As a long-time fan of both TV shows and the magical realm of Star Wars, I must say that the tale of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” resonates deeply with me. Like many of us who grew up on this galaxy far, far away, I was heartbroken when it was unceremoniously cut down in its prime by Cartoon Network. But, as they often say, “The Force is strong with those who believe,” and this tale proves it.
Some people might like to argue that streaming, in becoming our dominant form of media consumption, has ruined the television industry. Well, there is no doubt that it has changed the industry in many ways and, in some cases, for the better.
There are many TV shows that are now regarded as classics but might not have earned such an honor if not for audiences discovering it on a streaming platform, helping boost its appeal in a way traditional television could not for whatever reason. Let’s take a look at some of the most beloved TV shows that were made more popular (or even saved) by streaming.
The Wire (2002-2008)
To start with, “The Wire” was widely recognized as one of HBO’s finest shows, arguably among the best ever produced, due to its authentic portrayal of urban crime in contemporary Baltimore from the perspectives of law enforcement and criminals alike during its initial broadcast. Now, with a Max subscription (previously known as HBO Max and earlier as HBO GO), young viewers can experience David Simon’s masterwork.
You (2018-2024)
Despite the fact that numerous ardent fans of You might be unaware, this gripping serial killer drama featuring Penn Badgley is not an authentic Netflix original. Initially, it was terminated after a single season on the Lifetime Network. However, once it unexpectedly gained popularity on Netflix, the platform decided to revive it for four additional seasons.
Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)
As a dedicated fan, I must admit that while Schitt’s Creek, the hilarious sitcom created by Dan and Eugene Levy, quickly gained fame in its native Canada on CBC, it remained relatively unnoticed in the United States for years on the Pop Network. Thankfully, when the series made its way onto Netflix, America couldn’t seem to get enough of the Schitt’s Creek cast, their witty humor, and the unexpectedly heartfelt scenes that left us all in tears of joy.
The Expanse (2015-2022)
The space drama The Expanse, penned by Daniel Abrahams, Ty Franck (James S. A. Corey), found a devoted fanbase on SyFy, renowned for its intellectual depth and thrilling plotlines. However, despite this, the series was unexpectedly cancelled after three seasons. Fortunately, the story of Captain James Holden (Steven Strait) and his crew’s battles against a system-wide conspiracy was able to persist as one of Amazon Prime’s top sci-fi shows for another three seasons.
Suits (2011-2019)
Although Suits has been running for a significant period on USA Network, it wasn’t until its later seasons that it truly gained popularity. This surge in interest can be attributed to its rise as one of Netflix’s most-watched TV shows. Additionally, the fact that one of the show’s cast members, Meghan Markle, married Prince Harry undoubtedly contributed to the legal drama’s success.
The Office (2005-2014)
The American adaptation of the popular British comedy series, overseen by Greg Daniels, was a big success on NBC, but its popularity skyrocketed when it turned into one of Netflix’s most-watched shows. It’s no surprise that Peacock invested $500 million in acquiring the streaming rights for The Office, and they even released extended versions (Superfan cuts) of specific episodes.
Letterkenny (2016-2023)
Frankly speaking, the show Letterkenny, focusing on the everyday lives of residents from a small Canadian town, initially premiered on a streaming platform exclusive to Canada: Crave. But when it made its way onto Hulu in the United States, the fan base for this offbeat sitcom grew significantly, much like Texas itself.
Firefly (2002-2003)
Firefly, the popular science fiction TV series about a group of space outlaws, was unfortunately taken off the air by Fox after just 11 episodes due to factors like a poor time slot and inappropriate marketing strategies. However, before streaming services expanded its fanbase, a DVD set of the show was released, giving viewers a chance to enjoy the amazing Western-style space adventures they had initially missed out on.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
The story of a young man gifted with the power to control the elements air, earth, fire, and water, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was a massive success during its first broadcast on Nickelodeon. Its popularity grew further when it started streaming on Netflix, leading up to Netflix producing a live-action series remake in 2024.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Following the 2013 Emmy win for Best Drama Series with “Breaking Bad,” creator Vince Gilligan acknowledged that Netflix played a significant role in the show’s success. Later, Netflix produced “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.” Initially, during its run on AMC, the series about a high school chemistry teacher turned criminal (portrayed by Bryan Cranston) struggled to gain popularity.
