TV executives, like gold prospector, sift through the silt and water for years to find the precious, shiny nuggets. Only the TV execs throw the gold away from time to time. Here’s a list of five of my TV favs that suffered a sudden, inexplicable death.
Pushing Daisies
One of the most creative series on TV. It was quirky and imaginative, and even its visuals were unique—what I called goth-bubblegum-kitsch. It wasn’t a fantasy, and it wasn’t real—maybe magical realism? The story of the Pie Maker who can bring people back to life for one minute was a treat. It just couldn’t find an audience on broadcast TV; If it had run on regular cable, it’d be on air until today.
Better Off Ted
This is one of my favorites. It’s pitch-perfect. Most shows take four or five episodes until the cast gels and the writers get into a rhythm, but this one took off from episode one. It was a brilliant satire about the corporate world, starting with the (hilarious) fake company ad at the beginning of each episode. Portia De Rossi once again nails the character. And the two lab guys’ stories were like a series-within-a-series.
Sports Night
“Sports Night” was Aaron Sorkin’s test-drive before he created “The West Wing.” All the key aspects of the latter are in the former: rapid-fire, crisp dialogue, walk-and-talk, a workplace dramedy that allowed the characters’ personal lives to arise because of the job problems. Felicity Huffman is the highlight of the strong cast. It was also the rare series that talked about sports.
Arrested Development
It aired 50-so episodes—and this was still not enough. The Blunt Saga had solid, creative writing, but its real strength was the perfect casting. The brilliant-crafted characters matched the actors so well. The quietness of Michel Cera and Jason Bateman contrasted with the craziness of David Cross and Will Arnett. At least now I can see (hear) Jeffrey Tambor and Jessica Walter in “Archer.” It also featured the underrated Portia De Rossi. I miss those “in the next episode” bogus scenes…
Firefly
This will always be a head-scratcher. Did the Fox executives even watch this before relegating it to the Friday night purgatory? It’s a space western with clever plot, sharp dialogue, a great hero, and brilliantly handled worldbuilding. Put it another way: it was the best version of “The Chronicles of Han Solo” anyone could ever create. And they killed it.
At least some of these gems are now on Netflix.
By the way, if you enjoy TV series, please check out Tiffany A. White’s blog. She knows everything about TV.
Did I miss a favorite of yours? Please let us know of other treasures that were gone too soon.
Great picks, Fabio. I miss Lie to Me–one of the most brilliant shows of all time, in my opinion.
That’s a good show, August. I admired the premise of “Lie To Me”. Tim Roth is a great actor too.
Our family enjoyed Firefly. Sorry to see it go but as you said, Netflix is an option.
Netflix doesn’t have many good movies, but the series almost make up for it
Thanks for stopping by, Ali!
I like your list and agree with you on Pushing Daisies and Sports Night but I also miss another short-lived Sorkin show, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip! I simply love Sorkin’s shows!
Standoff is another show that was cancelled too soon, at least from my standpoint.
I’m a aSorkin fan, and I really liked “Studio 60.” I think it was billed as a “blockbuster” series, and it didn’t have time to find an audience.
Thanks for the visit!
I’ve never seen Firefly, but it’s on my to-watch list! I’m hoping to get to it soon. I heard Hereoes was a good one too. I think they took it away, brought it back, then took it away again? It’s another one I want to see. Recently, they took Terra Nova off the air. It had *a lot* of potential, but I think the writers could’ve been better. It was still a great show, and I was sad to see it go. I heard they might be shopping around for a new network to host it, but that might even be out of the question now. It’s probably gone forever.
Karen, you’ll love “Firefly.” Then you’ll be mad because there are so few episodes.
“Heroes”‘s first season was very good–they learned with “Lost” mistakes and decided to wrap up a big mystery on the season finale. But the series lost its footing on the second season, and it never recovered.
“Terra Nova” had a great concept, but it seemed “written by committee”–it never found a voice. A shame.
I so agree with you on “Pushing Daisies” and “Better Off Ted”. Never really watched the others. Another series that deserved a second year was “Terriers” which had a short run on FX last year. It was about two unconventional, scruffy PIs. It also had one of the best theme songs ever. Great post.
Carrie, I totally agree on “Terriers”! I saw a few episodes, and I loved it.
I agree with all of your choices, Fabio! I still haven’t seen all of Firefly, but from all of my friend’s reactions I know it was cancelled too soon. I’d have to also add Moonlight, Fast Lane, and Tru Calling to this list.
You know, I’ve heard they’re trying to write the script for an Arrested Development movie… I think I saw this when Jason Bateman was promoting The Change Up. Wouldn’t that be great?
