters named Rob create lists of their top five most painful heartbreaks. Reminiscent of its cinematic predecessor, the TV show finds one Rob encountering several past relationships (such as Russell “Mac” McCormack, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir). The series is enchanting, with Kravitz delivering a captivating performance, and boasting an impressive lineup of supporting and guest stars including Parker Posey, Thomas Doherty, Debbie Harry, and Jack Antonoff. Regrettably, the show was canceled by Hulu after its first season in 2020, and Kravitz voiced her displeasure in 2024 over the network’s decision to terminate one of their few series starring a woman of color – an unexpected halt to its progress.
Pushing Daisies
In this list, there are two series created by Bryan Fuller, and we’ll begin with “Pushing Daisies.” This charmingly quaint show features Lee Pace as Ned, a unique baker who has the power to resurrect the deceased with a simple touch. However, if Ned touches whatever he just revived for a brief moment again, it will die permanently. He learns this painful lesson when he brings his mother back to life only to watch her pass away as she gives him a goodnight kiss. During the day, Ned manages his pie shop, and at night, he works alongside investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride). Ned resurrects murder victims, allowing Emerson to uncover who was responsible for their deaths, with any available reward money being shared between them. A significant challenge arises when Ned discovers that his childhood sweetheart, Charlotte “Chuck” Charles (Anna Friel), was murdered; he revives her, but then he can never safely touch her again.
As a gamer putting on my rose-tinted glasses, I must say that despite the game’s grim narrative, Fuller’s vibrant, sunny graphics, coupled with the sparkling presence of Emmy-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth (who played Olive Snook, the pie shop employee), and her quick, clever dialogue keep “Pushing Daisies” feeling light and cheerful. This game was unfortunately taken off the shelves after only two levels, but if any game has fans yearning for a revival, it’s certainly “Pushing Daisies.
Freaks & Geeks
In a unique and impressive way, the TV series “Freaks & Geeks,” created by Paul Feig and produced by Judd Apatow, has amassed a considerable cult fanbase among single-season shows. This high school comedy has given rise to numerous influential figures in Hollywood. The narrative divides into two main threads: one following the misfit gang consisting of Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini), Daniel Desario (James Franco), Nick Andopolis (Jason Segel), Ken Miller (Seth Rogen), and Kim Kelly (Busy Philipps); and another focusing on Lindsay’s younger brother Sam (John Francis Daley) and his friends Neil Schweiber (Samm Levine) and Bill Haverchuck (Martin Starr) in a Michigan high school.
Lindsay, who used to be a “good girl” with a hint of rebellion, finds herself socializing with the misfits (to the dismay of her former best friend Millie Kentner, played by Sarah Hagan), while Sam and his friends, though bright and intelligent, struggle with their lack of popularity.
It’s clear that “Freaks & Geeks” was a fertile ground for future industry heavyweights. Should there be a remake, it could be challenging to gather stars like Segel, Rogen, Cardellini, and Philipps, but they’d likely jump at the chance to revisit their initial significant stage. If you ask most TV enthusiasts which series they’d wish for a grand, glitzy revival, chances are they’ll mention “Freaks & Geeks.
Reboot
Reboot,” a show that premiered on Hulu in 2022, is a revival of the old sitcom “Step Right Up.” The original cast, including Reed Sterling (played by Keegan Michael-Key), Bree Marie Jensen (Judy Greer), Clay Barber (Johnny Knoxville), and Zack Jackson (Calum Worthy), return to their roles years after the first show ended. Interestingly, the screenwriter Hannah Korman (Rachel Bloom) gets a deal to revive the show, but she must work with its original creator Gordon Gelman (Paul Reiser), who is also her estranged father. As they work together, conflicts arise and the cast must adjust to their old roles again.
Although the series “Reboot” was produced by Steven Levitan, creator of “Modern Family”, boasting an outstanding cast led by Michael-Key and Greer, who seldom get lead roles, it was unfortunately canceled after just one season on Hulu. Hulu, we implore you, reconsider and bring back this popular show!
1899
The intriguing and beautifully-crafted series “1899,” produced by married duo Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar who previously directed “Dark” for Netflix, presented a captivating, enigmatic journey. Unfortunately, the show concluded after only one season, leaving viewers hanging about its conclusion.
In this first season, we are introduced to passengers aboard the steamship Kerberos, departing from Southampton in England, bound for New York City in 1899. As the voyage unfolds, a first-class traveler, Maura (Emily Beecham), experiences eerie visions. The plot thickens as the Kerberos begins to answer distress signals from its sister ship, the Prometheus, which vanished at sea four months prior. However, this raises a perplexing question: how can the Prometheus be signaling for help if it’s already disappeared?
In a manner that avoids revealing spoilers, the series “1899” concluded with an incredibly suspenseful and frustrating cliffhanger. It’s disappointing that Netflix decided to cancel the show after only one season in 2022, especially given that it had garnered a dedicated fanbase who would eagerly support its return, regardless of the format. While it may not have been the most-watched show on Netflix, “1899” certainly cultivated a devoted following.
Hannibal
Hannibal,” a TV series developed by Bryan Fuller and inspired by Thomas Harris’ novels like “Red Dragon,” “Hannibal,” and “Hannibal Rising,” which ran for three seasons on NBC, offered a fresh perspective on a well-known character. The main character, portrayed by Hugh Dancy as Will Graham, bears similarities to Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling in “Silence of the Lambs,” as he is an FBI special investigator who forms an unanticipated bond with Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played convincingly by Mads Mikkelsen. An interesting aspect of this series is that the relationship between Hannibal and Will becomes increasingly queer-coded and emotionally complex, providing a more profound exploration of the bond between Hannibal Lecter and a law enforcement officer than we’ve typically seen.
