15 TV Shows Canceled Way Too Soon
For every TV show with a perfect ending, there are too many more shows that were canceled by the network earlier than they should’ve been. Sometimes, the cancelation takes you by surprise, and other times, unfortunately, you know it’s coming. It still doesn’t make the news any less painful.
Unfortunately, cancellations hit every genre out there: sci-fi, drama, and even comedies have their last laugh after only one season. Whether because of ratings, contract endings, or something else in the air, we all have that one show that was taken from us too soon.
We all want more from our favorite stories and wish we could have more time with beloved characters.
In no particular order, here are 15 TV shows that were taken from us far too soon:
1. Timeless (NBC)
Paperclips, billboards, and petitions, oh my! When Timeless on NBC was canceled the first time, it was renewed three days later following contract negotiations. Though we were given a sendoff in the form of a Christmas two-parter, many people, including myself, don’t think that was quite enough.
The show covered all genres: Westerns, sci-fi, romance, and more. It’s a shame the show was only given two seasons.
Given that the show is about historical moments, theoretically, it could’ve gone on for much longer.
2. Pitch (FOX)
Featuring Kylie Bunbury, Pitch told the story of the first female pitcher in the MLB.
The show displayed the ins and outs of being a female in a male-dominated sport, while still making it pointed enough for us to understand that it was groundbreaking. Plus, it was genuinely fun to watch.
Former softball players, baseball fans, and TV fans alike fell in love with Pitch, and it was heartbreaking to see it go. Pitch had several directions it could’ve gone in, but FOX, unfortunately, didn’t give it the chance to explore.
3. Good Behavior (TNT)
Based on the book of the same name by Blake Crouch, Good Behavior centers around a woman attempting to make good in her life and ending up being kind-of-partners with a hitman.
It’s also a romance, so, you can imagine what happens next.
Michelle Dockery and Juan Diego Botto had the kind of chemistry that lit up the screen, and it was a shame to see it go so soon.
After two short seasons, TNT canceled the show and we’re all left wondering what happened to Letty and Javier.
4. Hannibal (FOX)
Considered by many to be one of the best horror shows of all time, Hannibal featured Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy trying to understand themselves and each other.
Now called a cult classic, Hannibal explored themes about flawless love, flaw-filled love, and everything in between. Technically, the show is a mystery, but people engaged in the show in many different ways, and isn’t that the best way to create a TV show?
Hannibal was unfortunately canceled in 2015, and though talks of renewals, reboots, and movie sequels have floated around, nothing is set in stone.
5. Firefly (FOX)
While, yes, Firefly is 20 years old, it remains one of the best shows of all time.
This post-apocalyptic banger brings us snarky characters, the too-chipper best friend, and even the enemies-to-lovers romance. Firefly has something for everyone, which is why it came as an incredible shock that it was canceled after just one season
Plus, who doesn’t want to see Nathan Fillion and Morena Baccarin flirting over some futuristic space-tech? Sign me up.
Though, as loyal fans always do, Firefly fans banded together and got Serenity, a movie sequel to Firefly, greenlit.
6. The Society (Netflix)
The Society on Netflix is a show in which a group of teenagers learns to survive on their own after everyone else in the town mysteriously disappears.
Personally, I would find it very hard to simply join a group to build a new society, but obviously, these guys were a little more motivated than your average person.
Amidst The Society being canceled, fans responded with hashtag pleas, petitions, and more to highlight how upset they were about the untimely cancellation, especially given that the show ended on a cliffhanger.
7. Pushing Daisies (NBC)
Described as a mystery on several different media sites, Pushing Daisies has been called the most romantic television series ever.
So it’s unsurprising that it gained a huge following when it began airing in 2007. The show was nominated for 57 awards in its two-season, 22-episode run, winning a total of 18.
Pushing Daisies has become something of a cult classic, with audiences constantly clamoring for more even in 2022. People loved the lightness paired with the darkness that came with Pushing Daisies. It was something audiences haven’t seen before and it’s sorely missed now.
I’m almost sure if the show came back today, it would break some sort of record. After all, it just needs a bit of Ned’s touch.
