TV Shows That Will Never Be Completed

The world of television is ever-evolving, with new entertainment options appearing and disappearing at various intervals. Sometimes, a show ends naturally, but other times it’s due to factors like poor viewership, unusual scheduling, decisions made by streaming platforms, or a mix of all these reasons. Regrettably, many TV series depart too quickly, leaving behind unresolved storylines.

In this era of numerous TV platforms, it’s fortunate that certain series get a second shot at concluding their narrative, although it may take several years. Conversely, there are other shows with dedicated fan bases, promising storylines, yet were never granted the chance to tie up loose ends. Some of these shows are timeless classics, others massive hits, and some cult favorites that didn’t receive enough time to fully develop their potential. Regardless of how they arrived here, below is a list of 12 cherished TV shows that, for one reason or another, will never reach a conclusion.

Carnivale

During the heyday of “The Sopranos” and “Sex and the City,” HBO ventured into more daring programming territories, and “Carnivale” stands out as one of its most peculiar creative ventures. Launched by Daniel Knauf in 2003, this period fantasy drama was among HBO’s oddest productions, but unfortunately didn’t last long despite a dedicated fanbase.

The television series “Carnivale,” set during the Dust Bowl era in 1930s America, presents a grand conflict between good and evil within the context of a traveling carnival. A young man with miraculous healing abilities (Nick Stahl) becomes part of this show, while a menacing radio evangelist (Clancy Brown) shares visions of an impending battle foreseen by the young man. The series is rich in historical detail and gradually spins its own intricate mythology into the narrative. “Carnivale” invites attentive viewing and cultivates devoted followers.

Unfortunately, the show didn’t last very long and was eventually canceled by HBO after just two seasons. The high production costs associated with the period setting and large ensemble cast were given as reasons for its cancellation. Despite fans trying to save it, “Carnivale” never returned to complete its narrative. However, creator John Knauf and his team later provided insights into the larger mythology through various means such as the original series pitch document. Nowadays, “Carnivale” is often overlooked but can still be considered a hidden gem on HBO.

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

Among numerous prominent superhero TV series produced for The CW that collectively form the “Arrowverse,” “Legends of Tomorrow” found its unique identity and paved its way to become an essential viewing choice for comic book enthusiasts.

Over seven distinct seasons, this captivating series moved settings, moods, characters, and viewpoints to weave an expansive, time-jumping narrative that was frequently humorous, self-referential, and downright peculiar. Initially, viewers who discovered it through shows such as “Arrow” or “The Flash” might have been skeptical, but they eventually became devoted fans due to its unique interpretation of DC Comics. Throughout its duration, the program garnered a dedicated following.

Regrettably, as we approached 2022, the tides shifted for DC Comics adaptations. The “Arrowverse” was drawing to a close, The CW was altering its course, and crucially, James Gunn had embarked on creating a fresh shared universe through DC Studios, encompassing new TV productions. This development meant that, despite passionate fan efforts to preserve the series, “Legends” did not receive another season renewal from The CW, nor was it rescued by any other platform. With a new DC Universe unfolding on both the big and small screens, it appears fans will remain in the dark about what could have transpired next, despite a Season 7 finale that left many plot threads unresolved.

Freaks and Geeks

Debuting in 1999, “Freaks and Geeks” is now recognized as a series that was visionary for its era, a contemporary masterpiece that played a significant role in launching the careers of many prominent comedic actors. Situated in Michigan during the early 1980s, the show chronicled the experiences of a group of adolescents navigating the ups and downs of high school, with an array of talented performers such as Jason Segel, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Busy Phillips, Linda Cardellini, and others gracing its cast.

In spite of initial positive reviews and an Emmy award, the show faced challenges due to NBC’s inconsistent airing schedule and low viewership at first. This meant that only a small number of the produced episodes were broadcasted. Later on, creators Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow disclosed that MTV had proposed reviving the show, but they turned it down because it would have significantly decreased the series’ budget.

Today, the television series “Freaks and Geeks” will always remain incomplete, yet its impact is eternal due to the accomplishments of its cast and crew since then. For those intrigued about the show’s potential plot developments, director Feig eventually shared his ideas for the progression of each main character in subsequent episodes.

GLOW

In 2017, a dramatized portrayal of an ’80s professional wrestling league, titled “GLOW,” debuted on Netflix. It swiftly climbed the ranks among Netflix’s most praised series. Blending humor and emotion skillfully, it showcased an ensemble cast headed by Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin. The show captivated viewers with its exploration of a group of women seeking to narrate their experiences in their unique manner.

