Nothing stings quite like falling in love with a show only to have it ripped away before it even gets a chance to wrap up properly. Whether it’s a sci-fi adventure that ended on a cliffhanger, a hilarious sitcom that deserved more seasons, or a drama that needed more time to breathe, premature cancellations have broken our hearts.
So grab your tissues, and let’s walk down memory lane with some of the top TV shows we wish had continued—and why they left us hanging.
1. Terra Nova (2011)
Reason for Cancellation: High production costs and low ratings
Dinosaurs? Time travel? A dystopian future? Terra Nova had everything a sci-fi lover could ask for, plus Steven Spielberg’s name attached to it. The show followed a family that travelled back 85 million years to restart civilisation, dodging dinosaur dangers and human betrayals along the way. But despite its promising start, it got the axe after just one season due to high production costs (because, let’s be real, CGI dinosaurs don’t come cheap). And to make it worse? It ended on a major cliffhanger. We still want answers!
2. Firefly (2002-2003)
Reason for Cancellation: Poor scheduling and low initial ratings (thanks, Fox!)
Oh, Firefly. This Joss Whedon space-western masterpiece barely made it off the ground before Fox pulled the plug, and fans have never forgiven them. Following the misfit crew of Serenity, this show gave us unforgettable characters like Captain Mal Reynolds and fan-favourite Jayne Cobb (and his very special hat). Despite only getting 14 episodes, its cult following led to the 2005 film Serenity, but we still want more.
Fox, we’re looking at you.
3. Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)
Reason for Cancellation: Writers’ strike and declining ratings
Imagine if Tim Burton, Willy Wonka, and a murder mystery had a love child—that’s Pushing Daisies. This quirky, whimsical show followed a pie-maker who could bring the dead back to life with a touch, but (of course) there was a catch. It was visually stunning, delightfully weird, and featured some of the best narration in TV history. Sadly, the 2007 writers’ strike hurt its momentum, and ABC buried it.
This one still hurts.
4. The Society (2019)
Reason for Cancellation: COVID-19 production delays
Netflix’s The Society was essentially Lord of the Flies meets Riverdale, and it was so good. Many teens found themselves in a parallel version of their town with no adults; chaos ensued. The show was packed with mystery, drama, and the kind of twists that kept fans begging for more.
The boom was cancelled due to COVID-19 production issues. Netflix, we had one question: WHO WAS THE FATHER OF BECCA’S BABY?! We may never know.
5. Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)
Reason for Cancellation: Low ratings (despite a killer cast!)
A young James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel all in one show? It sounds too good to be true, and apparently, NBC agreed because they cancelled Freaks and Geeks after one season. The show perfectly captured high school awkwardness, social struggles, and the pain of teenage life. If it had been made today? It would’ve run for at least five seasons.
Justice for the freaks and the geeks!
6. Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
Reason for Cancellation: Budget cuts
Drew Barrymore is a suburban mom-turned-zombie who still tries to maintain a normal life. Yes, please. Santa Clarita Diet was a delicious mix of horror and comedy, full of over-the-top gore and lovable weirdness. But despite a loyal fanbase and solid reviews, Netflix put it on the chopping block, leaving us hungry for more.
Honestly, Netflix cancels more shows than it renews. We’re still not over it.
7. Happy Endings (2011-2013)
Reason for Cancellation: Scheduling issues and low ratings
If you love Friends, you probably would’ve loved Happy Endings, a fast-paced, hilarious sitcom about six friends navigating life in Chicago. It had the perfect mix of sharp writing, chaotic energy, and lovable characters, making it one of the best sitcoms that should have lasted way longer.
ABC pulled the plug too soon, and it’s been tragic ever since.
Honourable Mentions 🎬
💔 Mindhunter (2017-2019): David Fincher’s creepy, slow-burn FBI drama deserved a third season.
💔 Sense8 (2015-2018) A mind-bending sci-fi drama that was too ahead of its time.
💔 Veronica Mars (2004-2007) It did get revived, but we still want more of our favourite detective.
💔 My So-Called Life (1994-1995) One season was NOT enough for this coming-of-age gem.
Final Thoughts: Can Someone Start a ‘Bring Them Back’ Petition?
Some of these shows got unfairly axed due to bad scheduling, budget issues, or network decisions that make zero sense (looking at you again, Fox). Others were victims of unfortunate circumstances, like pandemics and writer strikes. Either way, we’ll always hold a special place in our hearts for these gone-too-soon TV treasures.
What show do you wish had continued? Let’s rant in the comments!
