8 Hit Shows HBO Rejected

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8 Hit Shows HBO Rejected

As a television enthusiast with over three decades of watching shows under my belt, I must say, it’s fascinating to delve into the behind-the-scenes stories of some of our favorite series. The tales of these shows being turned down by networks are intriguing, and they often make us wonder what could have been.

On HBO, from “The Sopranos” to “Game of Thrones”, TV enthusiasts have been treated to some truly delightful series. The network’s executive team appears to possess a knack for distinguishing excellent narratives from the mediocre ones, leading to top-notch programming across various genres. Rare are the cancellations, and thanks to their discerning choices, shows often enjoy long, prosperous seasons. Moreover, during each award season, they amass numerous accolades.

Occasionally, the network has misjudged pitches for shows that eventually prospered elsewhere. It’s not hard to imagine a pang of remorse from the executives as these successful productions would have been a valuable addition to HBO. Interestingly, some of these shows share characteristics typical of HBO programming, pushing boundaries and breaking conventions. However, one may wonder why they were ultimately turned down?

8 Mad Men (2007 – 2015)

Picked up by AMC

Titled “Mad Men“, this series delves into the personal and work lives of a gang of witty advertising professionals in the 1960s. The suave and womanizing creative director, Don Draper (John Hamm), stands as the show’s main character. It is said that the term “Mad Men” originated among advertisers working on Madison Avenue in Manhattan during the ’50s, where “Mad” was a slang for “Madison”.

HBO Wanted David Chase to be the Executive Producer

In a unique twist, the exceptional TV series penned by Matt Weiner delves into the grim aspects of corporate existence using mature, bawdy wit and profound affection. It’s noteworthy that this project was turned down by HBO, despite Weiner having previous ties with the network.

At the International Council Summit held by the Paley Center in New York City, HBO’s CEO, Richard Plepler, expressed his biggest career regret: turning down Mad Men. I personally wanted acclaimed creator David Chase to take on an executive producer role, but unfortunately, he declined. Fortunately for us all, AMC stepped up and took the opportunity instead.

7 The Walking Dead (2010 – 2022)

Picked up by AMC

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my deep admiration for the gripping narrative that is “The Walking Dead,” a comic series masterfully crafted by Tony Moore, Robert Kirkman, and Charlie Adlard. This captivating tale unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world, one ravaged by zombies, or as they’re known in this universe, “walkers.

Undoubtedly the Greatest Zombie Show

This gripping series is so skillfully crafted that certain scenes seem completely believable, while its tough, hard-luck characters add an extra layer of appeal. The complex storyline is raw and intense, standing out notably against other options. Additionally, it currently boasts several spinoffs, which could potentially expand Max’s collection if explored further.

It’s surprising that the renowned network missed out on what could have been the best zombie TV show ever made. But why did this happen? It seems that HBO was open to backing the project, as long as the production team reduced the graphic violence from the original source material. However, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd refused these conditions. Instead, she continued looking for a network and eventually found one willing to take on the series.

6 Yellowjackets (2021 – Present)

Picked up by Showtime

Yellowjackets transports viewers back to 1996, following a high school girls’ soccer team from New Jersey as they board a plane to Seattle. Tragically, their plane crashes in the wilderness, leaving them stranded for an extended 19 months. As survival becomes their new reality, some of the girls are driven to cannibalism, while others encounter bizarre, surreal events. The series further explores the lives of these survivors a quarter-century later, in the year 2021.

Another Teen Show Blocked It

With stunning visuals and a persistent sense of unease, there’s plenty to appreciate in the series ‘Yellowjackets‘ – it’s more than just a standout production for Showtime; it could very well be the most exceptional American show ever that explores the terrifying and transformative journey of youth, fear, and the brink of maturity.

This production appears to draw influence from the television series “Lost”, the 1993 survival film “Alive”, and the novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding. However, it carves out its unique space in the air with a fresh, deeply moving portrayal of teenage rebellion. It’s unfortunate that HBO executives decided to pass on it due to concerns it might resemble “Euphoria” too closely.

5 Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)

Picked up by AMC

Breaking Bad is an intense and captivating story about a man resorting to criminal activities due to life’s hardships. Initially, Walter White, a modestly paid high school Chemistry instructor (played by Bryan Cranston), learns he has cancer. To prevent his family from financial struggles upon his demise, he employs his chemical expertise to manufacture methamphetamine. He aims to exit this line of work once he amasses a substantial sum, but with each passing episode, he becomes increasingly entangled in the criminal underworld.

