While it's always tragic when a great TV show ends, it's especially sad when that happens before a second season. The first season often stands out the most as the character arcs are beginning and the storytelling feels fresh. But sometimes a show needs more time to find its groove and it's always moving when a character experiences growth and becomes a better person. That can't usually be done in only a single season.
There are several TV dramas that have won fans over with only 10 to 22 episodes, as they are so well-crafted that they continue to be talked about today. But unfortunately, these shows didn't make it past season 1 — even with so much potential.
Bunheads (2012-2013)
Fans of Gilmore Girls who loved watching Lorelai crack jokes will want to check out Bunheads, the single-season show from creator Amy Sherman-Palladino. It follows Michelle, who begins working as a showgirl in Las Vegas after growing up as a ballet dancer.
She's totally lost and moves to Paradise, California to teach at a dance school run by the hilarious and tough Fanny, who has shades of Emily Gilmore, which makes sense since both characters are portrayed by actor Kelly Bishop.
Pitch (2016)
Ginny Baker is a talented athlete who becomes the first female pitcher in Major League Baseball. When she joins a team, she meets the captain of the Padres, Mike, whom she can't help but find fascinating. Ginny's late father always supported her dreams, and she often thinks about him as she makes her way in this new and scary world.
Pitch is a fascinating look at the world of baseball and has some smart things to say about grief and bravery as well. Sadly, it only aired for one season on Fox.
My So-Called Life (1994-1995)
My So-Called Life only aired for 19 episodes, and fans still love this intelligent teen show that follows Angela Chase, a young adult who is always vulnerable and real. It's a classic teen drama that treats the teens and adults equally and gives them both meaningful stories. As Angela leaves her sweet best friend Sharon behind, she befriends the creative Rayanne and Rickie, and Angela's parents struggle with work, family, and marriage problems.
It's too bad that this show never got more episodes, as there is so much material to work with here. Viewers also appreciate Angela's voiceovers and the writing on the show is top notch.
Privileged (2008-2009)
With only one season airing during the 2008-2009 TV season, Privileged is based on the book How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls by Zooey Dean.
Megan starts working as the tutor for rich teens Sage and Rose, and she learns more about them while figuring out what she wants out of life. Gossip Girl is known for its wealthy young adults and Privileged is a great show for fans of Serena, Blair, and their peers.
Spinning Out (2020)
Spinning Out got one season on Netflix at the beginning of 2020. Kat is a talented ice skater and could lose her dream forever because she gets hurt. She decides to take the opportunity that is given to her: be a pair skater instead.
This show is worthy of praise as Kat has bipolar disorder and that isn't something that many shows delve into. It's moving watching Kat continue on her path while acknowledging that she has struggles, but sadly, Netflix didn't renew the show.
Firefly (2002)
Fans love the single-season show Firefly which followed characters on Serenity, a spaceship, and it stands out amongst other science-fiction stories. Fans got to see the story continue in the movie Serenity, which was released in 2005.
Firefly aired in the fall of 2002 and it can definitely be considered one of the most popular shows to only get one season. The most recognizable cast member is Nathan Fillion, who portrayed protagonist Mal Reynolds, Serenity's captain. Despite only airing 11 episodes, Firefly has achieved cult status.
Freaks And Geeks (1999-2000)
Fans love comedy-drama Freaks and Geeks and while it would have been great to see a second season or more, the 18 episodes do show what it's really like to be a teenager.
The characters are in two groups, nerdy and rebellious, and everyone on the show is well-written, proving that high school isn't easy no matter what clique you're in.
Everything Sucks!
Everything Sucks! lasted for one season on Netflix, which is a shame as the premise is so relatable: a group of teenagers come of age while attending school and working out who they want to be.
Standout characters include Luke and Kate, who are both going through a lot. Luke has a tough home life as his dad left, and he's in love with Kate, who realizes that she's gay. The series is also set in the '90s which gives it a nostalgic tone and there are fun pop culture references to Tori Amos, The Craft, and Blockbuster.
Hidden Palms (2007)
Hidden Palms only aired for eight episodes on the CW in the summer of 2007, but it deserves some praise for telling a compelling story. Johnny has a dark, tragic past and while he tries to readjust to life after rehab, he realizes that his community of wealthy people hides many secrets.
This show has many elements that make for fun binge-watching, especially in the summer: a mysterious death, parents with their own secret lives, and a love story between Johnny and Greta, the girl he can't help but be drawn to. This show is perfect for fans of The O.C. but sadly didn't last long.
Jane By Design (2012)
High school is all about exploring interests and in the TV drama Jane by Design, main character Jane realizes that she loves fashion. When people think that she's actually older and out of high school altogether, she gets a job working for a fashion designer and begins living a double life.
It's a lot of fun watching Jane live this lie and it seems like there would have been more story to explore, but the series was only given 18 episodes. Jane by Design aired on ABC Family before being rebranded as Freeform, a network known for beloved dramas like Pretty Little Liars.