And thank you so much for the link love.
I have to check out those series you mentioned, Tiffany!
Yes, just read today that the “Arrested Development” movie is a go: http://www.vulture.com/2012/04/arrested-development-movie-will-shoot-this-summer.html
Okay, I must be living in a cave because I’ve never heard of any of those shows. But then again, I rarely watch television. My husband monopolizes our set at home with his history channel and ancient aliens and Sasquatch hunting shows. If it’s not one of those it’s some kind of sporting event or political news garbly gook.
But enough about that. Sorry some of the good ones are gone for you. I guess you’ll just have to find some new favorites!
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
If the TV is unavailable, you can watch those series on your phone via Netflix
Thanks for stopping by, Patricia!
Since I completely agree with your assessment regarding Firefly, Pushing Daisies, and Arrested Development, I will have to check out those other two shows as well. I especially loved the creativity with death victims in Pushing Daisies. I know that doesn’t make sense unless you watch the show and, for instance, see the campy tire marks across a corpse. And when else have you seen synchronized swimming take front stage in a primetime show? Thanks!
Julie, I had almost forgotten about Chuck’s aunts and the synchronized swimming! Definitely a quirky series. I liked the “spiked” pies
How can you not love a series centered around a restaurant of pie!?!!
Apparently I need to see Pushing Daisies since the other 4 on your list completely top my list of most missed shows! Totally nailed it with these.
You should watch “Pushing Daisies,” Amber. I think it ran for two seasons. It has a slower pace than most shows.
I somehow missed all of those shows. But that must mean they are good, because I always find out about the great shows after they are off the air or about to be off. I guess I’m just always late.
I’m a “late-adopter” too, Emma
I learned of “Lost” on its second season, for example.
Summer Glau is a ballerina/actress that can literally move her body in almost impossible looking ways and still make it look natural and graceful. I would watch her for two hours in nothing but fight scenes, as River OR Cameron.
But seriously, she’s a hell of an actress who needs a serious role in a non-action show or movie.
I agree with that. As River, she had vulnerable, quiet moments that allowed her to showcase her acting talents.
Maybe I sould’ve included “The Sarah Connor Chronicles” in this list…
She also appeared in a “Big Bang Theory” episode, and she can do comedy too!
Love your picks! I like to quote, “I’m a leaf on the wind.” Only a real fan will get that. I was sad about Pushing Daisies. I agree with Tiffany – Tru Calling and Moonlight (that show was before it’s time). I would have liked to see where Dollhouse was going as well. Looking at comedy, I miss Reaper and Dead Like Me.
I need to re-watch “Firefly.” I bought a few “complete series” boxes on Amazon, but I gave them all as gifts.
“Moonlight” would last for 6 to 10 seasons (probably on CW) if it came after the Twilight craze
I’ve never watched “Dollhouse”–I knew it was doomed form the start…
Great post Fabio, I’m with you on Firefly, and I would like to put forward the original Star Trek as a possible candidate.
The original “Star Trek” is a great inclusion, Prudence!
I, too, loved Pushing Daisies and Arrested Development. I’m giving a shout-out to Keen Eddie. I think it totaled seven episodes, and each one was entertaining and fresh.
I vaguely remember Keen Eddie. Is it about the American cop living in London?
Pushing Daisies should’ve been a cable-TV series. So smart and refreshing.
I also agree with Pushing Daisies and Arrested Development, which is one of my all-time faves. I sitll don’t understand how that show went away after only 3 seasons. It was brilliant!
It’s coming back as a feature movie, Tami!
Really??? That’s so awesome! Woot!
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This was from a long time ago (back when I was in high school), but I was sad when they took Joan of Arcadia off the air. It was this kind of quirky take on Joan of Arc where God speaks to a modern day teenager and has her fix problems (but doesn’t always tell her the exact problem or how to fix it so she has to figure it out). It had some really funny dialogue.
I’ve always wondered why Firefly died a premature death too.
I don’t remember Joan of Arcadia, Marcy, but it sounds intriguing! I’ll look for it. Thanks for the tip.
I haven’t seen any of these in Canada. I’ll have to take a look.
Please do, Louise. You won’t regret it.
Fabio, look at you! You’ve become a blogging Rockstar! Great comment section cheering you on! I’m so sorry I missed this post. I’m still sick, but wanted to drop by to see you. I don’t have cable so I don’t watch much T.V. I know, kinda strange. But I don’t really miss it too much because I do a ton of reading. Keep up the great writing Fabio. I may be silent lately, but you know I’m a fan!