Following three successful seasons, Netflix decided to renew “GLOW” for a fourth installment towards the end of 2019. Filming for this new season commenced in early 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all film and television productions were halted in the spring of that year, affecting “GLOW” as well, leaving its continuation uncertain. Fans experienced another blow in the fall of 2020 when Netflix announced their surprising decision to withdraw the Season 4 order, effectively canceling the show due to increased production costs and challenges in creating it under COVID-19 safety protocols.

Brie explained to Collider that the cast had filmed the initial episodes 1.5 of Season 4 before Netflix cancelled production, stating emphatically that these episodes will never be aired. Since everyone involved has since moved on to various other projects, it’s reasonable to assume that “GLOW” is no longer in production.

Hannibal

Each series on this list has sparked conversations about potential comebacks, but it seems that none have been discussed with as much enthusiasm as “Hannibal.” Developed by Bryan Fuller and based on the Hannibal Lecter novels penned by Thomas Harris, this gripping serial killer drama revolves around Dr. Lecter (played by Mads Mikkelsen) and FBI agent Will Graham (portrayed by Hugh Dancy). Over three captivating seasons, they engage in a complex, intricate game of cat-and-mouse that leaves an indelible impression.

The series titled “Hannibal” received significant praise upon its debut and swiftly garnered an enthusiastic fanbase known as “Fannibals.” Regrettably, despite a strong presence on social media platforms and two renewals from NBC, the program did not secure a fourth season following its third season conclusion in the summer of 2015. This was disheartening for fans, who were left hanging because the show concluded with Hannibal and Will falling off a cliff, hinting that creator Bryan Fuller might potentially adapt “The Silence of the Lambs” at some point in the future.

Since the television series “Hannibal” ended, there have been numerous discussions about the possibility of its return, keeping fans optimistic that they may witness Hannibal and Will once more. However, as time has passed and everyone associated with it has moved forward to various other endeavors, it’s becoming increasingly probable that a revival might not happen, although it is saddening to consider this possibility.

Jericho

The CBS drama series titled “Jericho,” which aired during the late 2000s, remains memorable not only for its compelling narrative but also for one of the most effective grassroots campaigns to save a show, led by devoted fans. This show is set in an imaginary Kansas town that was isolated following a nuclear strike on major U.S. cities. It premiered in 2006 and quickly gained popularity due to its innovative premise, the story of a struggling society trying to rebuild itself, and its ability to expand the narrative with fresh mysteries and dangers.

Enthusiasts adored the series “Jericho” so profoundly that when it was terminated after its initial season, they initiated an enormous effort to resurrect it. This involved mailing countless bags of peanuts (symbolic from the show’s finale) and emails in droves to CBS. Their persistent efforts eventually led to a revival of the series, but despite this, ratings for the second season remained low, leading to its cancellation permanently. Even an effort to rekindle the show through a feature film failed to materialize.

As an ardent fan, if you’re eagerly wondering what could have transpired next in the captivating tale of Jericho, I’d be delighted to share that there are two comic book series, serving as “Season 3” and “Season 4”, which continue the storyline. However, these gems can sometimes prove elusive to track down nowadays.

Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman

In the mid-1990s, the TV show “Lois & Clark” enjoyed a successful run for the initial three seasons. The series, airing on ABC, featured Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain portraying the lead roles, centering around the romantic relationship between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Intertwined with this love story was an abundance of Superman action. At its height, it was a popular topic among television viewers.

Subsequently, the fourth season arrived, and the show “Lois and Clark” seemed to trip repeatedly. Shifts in scheduling made it challenging for viewers to locate the series, causing ratings to drop further. By the end of the season, it was clear that the program’s days were numbered. Regrettably, “Lois and Clark” was terminated following a nail-biting cliffhanger, with the main characters in possession of a Kryptonian infant, leaving fans speculating about potential future events.

Over time, fresh iterations of Superman graced both the big screen and our small screens, but it seemed like the much-anticipated fifth season of the show would remain a dream. Yet, if you’re craving more from this universe, there are tie-in novels and comics waiting to be discovered by those who keep searching.

Mindhunter

Under the guidance of director David Fincher, who also served as executive producer, “Mindhunter” debuted in 2017, becoming a top-tier drama for true crime enthusiasts. This series is adapted from a book with the same title, co-written by actual FBI profiler John Douglas. The plot traces the development of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit through fictional portrayals of real individuals, and explores the minds of some of America’s most infamous serial killers. The show’s star-studded cast, with Jonathan Groff in the lead role, and its meticulous recreation of the killers and their lives, quickly made it a success on Netflix. However, the series didn’t have a long run.

