The world of TV shows has become a significantly competitive one, especially in more recent years. In its pilot season, a series has a lot to prove; it has to capture increasingly shortening attention spans, get audiences invested in its characters, and most importantly, create anticipation for a second season. In a world of constant distractions and endless options when it comes to entertainment, a TV series has to be virtually perfect, as far as critics and audiences are concerned, if its meant to exist for more than one season.
That being said, there have been plenty shows over the years that have made a lasting impression on audiences in only one season. It's commonplace for series that are considered to be completely enjoyable and engaging, to abruptly get cancelled after only one season. It's a sad phenomenon, but it's a reality in this harshly competitive world. Let's take a look at some of the best TV series that only spanned one season before their cancellation.
Spinning Out (2020)
Spinning Out dropped its first season on Netflix in January of 2020, and was cancelled shortly after for relatively unknown reasons. The ten episodes of this series were riddled with angst and melodrama, but nonetheless had an intriguing quality that kept fans coming back for more. In all likelihood, a second season of the figure skating-focused drama would have been successful, as the show already garnered a following in its short run on Netflix.
Although there are many questions fans have about this series that will likely never get answered now that it's cancelled, Spinning Out can still be an enjoyable watch.
Everything Sucks (2018)
Everything Sucks had its premiere on Netflix in 2018 and was widely well-received. The series was set in the fictional town of Boring, Oregon, and took place in 1996. It followed a group of misfit teens through their everyday lives, which mainly revolve around the Boring High School's AV Club.
Everything Sucks, upon its initial release to Netflix, was praised for being a unique and refreshing teen comedy, watchable and enjoyable for older audiences as well. The series had gained itself a cult following of sorts when it was cancelled a few months after its premiere, so the backlash was significant. The heartfelt Everything Sucks is definitely worthy of a watch.
The Returned (2015)
Despite being fairly well-received, The Returned did not make it passed its first season, which aired from March to May of 2015. Shortly after its finale, the series was cancelled by A&E due to low ratings, but its one season is intriguing enough to watch as a standalone.
My So-Called Life (1994 - 1995)
My So-Called Life is one of those obscure '90s shows that only spanned one season on the air, but managed to garner a cult following years later. Though the drama series was overlooked in its day, leading to cancellation after it aired its first nineteen episodes, My So-Called Life stood the test of time and is widely praised today.
The series is loved by fans and critics alike, holding an impressive score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Though it was short-lived, My-So Called Life provides some enjoyable entertainment.
Firefly (2002 - 2003)
Firefly blended genres such as drama and Western and science fiction, created and produced by Joss Whedon. The series aired from 2002 to 2003 on Fox, and although it had a very short run of only one season and fourteen episodes, the series would later become extremely popular among Whedon's fanbase.
Firefly is still receiving praise to this day and holds an indisputable cult status. It received an Emmy award for Outstanding Visual Effects, despite its extremely short lifespan - being cancelled by Fox after only eleven out of the planned fourteen episodes were aired. Firefly's short run is certainly an anomaly, but it holds its popularity today and is undoubtedly worth checking out.
Terriers (2010)
Terriers aired on FX in 2010, concluding its first season on December 1st and getting cancelled by the network only five days later. The series consists of only thirteen episodes and was well-received by critics and audiences, however, low ratings convinced FX not to let Terriers return for a second season.
Many think the sudden cancellation of this crime-comedy series was uncalled for, as Terriers had a lot going for it and managed to gain a fanbase in a very short time. The series also featured a few episodes written by Walking Dead showrunner, Angela Kang. So it's worth looking into, especially if you're a fan of her work.
Feud (2017)
Feud was a creation of American Horror Story showrunner, Ryan Murphy, and it aired its first and only season on FX in 2017. This spanned eight episodes, which revolved around the infamous feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The series offered an in-depth look at the two Hollywood icons' complicated relationship with each other, chronicling primarily the drama that ensued on the set of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?.
Feud starred Jessica Lange as Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Davis, as well as Stanley Tucci as Jack Warner, and Kiernan Shipka as Davis' daughter, B.D. Merrill. With an intriguing story, an all-star cast, and a tone that made the series' uniquely Ryan Murphy's, Feud is a great watch and fans would still love to see a second season.
Marianne (2019)
Marianne was a French horror series that aired on Netflix in September of 2019. Recently, the series was cancelled, and its first and only season consists of only eight episodes. Marianne did manage to make quite an impression on viewers in its short run, though, and the cancellation of the unique horror series was deeply criticized.
Marianne is a fun watch for horror fans, and that still stands, even after its cancellation. Though its loose ends will not be tied up, the series provides some great horror elements and entertainment.
American Gothic (1995 - 1996)
American Gothic had a short run back in the mid-nineties but continues to be praised by modern audiences today. The series featured Sam Raimi as an executive producer and revolved around a smalltown, its citizens, and the supernatural, dark secrets that lurked beneath a quaint exterior.
American Gothic did not receive much appreciation or recognition in its day, but it has since gained a cult classic status among fans of the horror genre.
Freaks and Geeks (1999 - 2000)
Among the list of TV series cancelled too soon, Freaks and Geeks is easily the most well-known. The series first premiered in 1999 on NBC. It was created by Paul Feig and executive-produced by Judd Apatow, who back then was best-known for projects like The Ben Stiller Show (1992) and The Cable Guy (1996). Freaks and Geeks had eighteen episodes completed but was cancelled when only twelve had aired.
Today, the cult classic is significantly mourned, having great comedy and lifestyle aspects, as well as strong potential. It's shortlived, but an undoubtedly enjoyable watch.