The show “Hannibal” ended following only three seasons, much to the dismay of its fans who have been yearning for a continuation since 2015. Just like “Freaks & Geeks” and Bryan Fuller’s other series “Pushing Daisies,” fans have longed for more of this story to unfold. Over the years, Mads Mikkelsen has suggested possibilities of a “Hannibal” reboot or revival; however, there has been no concrete progress on these hints as of now. Yet, it remains hopeful that the narrative of Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter may find a way to continue.
Our Flag Means Death
If you’ve ever enjoyed “Flight of the Conchords,” you’re aware that Rhys Darby is an excellent fit for most productions, and he shines particularly in “Our Flag Means Death,” a hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming pirate comedy written by David Jenkins. Darby portrays Stede Bonnet, a historical figure who was known as the “Gentleman Pirate” in real life, and his character is just as inept at managing a group of brutal, looting pirates on screen. Just like the actual Stede, Darby’s Stede gives up his ship, Revenge, to the notorious pirate Blackbeard, who is played by Taika Waititi in this series; it seems that the show takes some creative liberties, as Stede and Blackbeard may develop a romantic relationship.
As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but express my love for “Our Flag Means Death.” It’s a series that leaves me in stitches one moment and tugging at my heartstrings the next, all while filling me with sheer delight. However, it’s disheartening to know that after two seasons, the higher-ups at HBO have decided to bring the show’s journey to an end on their streaming platform, HBO Max. The creator himself, Mr. Jenkins, had envisioned a three-season voyage for this show, and with the story left unfinished in the season 2 finale, there’s a glimmer of hope that we might set sail with the Revenge once more in the future.
Schmigadoon!
In 2021, the original comedy series “Schmigadoon!” by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio debuted on Apple TV+, starring Keegan Michael-Key and Cecily Strong as Josh Skinner and Melissa Gimble, a couple from New York City seeking to reinvigorate their relationship with a vacation. However, they accidentally wander into a town where people spontaneously burst into song, unknowingly stepping into a full-blown musical reminiscent of classic “Golden Age” productions like “The Music Man,” “Brigadoon” (referenced in the title), “Carousel,” and “South Pacific.” Initially hesitant, Melissa and Josh become increasingly captivated by this magical world they’ve stumbled upon. Eventually, their stay in the town of Schmigadoon helps them strengthen their relationship.
In the second season of this series, titled “Schmicago,” Josh and Melissa venture back to Schmigadoon in search of excitement beyond their New York lives. The town they find is not the same as before, with clear references to popular musicals such as “Chicago,” “Company,” “Cabaret,” and “Sweeney Todd.” Notable guest stars included Alan Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, Dove Cameron, and Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. Despite the star-studded cast, the show ended after two seasons. If a third season were produced, it would delve into musicals like “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” and be named “Into the Schmoods.” So, let’s make this intriguing concept come to life!
GLOW
In simpler terms, the Netflix series “GLOW” is named after its main organization, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLow). This group catches the attention of struggling actress Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie) during a string of unsuccessful auditions. Her friend-turned-rival Debbie Eagan (Betty Gilpin) also joins later, their friendship turning sour due to an affair between Ruth and Debbie’s husband. The league is led by Sam Sylvia (Marc Maron), a direct and witty director, who aims to create a successful all-female wrestling troupe, banking on its beautiful members.
The TV series “GLOW” had a lot of praise coming its way, but unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding its cancellation were truly regrettable. Although it was renewed for a fourth and final season in 2019, despite facing challenges to get there (it didn’t gain massive popularity among viewers despite positive critical reception and a loyal fanbase), the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged globally in 2020 forced Netflix to abruptly terminate the series before production could commence. As a result, season 3 concluded with an unresolved ending… leaving hope that someday, someone might revive “GLOW” for another round in the ring.
Happy Endings
Initially, “Happy Endings” appears to be a rehash of “Friends,” but it offers a more eccentric, gloomy, and undeniably humorous twist on the ensemble comedy genre. The narrative unfolds when Alex Kerkovich (Elisha Cuthbert) ditches her fiancé Dave Rose Jr. (Zachary Knighton) at the altar for a man in rollerblades; upon her return from their honeymoon, she confesses that she merely got cold feet and barely knew the rollerblade guy, causing a dilemma for their friends – Max Blum (Adam Pally), Penny Hartz (Casey Wilson), Alex’s sister Jane Kerkovich-Williams (Eliza Coupe), and her husband Brad Williams (David Wayans Jr.) – as they are torn between their loyalty. As the series progresses, Dave and Alex reconcile, reuniting the group, which allows for the creation of numerous side-splitting scenarios. In one particularly amusing cold opening, the remaining friends pull a prank on Max by convincing him he won the lottery with yesterday’s numbers … only to reveal the truth later. It’s hilariously funny.
The popular show “Happy Endings” was abruptly cut short after its third season, leaving viewers without a satisfying conclusion. Although the cast gathered virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 for a special reunion, this doesn’t compare to a genuine fourth season. If the actors are willing, fans of this delightful, eccentric series would be thrilled if it could receive a proper “happy ending.
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2025-06-16 00:31