HBO Never Considered It

Vince Gilligan’s gritty, strikingly realistic portrayal of family and criminal world focuses on an Albuquerque working-class man with a volatile temperament who unexpectedly takes pride in an unconventional endeavor. The show has earned a reputation as one of the best ever produced, a status it might have held if HBO’s executives had been more amiable.

About the rejection, Gilligan recalls:

“They didn’t bother to respond ‘no.’ It was more like a subtle hint for us to leave their office. The individual we were trying to impress seemed utterly uninterested in our pitch. They showed no interest in my story, nor did they seem concerned about whether I was alive or not.

Quite brutal.

4 Desperate Housewives (2004 – 2012)

Picked up by ABC

The television show “Desperate Housewives” unfolds on Wisteria Lane, a street within the imaginary city of Fairview, focusing on the lives of several women observed by a neighbor who took her own life in the initial episode. The narrative spans over fifteen years, featuring a five-year leap forward in time, as well as occasional glimpses into the 1980s and the future, up to the year 2020.

HBO Believed This Territory Had Already Been Covered

In my opinion, the show is nothing short of captivating, elevating what could have been a typical suburban American woman narrative into something extraordinary. To me, Teri Hatcher outshines her portrayal of Lois Lane in this production. Eva Longoria masterfully balances mischief and humor with an effortless grace that never fails to impress.

Initially, the potential of the series was evident from its inception, yet HBO chose not to pursue it due to concerns that it might resemble “Sex and the City.” While I can appreciate the network’s aim to avoid redundancy, this show ultimately proved to be quite distinct.

3 Sons of Anarchy (2008 – 2014)

Picked up by FX

In the fictional world of ‘Sons of Anarchy’, it’s Jax Teller, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam, who stands against unnecessary violence within their criminal organization, SAMCRO. As a prince of this biker gang, fathered by a former leader, he aspires to navigate towards more lawful grounds, but finds it challenging due to the deeply entrenched connections his group has in California’s criminal underworld.

Snubbed for a Failed Project

Sons of Anarchy offers action-packed scenes with chases, gunfights, fights, and all the excitement viewers expect from such a show. Moreover, it boasts an array of captivating antagonists, rotating in and out, as well as a host of intriguing side characters, one of whom is portrayed by none other than Stephen King.

As reported by Variety, the creator of the series, Kurt Sutter, proposed the project to HBO, but they turned it down because they had already selected another biker-themed series. Interestingly, the series that HBO opted for didn’t make it past the production phase, while the FX show, which was also a crime drama, went on to become one of the most popular in its genre on television.

2 The Sandman (2022 – Present)

Picked up by Netflix

Stepping out from the pages of DC Comics, I find myself embodying The Sandman – Morpheus, otherwise known as Dream. As the embodiment of dreams and nightmares, I’m one among the seven cosmic entities called the Endless (Death, Delirium, Desire, Despair, Destiny, Destruction, and yours truly, Dream). After being imprisoned for 106 long years by mystics, I now strive to regain my rightful place in The Dreaming and restore order within my realm.

All About the Money

Enjoying Morpheus stirring up dormant feelings is pure entertainment. To put it simply, The Sandmanmatches the power of its original content, incorporating a variety of complex theories that need careful attention. Now, why was the latest DC adaptation streamed on Netflix rather than Max? It’s all about money; HBO deemed it too costly to produce, so they pitched the idea to Netflix instead.

1 Yellowstone (2018 – Present)

Picked up by Paramount Network

The TV series, Yellowstone, primarily revolves around the Dutton family who are proprietors of the sprawling Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana, popularly known as “The Yellowstone.” Much of the show’s narrative explores familial strife within the ranch, as well as political intrigue arising from the Broken Rock Indian Reservation and property developers.

So Close, Yet So Far

In recent times, Taylor Sheridan has been exceptionally prolific, and among his works, Yellowstone stands out as his most impressive creation. This series skillfully blends political machinations, breathtaking scenery, family dynamics, and powerful acting, particularly from Kevin Costner, to produce a contemporary masterpiece. Sheridan disclosed that HBO, unlike with Breaking Bad, didn’t dismiss his show; instead, they showed keen interest. However, there was a disparity in approaches, as Sheridan’s preference for casting Kevin Costner was a stumbling block. Consequently, the neo-western series found its home at Paramount.

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2024-09-07 18:02