Freaks And Geeks (1999-2000)
As a passionate gamer, if I were to reminisce about a TV show that left us wanting more, it’s none other than “Freaks and Geeks.” Unfortunately, NBC pulled the plug on this gem after just one season, thanks to usual suspects like misdirected promotion and an unlucky time slot. However, as we all know now, many of the “Freaks and Geeks” cast have gone on to conquer Hollywood. This coming-of-age dramedy has since earned a legendary status among fans who’ve rediscovered it in the digital age, making it one of the most celebrated series of its era.
Criminal Minds (2005-Present)
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve binged Criminal Minds for an impressive 15 seasons on CBS, and it never failed to keep me hooked as one of the top crime TV series among Netflix viewers. The show’s unyielding popularity eventually earned it a second life on Paramount+.
Manifest (2018-2023)
After NBC decided to cancel it following only three seasons, fans hoped Netflix would pick up Manifest, and thankfully, their hope was granted. The fourth and final season of this sci-fi drama, revolving around a commercial plane that inexplicably reappeared five years after disappearing, premiered on the streaming service, ensuring it had the graceful conclusion creator Jeff Rake envisioned.
Lucifer (2016-2021)
Originally based on a DC Vertigo comic book, the series Lucifer, which features Tom Ellis portraying the Devil in human form as an LAPD consultant, initially premiered on Fox but ran for only three seasons. However, after being revived for an additional three seasons, it gained acclaim and became recognized as one of the finest DC TV shows available on Netflix.
Community (2009-2015)
Interestingly, when Dan Harmon’s comedy series about a tight-knit group of community college students moved from NBC to Yahoo! Screen as an exclusive streaming service, it was initially seen as a failure. However, viewers continued to rediscover the show’s finest episodes on platforms like Hulu, Netflix, or Peacock, keeping the #SixSeasonsAndAMovie hope alive.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
One of the biggest hits on The WB (later known as The CW) was “Gilmore Girls,” a show that continued to captivate audiences even more as they found it through their Netflix subscriptions. In fact, Netflix became the home for a four-episode continuation series titled “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.
Friends (1994-2004)
Could “Friends” potentially have grown even more popular than it was during its decade-long run on NBC? Indeed, this is possible as the beloved ’90s sitcom turned into an enormous success on Netflix. After leaving the streaming platform, it likely motivated a significant number of fans to subscribe to HBO Max in order to continue their binge-watching marathon.
Luther (2010-2019)
Evidence of Luther’s enduring appeal among viewers, a highly praised British crime thriller featuring Idris Elba in the complex and grumpy lead role, is abundant on Netflix. In 2023 alone, the streaming service premiered a full-length spin-off titled “Luther: The Fallen Sun,” which garnered record views and initiated negotiations for additional films.
Arrested Development (2003-2019)
Although it didn’t achieve the high ratings required for a hit during its three-season stint on Fox, Arrested Development became widely admired as one of the funniest cult TV shows ever. This lasting reputation paved the way for its return in 2017, where it was reintroduced as a Netflix production with some original elements.
Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
At its height, “Boy Meets World” was a highly-anticipated comedy show on ABC’s TGIF lineup during the 1990s. It eventually led to another series called “Girl Meets World”, focusing on Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga’s (Danielle Fishel) daughter, Riley (Rowan Blanchard). The popularity of the Disney Channel series, featuring Sabrina Carpenter among its stars, prompted new fans to revisit the original series using their Disney+ subscriptions.
Futurama (1999-Present)
Matt Groening’s satirical animated series about an ordinary man from the 20th Century who wakes up after a thousand-year cryogenic sleep first aired for four seasons on Fox. It was later revived on Comedy Central from 2008 to 2013, and eventually moved to Hulu in 2020. Now it’s more popular than ever! If this trend continues, it seems that Futurama could have a long life ahead of it.
