It's tough to find the best time to end a TV series, as it's great to end on a good note and leave people wishing for more, but it's always tempting to want to tell more stories with beloved characters. There are several great TV shows, ranging from comedies to dramas to supernatural series, that ended up getting cancelled after only one season, which didn't give any closure to the creators or the viewers. Fans like watching these episodes over and over again as the shows feel even more comforting and entertaining since there are so few episodes.
Reddit users are sharing their favorite single season TV shows, from a beloved science fiction series that was cancelled before a second season to several sitcoms and light-hearted dramas.
Firefly (2002)
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Fans love many Firefly scenes and when shows that got cancelled before a second season are discussed, people often recommend it. Reddit user frozeninshadow said "Firefly, hands down" is the best TV show with only one season.
The science-fiction series featuring Nathan Fillion as Captain Mal Reynolds in charge of a ship called Serenity is so beloved it has achieved cult status at this point. It only has 14 episodes and fans love coming back to them.
The Event (2010)
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Reddit user Bowzer loved "The Event" and wrote, "The show definitely had promise at the end but it fell under the same spell as most other post-Lost shows."
With only one 22-episode season, The Event tells the story of aliens who are separated when their ship ends up in Alaska as World War II is ending. While some are called "Sleepers" and they become part of general society, others are used by the government. While the show didn't last, it definitely has a premise that makes people think.
Trophy Wife (2013)
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When discussing TV shows that were cancelled after one season, Reddit user Crankrune mentioned a few including the sitcom Trophy Wife, writing, "I enjoyed them all."
As Kate gets used to becoming part of Pete's family once they get married, she tries to do things her own way while attempting to make his kids like her. The show sticks out among other sitcoms as Kate and Pete's exes Jackie and Diane form a type of trio and help each other through life.
Teenage Bounty Hunters (2010)
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Reddit user tvwatcher1982 loves "Teenage Bounty Hunters" and said, "Awesome show, not renewed." Reddit user jjackson25 said that it seemed like "just the right combination of quirky, charming, and funny" to continue.
Blair and Sterling are twins who begin working with a bounty hunter when they need money to fix the truck that they borrowed from their dad. It's a simple premise that resulted in a sweet show that feels special but unfortunately doesn't have more than one season.
Bunheads (2012)
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For Reddit user inkista, "Bunheads" is a fantastic TV show with one season. After Gilmore Girls, Amy Sherman-Palladino created and wrote the comedy/drama that focuses on dancers.
The main character Michelle moves to a small town when her Las Vegas career gets ruined and starts teaching dance. Michelle forms an amazing bond with the teenage girls, as she can see parts of herself in them, and they're equally interested in her while also resisting her advice a bit.
Undeclared (2001)
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Reddit user contentpic answered with "Undeclared" in a Reddit thread about TV series that were cancelled too soon.
Fans of Freaks And Geeks will enjoy this series which Judd Apatow created, as it's one of the funniest and most realistic and relatable TV show about college life. Everything from awkward romances to roommate problems is talked about here and the show definitely feels like it could many more seasons.
No Ordinary Family (2010)
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Reddit user cingalls liked No Ordinary Family and said it was "really good (as something parents could watch with kids) but towards the finale it got super silly."
The premise is a lot of fun: the Powell family has magical powers and they can each do something amazing. Daughter Kat is telepathic, mom/wife Stephanie can move super fast, and dad/husband Jim is incredibly strong.
Awake (2012)
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When talking about a TV show that didn't make it to a second season, Reddit user SpottyRasang posted that Awake was great and added, "it was worth it for the pilot alone."
Awake follows Michael Britton, a Los Angeles detective who finds himself in a terrifying bind: after a car crash, he sometimes lives in a world where his son Rex passed away and other times, his wife Hannah died. The show is heartbreaking and sad but had some promise, but was sadly cancelled after one season.
Terriers (2010)
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Sometimes a TV show is cancelled without an ending and fans are sad that Terriors didn't get more than one season.
Reddit user ChemistryRespecter mentioned this TV show as a solid show with one season, writing that it's a "severely underrated crime comedy from FX that was cancelled after one season." Reddit user Sagemanx called the show "well written and gritty." The show follows good friends Hank and Britt as they run a detective company that they don't actually have the legal right to.
My So-Called Life (1994)
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Reddit user mrgenius99 recommended My So-Called Life as "the perfect show to watch being an angsty 15 year old in 1994."
My So-Called Life features articulate characters and focuses on both the stories of the teenagers, from Angela who is learning more of what she wants out of life to Rickie and Rayanne who are trying to enjoy their high school time while dealing with many struggles. The series also does a great job of showing Angela's parents Patty and Graham's career and marital ups and downs.