The new year is upon us and faithful fans are filled with excitement as some of our favorite shows inch closer to their return in 2018. Sadly, a new year also means a change in our regularly scheduled programming. This is one resolution that not everyone is looking forward to.
Mid-season premiere dates for new and returning shows have been set. Some of the series we can’t live without seem to be taking forever to come back, while others, unfortunately, didn’t make the cut for 2018.
With the annual lineup in front of us (and a few surprises revealed for 2019) viewers can either breathe a sigh of relief or will have to start planning a new way to fill a familiar time slot.
However you get your fix (whether it’s network, cable or streaming) you might be surprised to learn when your must-see TV is coming back to air. In some cases, if it’s even coming back at all.
So, grab your popcorn or a tissue, and get ready to find out what’s in store for this new year in television.
Here are 10 TV Shows That WON’T Be Back In 2018 (And 5 We Can’t Wait To See).
Won't Be Back: 2 Broke Girls
After six seasons of hilarious shenanigans and jokes that were not usually suitable for kids, 2 Broke Girls has called it quits. The announcement that CBS had pulled the plug on the half-hour comedy came back in May, with news following that it was likely due to the network not owning the show.
Created by Michael Patrick King and Whitney Cummings, 2 Broke Girls, which spotlighted the adventures of Max and Caroline had all the right ingredients for success. It was a lucrative recipe mixed with just the perfect amount of sass, crassness, and sweetness. While there was even talk of a short season for a minute, in the end, the popular show lost out when CBS and Warner Bros. couldn’t reach a deal. The network still maintains a strong hold on comedy with The Big Bang Theory, TBBT’s prequel Young Sheldon, and Kevin Can Wait.
Won't Be Back: Teen Wolf
With a drop in ratings during season 5, MTV’s Teen Wolf decided to wrap things up after six seasons, stopping at 100 episodes. It's hard to imagine that this series would be planning a reboot before it’s even been yanked off the air, but Teen Wolf did exactly that when the network didn’t bother wait for the show to get cold before the president of MTV announced he felt that the characters and the stories had hit their peak, and then went on to say that, after its cancelation, he plans to keep the franchise going.
Although the Teen Wolf as we know it won’t be returning, the finale left viewers with a boatload of questions and paved the way for a new cast, a new set of issues and new stories.
Can't Wait: The 100
The CW’s astounding recipe for greatness seems to have found its way right into the hearts of those who love The 100. The wildly popular apocalyptic drama is finally returning for a fifth season and audiences are waiting at the edge of their seats to see what happens next. In a show where things change moment to moment, most of the time you can’t figure out who is good and who is evil, let alone who will even survive.
The season 4 finale left us all dangling off of a cliff, and with the series having shifted from a fall to a mid-season premiere, it feels like we’re left hanging even longer these days. The good news is that production began back in August. Even better news is that the series will return on Tuesday, April 24, at 9 p.m. ET, after The Flash.
Won't Be Back: Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies will certainly be back, however, it won’t be happening in 2018. It was hard to miss all of the accolades the female-driven show rightfully received at 2017's Golden Globes. Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and Alexander Skarsgard all took home trophies, while the show itself won an award for best limited series.
The HBO drama series created and written by David E. Kelley made its premiere in 2017 winning over audiences, tackling major issues that are rooted in so much of today’s public conversation. Most of the cast (if not all) from the first season are expected to return for season 2. Emmy-winner director Jean-Marc Vallée will serve as producer. Andrea Arnold moves in as director. And a new character (Perry’s mom) will come into play. Production for the new season is supposed to begin in Spring 2018.
Won't Be Back: Rick and Morty
The popular animated science-fiction sitcom created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon for Adult Swim began in 2013 and so far, has only seen 31 episodes. Unfortunately, the wait between seasons is long enough to make even the coldest winters seem to pass in the blink of an eye.
While Rick and Morty will grace the screen once again, the question is when. One thing is for sure: it won’t be this year. The first time the show’s creators did this to us, fans had to wait over two years between the second and third season. Now, it looks like we’re in for another long haul.
Despite the show’s outstanding ratings (it has become the most popular show in Adult Swim history) it’s not expected to return until late 2019. Apparently, the writers have yet to even begin working on season 4.
Can't Wait: Sense8
After only two seasons (23 episodes) Netflix officially canceled the fan-favorite sci-fi drama, Sense8. The streaming service pulled the plug less than a month after the release of the second season, which ended in a cliffhanger. It came down to the cost of paying $9 million dollars per episode while filming in several countries, partnered with an audience that just wasn’t big enough.
The show was clever, not only tapping into things like interconnectivity and astral projection, but it was also diverse with LGBTQ characters. The outpouring of love for the series and the disappointment in its cancellation led to a wave of fans rising up to resurrect it. Proving there is most definitely power in connection, their wish was answered.
On June 29, the message came in the form of a Tweet: “Death doesn't let you say goodbye. 2 hour finale episode in the works. Tell your cluster.” The finale is expected to air sometime this year.
Won't Be Back: The Leftovers
After only three seasons, we were forced to say goodbye to HBO's enthralling post-apocalyptic psychological series that starred Justin Theroux. Although fans still want more, they shouldn’t get their hopes up; the creators have gone on record stating there’s no chance of a revival. Even with The Leftovers’ cult following, its ratings were a good indication that the show wasn't long for the screen. The numbers had plummeted in season two, making the final season a gift to viewers.
While we’re left to wonder what exactly the “Sudden Departure” was really all about, the creative minds behind the series say they are happy with the ending they went with. The emotional resolution they gave for its two main characters was just enough to keep us satisfied.
