Ratings define whether a TV show will live on-screen or not. This is one of the major problems with today's television. So many shows with great cast and engaging plots did not make it to second or any further season, but they definitely have a lifelong impact on followers. The list of great series loved by viewers has grown long over the years and yet it continues to expand. Sadly, some series got canceled long before their time, leaving the viewers utterly frustrated by the cliffhanging end of the last episode aired.
We have put together a few titles to make a wishlist of greatest TV shows that could have at least one more season.
Twin Peaks
David Lynch’s remarkable, also a bit weird and disturbing, TV drama became a cultural phenomenon. Whereas the big question in the series was who killed Laura Palmer, there were plenty of odd stories and events bringing up questions that also needed an answer. After two seasons the show ended leaving the audience wondering what would have happened to the main characters afterwards. Despite its age, Twin Peaks remains one of the best TV mysteries delivering outstanding visual effects.
FlashForward
It goes without saying that the show received very positive review by the audience as well as the critics. Created by David Goyer FlashForward is a sci-fi mystery drama based on Robert J. Sawyer's book which has the same title. FlashForward was a smart and unique show that followed the events after a global blackout that lasted for 2 minutes and 17 seconds. For the time being everyone was provided with a vision of their lives six months in the future. The series focused on the lives of several characters following one major story in the mean time. The plot efficaciously created intriguing cliffhangers while portraying the lives of the principal characters. Despite the show shined with its talented cast, including John Cho, Joseph Fiennes, Jack Davenport and two Lost stars – Sonya Walger and Dominic Monaghan, many moments kept the viewers on the edge of their seats. 22 episodes were aired and soon after the cancellation of the show was announced. The news left the fans frustrated mostly because of the cliffhanging end flashing forward to events that might happen two decades in the future suggesting a major plot twist. Rumor has it that the show did not got cancelled due to poor ratings. It was meant to last five seasons. The reason the show got plugged off was a dispute between the creator David Goyer and the producers. Goyer wanted to follow the events as described in the book, whilst the producers demanded a few changes to be made to enlarge the main concept of the series.
Jericho
This brilliantly acted and directed show depicts the lives of residents from a small town in Kansas after nuclear bombs went off in different parts of America. Jericho showed great potential and due to its ambitious nature could have gone far, but after airing episode 22 CBS got it canceled. The devoted fans made a memorable uproar by writing hundreds of angry emails to the television demanding another season. Sometimes online petitions do work, at least for a while, because CBS gave Jericho’s directors the green light for shooting season two. Sadly, this time the show received even lower ratings than before, which ended with its ultimate cancellation in March 2008.
Terra Nova
If you enjoyed Jurassic Park and Stargate: Atlantis you would have probably liked the theme of this one, too. The series tell the story of the Shannon family as they go back in time and fall into prehistoric era in a parallel universe. Terra Nova tackles some intriguing environmental issues. The series paints a dreadful picture of the planet - with polluted air, poor living conditions – raising new challenges to the inhabitants. The scientific matter, profound message and interesting character development draw the attention of great deal of viewers. Indeed, the show was highly likable to watch, but, sadly, the television industry did not get satisfied with the rating results. After airing only one season that consisted of 13 epizodes fans received the disappointing news that their show couldn't make it to second season.
Invasion
The show stunned with its smart storyline and stellar cast, which included William Fichtner, Eddie Cibrian, Kari Matchett and pre-American Horror Story Evan Peters. Invasion began with a hurricane that strikes the small town of Homestead, Florida. Extraordinary consequences came aftermaths that affected the lives of the inhabitants. Not everyone who survived the storm came back the same. Those who happened to stay outside during the hurricane returned to their families changed, they looked the same from outside, but from the inside, they felt different. Invasion made very promising start with audience of 17 million. Unfortunately, over the run, the numbers dropped down drastically and when in May 2006 was aired the 22nd episode, it was the last. With the presence of so many talented actors like William Fichtner and future stars like Evan Peters, it remains incomprehensible how Invasion survived for only one season? Apparently, the alien invasion plot couldn't bring about commercial success. Perhaps the ABC's marketing campaign send the wrong message psyching up the audience that the series will focus on the disaster elements not the aliens. That is pity, because the show had such potential.
Firefly
This space western series was not expected to fit for commercial success. However, its first season made great impact on fans. Set in the 26th century an independent crew of humans leaves the earth. As they travel on board of a small spacecraft to explore unknown parts of the galaxy they face difficult situations and fight for survival. With well-written scenario, perfect cast and excellently directed Firefly received a high acclaim by the fans who grow very devoted. Unfortunately, this was not enough because after airing 11 episodes Fox made a decision to pull the plug on the show due to poor rating results.
Do you agree with our list?
Which series cancellation made you deal with a major cliffhanger and had you signing online petitions and writing angry emails to TV network?
