Sometimes it’s better to quit while you’re ahead which I assume is why many shows destined to live on in history try to make it to 5 seasons and then call it quits, just long enough to cement their place before they run out of material and the show starts to suck. Many times, TV execs get it right when it comes to cancelling shows. God knows how many pilots were created that the public never had the misfortune of seeing. However, they often screw the pooch and pull the plug on some classic shows leaving the fans, who were deemed to not be enough, infuriated that they never got to see the story unfold. The following shows didn’t have enough time on the air and were pulled for seemingly no reason at all. If you’re in the market for some great TV, buy these on Blu-Ray or download them on iTunes and have yourself a marathon although be forewarned, you will be upset when you get to the end.
Deadwood: Deadwood lasted three seasons on HBO from 2004-2006. Set in the 1870’s in Deadwood, South Dakota before and after it’s annexation by the Dakota Territory, the show focused on the growth of the camp giving the viewer an insight into early America and how things worked allowing them to relate how things were to how things are. The show’s main characters were Al Swearengen, a local corrupt businessman and town leader, and Seth Bullock, town Sherriff and businessman. Besides Swearengen and Bullock many historical figures were portrayed such as Wild Bill Hickock, Sol Star, Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, E.B. Farnum, George Hearst, and Charlie Utter. The show was praised for its historical accuracy as well as the incredible acting of the entire cast. Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane who played Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen respectively received much praise for their portrayal of their characters. This show could have gone one several seasons longer; three just was not enough for this classic.
Brotherhood: Brotherhood ran for three seasons on Showtime from 2006-2008. Though never confirmed, this show was loosely based on the Brothers Bulger from Boston. Brotherhood showed the lives of two brothers, Michael and Tommy Caffee, the former an Irish crime boss and the latter an influential politician in Rhode Island. The show showed how their lives intertwined despite the fact that they were seemingly polar opposites. Mob stories, especially ones that take place outside of New York City, are always very interesting so it was surprising that Brotherhood never caught on. On paper, it seemed like a major hit but despite Jason Clarke and Jason Isaacs, who played Tommy and Michael constantly receiving rave reviews, the show was cancelled after three seasons. The way it ended wasn’t terrible but it was rushed. Brotherhood needed 5 seasons to reach its full potential.
My Name Is Earl: My Name Is Earl aired for four seasons on NBC from 2005-2009. My Name Is Earl was the story of Earl Hickey, a guy from a small town who caused trouble and did everything wrong until losing a winning lottery ticket and getting hit by a car makes him believe in karma and leads him to change his ways. He decides to make a list of all the things he’s done wrong and make up for every one of them, Earl, along with his dimwitted brother Randy, played by Ethan Suplee head out to make up for everything Earl’s list which led to some of the funniest moments on television. Jaime Pressly, who played Earl’s insane trailer park ex-wife Joy who tried to kill him for the first couple of seasons, was hysterical in this Role. Eddie Steeples’ role as the “Crabman” was understated comic genius. They decided to call it quits after four seasons and for a long time there were talks of the show popping up on another network but it never materialized. Earl had at least a few seasons left in it.
Lights Out: Lights Out ran for one season on FX in 2011. Holt McCallany played Patrick “Lights” Leary, an Irish man from New Jersey who was once heavyweight champion of the world but has now been retired for 5 years and diagnosed with pugilistic dementia. When his brother Johnny, who serves as his manager, loses the fortune Lights made while boxing, Lights is forced to re-enter the ring despite his illness. I question when the writers found out the show would only run for one season because an insane amount of stuff happened in 13 episodes. It feels like three seasons trapped in just one. FX should have let this show get some legs before cancelling because it really was a great show and now it’s just a drop in the bucket in terms of TV shows that once were. I was upset by the cancellation of this show because what good is a season cliffhanger with no second season?
Huff: Huff ran for two seasons on Showtime from 2004-2006. Hank Azaria played Dr. Craig Huffstodt, a psychiatrist who begins to view life differently when a teenage patient commits suicide in his office. The show follows his life including his relationship with his wife and son, mother, and his hard partying best friend Russell Tupper who was played by Oliver Platt. Huff also had a younger brother locked away in a mental institution which was a fairly important part of the show as Huff took a lot from their visits. The cancellation of this show was very premature and bizarre as the actors were accepting accolades and awards with the show being cancelled for just weeks. Huff deserved a shot and should have gotten its five seasons.
Article By: Jon DaBove