Won't Be Back: Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones fans have a lot to be excited about and upset about all at the same time. The HBO phenomenon will be returning, but not until 2019. What’s even harder to accept about one of the most popular shows in the world, is that we are about to enter the eighth and final season. The network confirmed it would be taking a year off from its biggest hit of all-time, in order to bring fans “the greatest thing that’s ever aired on TV” - according to Jason Momoa.
The final season began shooting in October and with heavy production schedules ahead, it is likely fans will have to wait all the way until spring of 2019 to get their fix. It’s also been reported that the final season will only be made up of six episodes.
Can't Wait: Westworld
Westworld debuted in the fall of 2016 and with season 1 behind us, the excitement for season 2 is actually palpable. Rumors and fan theories have been circulating, leading everybody to guess what mysterious and fun adventures await. The sci-fi Western was HBO's most-watched first season in its history and earned an incredible 22 Emmy nominations.
News of season 2 came halfway through season 1, but so far, no specific air date has been announced. Although, thanks to HBO and star Evan Rachel Wood, we know the drama series will be returning in spring of 2018. As far as what comes next, you can be certain that most of your favorite talent will be returning (we’ll also welcome some newcomers) and season 2 will be defined by chaos. Nothing happens by mistake or is an accident in this show.
Won't Be Back: Chelsea
After a two-season run, Chelsea Handler’s Netflix talk show will not be returning to the streaming service. In its short time in production, the show underwent some pretty remarkable changes. While the series began with three half-hour episodes per week, it eventually shifted to the hour-long once-a-week format you see in the second season.
In October, Handler announced on Facebook that she would not be coming back for a third season. The reason for her departure is so that she can to turn her attention to activism. Handler, who has always been outspoken when it comes to social issues, is calling it quits so she can write a book. While she may be leaving the Netflix show, she’s not exactly parting ways with them. They’re working together on an original documentary where Chelsea will talk with people of different ethnicities, religions, and political philosophies.
Won't Be Back: Difficult People
This Hulu comedy gave us three glorious seasons of Billy Eichner and Julie Klausner, along with so many hilarious guest stars. From executive producer Amy Poehler, the show focused on two bitter, aspiring comedians living in New York City. The chemistry between Eichner and Klausner plays so authentically on the show because it actually stems partly from their real-life friendship.
Sadly, Hulu’s decision not to bring back Difficult People comes at the same time as the end of The Mindy Project. While the Eichner/Klausner series played an instrumental role in Hulu’s evolution, the decision came about from just their overall shift in direction when it comes to comedy. It seems Eichner's other TV series, Billy on the Street, might see some changes up ahead, too. The Emmy-nominated series left truTV in September. Difficult People also starred Andrea Martin, James Urbaniak, and Cole Escola.
Can't Wait: Ash vs Evil Dead
Hold onto your chainsaws because the gore-filled horror/comedy we all love is returning to STARZ this year! Bruce Campbell is back as Ash Williams, along with a superb cast that has had fans anxiously awaiting the show’s return. Lucy Lawless, Ray Santiago, and Dana DeLorenzo are all coming back for some action-packed fun in Ash vs Evil Dead. Also joining in this upcoming season is newcomer Arielle Carver-O’Neill, who will play Ash’s long-lost daughter.
The show is a sequel to the original trilogy. Campbell serves as executive producer along with Evil Dead filmmakers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert. The 10-episode third season begins that evening at on Sunday, February 25 at 9 p.m. You can bet Ash and his pals will be up to the same old tricks of battling evil Deadites; epic music included.
Won't Be Back: American Crime
American Crime started off as a win for ABC right out of the gate, with the show taking home numerous awards and acquiring an incredible amount of nominations. Regina King earned Emmys two years in a row for her standout performances. Felicity Huffman and Timothy Hutton also undeniably shined under the direction of creator John Ridley. For three seasons, the powerful anthology drama series received critical acclaim. Yet despite its remarkable success and ever-growing praise, the network opted out of a fourth season.
The ratings eventually led to its downfall, ending one of the most applauded shows on television. ABC was reportedly searching for some kind of way to do a short, possibly six-episode fourth season, but unfortunately, it was just not meant to be.
Can't Wait: Ray Donovan
Showtime’s Ray Donovan is so popular, it brings in close to 5 million weekly viewers across platforms. The end of season 5 just aired in October and already fans are having a hard time imagining having to wait until the summer to see what happens next. The show’s renewal was announced just before the finale and with the emotional ride Liev Schreiber and the other characters take you on, it’s no wonder the series is met with such anticipation. Season 5 found the “fixer” dealing with the death of his wife, leading him away from Los Angeles to New York.
Ray Donovan will resume production in early 2018. The 12-episode sixth season, will actually be leaving the West Coast to be filmed in New York City. It debuts later this year.
(Probably) Won't Be Back: American Gods
In its first season, the STARZ fantasy/drama proved to be a heavy contender in the world of television, earning a quick season 2 renewal. Clever and creative, the TV adaptation based on Neil Gaiman’s book, led by hitmakers Michael Green and Bryan Fuller, was packed full of powerful moments leaving fans instantly craving more. Saying that Green and Fuller’s unexpected departure from the show is merely unfortunate would be an understatement. The duo recently exited the series due to unspecified creative differences, leaving the fate of the show up in the air. With talk of Gillian Anderson bidding her farewell and Kristin Chenoweth unsure of her return, it’s just impossible to know what will come next.
Given that season 1 premiered in 2017, about a year after production began in 2016, and the network has yet to announce the new showrunners or begin filming, it seems unlikely that season 2 of American Gods will premiere before the end of 2018. What will become of the characters and the story? Only the Gods know.
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What other shows are you excited about or sad to see go in 2018? Let us know in the comments!