6 Great TV Shows Cancelled Before They Lost Their Touch
By: Erin Huang-Schaffer
Isn't it a crime when a television show with heart, quality, and strong acting/writing is suddenly cancelled before it was even given a chance? That's how I feel about the shows listed below.
1. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (2008-'09) – 1 season
This comedy-drama about a woman (played by Grammy-winner Jill Scott) who becomes the first female private investigator in Botswana is full of charm and mystery. I'll also note that it's very family-friendly, and has a strong supporting cast consisting of Tony-winner Anika Noni Rose and Lucian Msamati.
2. Joan of Arcadia (2003-'05) – 2 seasons
Following a high school girl (in a moving performance by Amber Tamblyn) and her family, this might be viewed as a typical teen drama (albeit an exceptionally refreshing one). Only there's a fantasy element as well: she speaks directly to a God – just like Joan of Arc – who offers her directions, while having conversations that range from humorously sarcastic and snippy to thought-provoking and sentimental. But don't be fooled by its seemingly religious tone; this is a show that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of personal beliefs. Recommended for mature teens and adults, given the show's tendency to cover heavy topics.
3. Firefly (2002) – 1 season [Note: Despite its occasional wackiness, this is no Star Wars; not recommended for young children]
Often considered one of the greatest shows ever to be cancelled after one season, Joss Whedon's Firefly carries an ensemble cast of nine actors with incredible chemistry. It's basically a pirates-in-space-east-meets-western. I hope that jumbled description doesn't turn you off, because it's a really good show! Here's a more detailed description: a crew consisting mainly of petty thieves live on a spaceship, taking place in the future after Earth dies, where they visit planets ranging from poor (think: the old west) to rich (think: the new east). The solar system is controlled by an evil corrupt government called The Alliance. Give it at least two episodes to hook you. Trust me.
4. Dollhouse (2009-'10) – 2 seasons [NOT FOR CHILDREN OF ANY AGE]
Another Joss Whedon show that died too young, this present-day sic-fi took a little long to find its feet. Seven episodes to be exact. But once it reached its prime, it was like night-and-day. The show's plot is one of the most complex, fascinating, and imaginative stories I've ever heard. It's about a secret organization, called the Dollhouse, that has found a profitable use for the brainwashing and mind control of humans. People who aren't yet tired of Whedon's over-sexualization of strong female characters will be able to get into it.
5. Freaks & Geeks (1999-2000) – 1 season
It's so nice to come across a teen show that doesn't follow the glamorous, rich, popular kids (ahem, Gossip Girl/Beverly Hills, 90210/Claire Bennet from Heroes, ahem). A show that gives us characters most of us can actually connect to! Featuring a bunch of actors before they became well-known (i.e. Do I need to list them all?), this comedy-drama gave us a look into the hearts of the underrepresented outcasts.
6. Pushing Daisies (2007-'09) – 2 seasons
Okay, so it'll never live up to the genius of shows like Breaking Bad, but it does happen to be the Tim Burton of quirky shows. A pie-baker (played by Lee Pace) has the magical ability to bring the dead back to life with the touch of his finger. He brings his deceased true love back to life, only what complicates this is that when he revives a creature, touching it again will make it die forever. To be honest, what makes this show worth watching is really the scene-stealing Kristin Chenoweth (as Olive), and all her random musical numbers.
1. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (2008-'09) – 1 season
This comedy-drama about a woman (played by Grammy-winner Jill Scott) who becomes the first female private investigator in Botswana is full of charm and mystery. I'll also note that it's very family-friendly, and has a strong supporting cast consisting of Tony-winner Anika Noni Rose and Lucian Msamati.
2. Joan of Arcadia (2003-'05) – 2 seasons
Following a high school girl (in a moving performance by Amber Tamblyn) and her family, this might be viewed as a typical teen drama (albeit an exceptionally refreshing one). Only there's a fantasy element as well: she speaks directly to a God – just like Joan of Arc – who offers her directions, while having conversations that range from humorously sarcastic and snippy to thought-provoking and sentimental. But don't be fooled by its seemingly religious tone; this is a show that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of personal beliefs. Recommended for mature teens and adults, given the show's tendency to cover heavy topics.
3. Firefly (2002) – 1 season [Note: Despite its occasional wackiness, this is no Star Wars; not recommended for young children]
Often considered one of the greatest shows ever to be cancelled after one season, Joss Whedon's Firefly carries an ensemble cast of nine actors with incredible chemistry. It's basically a pirates-in-space-east-meets-western. I hope that jumbled description doesn't turn you off, because it's a really good show! Here's a more detailed description: a crew consisting mainly of petty thieves live on a spaceship, taking place in the future after Earth dies, where they visit planets ranging from poor (think: the old west) to rich (think: the new east). The solar system is controlled by an evil corrupt government called The Alliance. Give it at least two episodes to hook you. Trust me.
4. Dollhouse (2009-'10) – 2 seasons [NOT FOR CHILDREN OF ANY AGE]
Another Joss Whedon show that died too young, this present-day sic-fi took a little long to find its feet. Seven episodes to be exact. But once it reached its prime, it was like night-and-day. The show's plot is one of the most complex, fascinating, and imaginative stories I've ever heard. It's about a secret organization, called the Dollhouse, that has found a profitable use for the brainwashing and mind control of humans. People who aren't yet tired of Whedon's over-sexualization of strong female characters will be able to get into it.
5. Freaks & Geeks (1999-2000) – 1 season
It's so nice to come across a teen show that doesn't follow the glamorous, rich, popular kids (ahem, Gossip Girl/Beverly Hills, 90210/Claire Bennet from Heroes, ahem). A show that gives us characters most of us can actually connect to! Featuring a bunch of actors before they became well-known (i.e. Do I need to list them all?), this comedy-drama gave us a look into the hearts of the underrepresented outcasts.
6. Pushing Daisies (2007-'09) – 2 seasons
Okay, so it'll never live up to the genius of shows like Breaking Bad, but it does happen to be the Tim Burton of quirky shows. A pie-baker (played by Lee Pace) has the magical ability to bring the dead back to life with the touch of his finger. He brings his deceased true love back to life, only what complicates this is that when he revives a creature, touching it again will make it die forever. To be honest, what makes this show worth watching is really the scene-stealing Kristin Chenoweth (as Olive), and all her random musical numbers.