Teen Wolf (2011-2017)
“MTV’s humorous yet dark spinoff of an ’80s creature-themed coming-of-age show turned out to be unexpectedly successful, ranking among the top horror TV series on Hulu for years post its conclusion. The enduring popularity of the series on streaming platforms eventually resulted in a full-length sequel, which debuted on Paramount+ at the start of 2023.
iCarly (2007-2012, 2021-2023)
After playing the tricky character Megan on “Drake & Josh,” Miranda Cosgrove later took on the role of a popular teen internet personality on another Nickelodeon sitcom. Those who grew up watching this show might rekindle their fondness for it as adults, when Paramount+ decided to bring back “iCarly” with a more mature audience in mind.
The Mindy Project (2012-2017)
Following her role as Kelly Kapoor in NBC’s hit show The Office, Mindy Kaling, both creator and star, embarked on her first significant project next: a series fittingly named The Mindy Project. In this comedy, she portrays an OB/GYN grappling with the challenges of managing her personal and professional life. It initially aired on Fox, staying there for three seasons, before transitioning to Hulu for the rest of its broadcast.
Longmire (2012-2017)
As an avid fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for “Longmire,” a captivating neo-Western drama that unfolds against the backdrop of Wyoming. In this gripping series, I find myself deeply engaged with Robert Taylor’s portrayal of the title character, a sheriff who embodies his own unique brand of justice in his county. This enthralling show initially found its home on A&E, where it broke records as their highest-rated original drama. However, when the series was not renewed for a fourth season, Netflix stepped up and welcomed it for another three years.
Trailer Park Boys (2001-2018)
If you’re a fan of “Letterkenny,” you might also appreciate “Trailer Park Boys” – another humorous series set in rural Canada. Originally broadcast on the Canadian channel Showcase for its first seven years, it gained popularity in the United States due to its documentary-style format and feature-length spin-offs. This renewed interest led Netflix to acquire the show in 2012, extending its run for more seasons and even giving birth to additional specials and an animated series.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
Prior to the frequent debuts of a new Star Wars TV series on Disney+, one of the most cherished television shows from a distant galaxy was Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Initially, its power could have been greater as it was terminated by Cartoon Network in 2013. However, it found renewed popularity on Netflix the following year, and later, a new season was released on Disney+ in 2020.
Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)
Initially, “Parks and Recreation,” conceived by “The Office” creators Greg Daniels and Michael Schur and starring Amy Poehler from Saturday Night Live, had a hard time gaining traction on NBC during its early seasons. However, after its release on Netflix, the mockumentary-style political satire saw a surge in popularity and has since been recognized as one of the most well-liked series on the platform, even years after it concluded.
White Collar (2009-2014)
As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say one of my favorite shows that truly put Matt Bomer in the spotlight is “White Collar.” In this captivating series, he plays a smooth-talking, criminal mastermind who teams up with the FBI to nab other con artists just like him. Much like other USA originals, the blend of drama and comedy, or dramedy, was a far greater success on Netflix compared to its initial television broadcast.
Designated Survivor (2016-2019)
In the series titled Designated Survivor, Kiefer Sutherland plays the role of a U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who unexpectedly assumes presidency following a devastating attack that wipes out those above him in the command chain. This gripping political saga was unfortunately terminated after two years on ABC, but it continued for an additional season on Netflix.
The Nanny (1993-1999)
Fran Drescher, who co-created and played the lead role, gained widespread recognition for portraying Fran Fine on “The Nanny.” This popular TV series enjoyed success during the 90’s on CBS, and it continued to resonate with audiences when it was reintroduced on Max.
The Killing (2011-2014)
Originally airing on AMC in the U.S., the American adaptation of the Danish television show “Forbrydelsen,” titled “The Killing,” nearly didn’t continue after its third season due to cancellation. However, fortunately, it found a new home on Netflix and concluded with its fourth and final season there.
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2024-09-17 17:37