Following two successful seasons, the production of “Mindhunter” was halted when Fincher focused on movie projects such as “Mank.” During this time, the actors were freed from their contracts to explore other opportunities. Although “Mindhunter” didn’t officially get canceled, it began appearing that way with each passing year after Season 2 in 2019. In 2023, Fincher confirmed that a Season 3 was highly improbable, due to the high costs and intense energy needed for each new season. Over five years since the show’s last episode, it seems like “Mindhunter” has truly concluded, despite abundant resources for additional seasons.

The OA

Among the boldest and daring TV series to emerge from Netflix following the success of “Stranger Things,” “The OA” was initially conceived as a five-part saga unfolding over five seasons, introducing grand concepts right off the bat.

The story revolves around a character named Prairie, who is a blind woman brought to life by Brit Marling, the co-creator. After being absent for seven years and inexplicably regaining her sight, she reappears with an altered identity as “The OA,” a mysterious figure. The OA gathers a group of individuals to aid her in defeating her captor, rescuing lost people, and even traversing dimensions. The series received high praise from critics and gained a dedicated online fanbase. However, despite leaving off with a Season 2 cliffhanger that delved into metafictional elements, Netflix decided not to renew the show for a third season.

Initially, some enthusiastic viewers speculated that the show’s cancellation might be a complex hoax since its storyline seemed to blur the lines of reality. However, in 2019, Marling clarified directly to fans that “The OA” had indeed concluded, expressing gratitude for their tireless online campaigns and pleas to keep the series going.

Pushing Daisies

Similar to “Hannibal,” the Bryan Fuller-developed show “Pushing Daisies” gained an intensely devoted audience and was frequently discussed for revival, only to ultimately disappear, leaving the impression that it had vanished indefinitely.

In a charming bakery setting, I found myself immersed in a captivating tale that seamlessly blended elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural. The protagonist, Ned (played by Lee Pace), possesses an extraordinary gift – he can resurrect the deceased with a single touch and send them back to the realm of the living with another. However, when I touched Chuck (Anna Friel), my beloved from childhood who had been brutally murdered, I was struck by the realization that I could never use this power on her again, for fear of causing her harm anew.

The unique concept, combined with its humorous and visually stunning style, made “Pushing Daisies” a highly praised show when it debuted in 2007. However, changes in timeslots and falling ratings eventually led ABC to not renew the series for a third season after the second one ended. Despite having plenty of story left to tell, creator Bryan Fuller looked into different avenues, such as a comic book series and a possible Broadway musical, but neither panned out. As a result, “Pushing Daisies” remains a beloved two-season cult classic that continues to attract new fans.

Santa Clarita Diet

A show that combined elements of horror and comedy, “Santa Clarita Diet” was warmly received by both critics and viewers upon its Netflix debut in 2017. In this series, Drew Barrymore portrayed Sheila, a seemingly ordinary housewife who undergoes a transformation into a zombie, requiring her to consume human flesh while maintaining normal life within her community. This challenging task is assisted by her husband (Timothy Olyphant) and children.

The popular TV series “Santa Clarita Diet” received positive feedback from viewers, prompting Netflix to commission a second and third season. However, with uncertainty surrounding the show’s future, the creators intentionally crafted the third season to end on an unexpected cliffhanger that significantly altered Sheila’s family dynamic. Their hope was that this unresolved plot point would persuade Netflix to renew the series for another run. Unfortunately, it did not come to pass, and the show was ultimately canceled. Despite strong fan support, Fresco has since looked back on the series as something firmly set in the past during interviews.

Westworld

At one point, it appeared nearly unthinkable for “Westworld” to end prematurely. This captivating sci-fi series, developed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, was based on Michael Crichton’s movie of the same name. The storyline, set in a theme park where artificial intelligence takes over, was intriguing and had a profound impact on television audiences. With Nolan and Joy setting out to reach a specific conclusion, the show was initially highly acclaimed and financially successful.

By the fourth season that premiered in 2022, the show’s ratings and critical acclaim were dwindling, the intricate plotline was becoming increasingly convoluted, and both creators, Joy and Nolan, had expressed their hope for a fifth and final season to conclude the story. Fans anticipated this outcome, but in the autumn of 2022, HBO decided to terminate the series, leaving behind a whole season’s worth of untold tales that existed only in the minds of Nolan and Joy. Discussions about relocating the series to another network ensued, yet with its high production expenses and sought-after cast, “Westworld” essentially had no other options. As a result, fans were left with an incomplete (yet still generally enjoyable) narrative arc.

2025-02-27 22:31