8. The OA (Netflix)
One of the best mysteries in years, The OA delivered some of the most unbelievable plot twists I’ve ever seen on television. And it was only two seasons!
It told stories like no other TV show out there. The OA challenged your perceptions and made you think. And while it was always a crazy ride, it was kind of relaxing to watch and fall into this different world.
During its second season, The OA really opened up the mythology, allowing us to learn more about interdimensional travel and its effects, all while delivering some fantastic character moments.
Unfortunately, we will never know how OA’s story ends, but I doubt any of us will ever forget this beautiful show.
9. The Passage (FOX)
Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Saniyya Sidney lead the cast of The Passage, a post-apocalyptic vampire series on FOX, which is just as wacky as it sounds. The show breathed fresh air into a somewhat tired genre of vampires and embraced hope and forgiveness, which is something we truly need a lot more of.
Even with its flaws, The Passage was a promising series with an unforgettable cast and premise. If FOX is ever looking to bring it back, we’d all be grateful.
10. GLOW (Netflix)
GLOW, or the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, is a Netflix original show that introduced thousands to a world of tough, female wrestlers, and to a group of women who became a found family.
GLOW was flashy — the outfits, the characters, and even the dialogue hit a level of power that women hadn’t had on TV or in real life at the time. And yet it never felt inauthentic.
We still miss this wonderful group of women and find ourselves wondering what would’ve happened if we would’ve gotten one more season with them.
11. Freaks and Geeks (NBC)
Freaks and Geeks, which aired from 1999 to 2000, aided in launching several actors’ careers and quickly became a cult classic.
Everyone somewhere knows someone who watched and/or loves Freaks and Geeks. It is a statistical fact. (Disclaimer: it is not.)
Freaks and Geeks is one of those shows you wish you could erase completely from your brain just so you can watch it again for the first time. It’s witty, it’s funny, it’s a little insane. And it is so, so good.
The show itself is perfect for anyone who grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, and the best thing about it is that it’s still special to watch even if you didn’t grow up then.
12. Sweet/Vicious (MTV)
Telling the story of two girls fighting abusers and standing up for survivors, Sweet/Vicious is one of the best shows to come out of MTV. The show really put itself out there and fought for its chance to say something important.
Sweet/Vicious is filled with strong female characters and wonderful friendships. Jules and Ophelia were the vigilantes the world needed (and still needs), and they are definitely friendship goals.
Most importantly, the show instilled in us a message that everyone needs to hear: “we believe you.”
13. The Secret Circle (The CW)
The Secret Circle is based on the book series by L. J. Smith and told the story of a witch who doesn’t realize she’s finally come home to her roots.
The series had all the makings of a successful CW show: small-town magic, plot twists, parental betrayal, and romance. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to earn this beloved series a second season.
The Secret Circle had us wishing that we could move to a small, rainy town in the Northeast.
14. Julie and the Phantoms (Netflix)
Starring the incredible Madison Reyes, Julie and the Phantoms is a show about a girl helping a ghost trio work to be the band they’ve always wanted to be.
Fans of any age enjoyed this musical show because there’s no better feeling than watching young adults help make impressionable impacts on each other.
More than a full year after Julie and the Phantoms premiered, Netflix announced in December 2021 that it would not be going forward, and now and in the future, it’s sure to be one of Netflix’s biggest mistakes.
15. Ghosted (FOX)
Starring Adam Scott and Craig Robinson, Ghosted is a one-season comedy about ghost hunting with your typical true believer and skeptic.
Scott and Robinson have chemistry that must be bottled to be preserved. It was so much fun watching them hunt ghosts together, and it’s a shame we didn’t get to see them together for longer.
Ghosted is a series that needed a bit more time to find its stride, and it’s a shame it was never given the chance.
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What are some shows you think were canceled too soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Laura Wanberg
Laura is a homebody who loves everything about TV. Some of her favorite shows include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Parks and Recreation, and The Morning Show. With her ever-growing list of new shows to watch and books to read, her favorite thing to do is to cuddle up with her cat and get lost in someone else's world.