In the blink of an eye

The end of summer is always so hard, isn't it, Freaks? It's a million degrees, and all you want to do is curl up in your nice air-conditioned house and watch TV, but because you can only handle so much morons-with-a-camera-in-their-face, you find yourself shifting aimlessly from channel to channel. What to do?

If this was your answer, seek immediate medical attention.

Well, watch these:


Ten Awesome Shows Cancelled Too Soon (2 seasons or less)


Let me call attention to that "two seasons" caveat up there in the title, so that you can save your breath from posting about Arrested Development, which we can all agree is the most brilliant TV show to ever be cancelled. Look, it was on FOX, you know, so what did you expect? I think it's time to stop being so upset about it. Also, these are shows that were cancelled, so don't go whining about the two brilliant seasons of The Office UK, because I know about that too. Now that we have the particulars out of the way, let's get started!


The Unusuals (2009)

Starring the would-be Academy Award nominated Jeremy Renner and the always lovely Amber Tamblyn, this "cop show" broke all the rules of procedurals in that it wasn't really about the case of the week at all, but about the personal lives and problems of these strange characters. I loved this show when it was on, and was sorry to see it fall victim to ABC's big ego and terrible scheduling practices.

It was replaced by this. Well played, ABC.

Grosse Pointe (2000-2001)

Created by Darren Star as a spoof of the behind the scenes drama on a Beverly Hills, 90210 type show, this smart and funny parody missed the mark with the teen-dominated audience at the WB, but it still works as a great send up of the genre.

Then again, so does the new 90210. Tigerface!

Day Break (2006)

It's a shame that this mythology-ridden show didn't get the shot it deserved to build an audience, because the Taye Diggs led mystery was an exciting and innovative leap for TV at the time. Diggs played Detective Brett Hopper, who was forced to repeat the same day over and over Groundhog Day-style while trying to figure  out who framed him for a high-profile murder. Plus, um...Taye Diggs.

I would watch him read the phone book. And yet, not on Private Practice.

Samantha Who? (2007-2009)

This delightful sitcom fell prey to the writer's strike of 2008, a real shame because it was a great vehicle for the underrated Christina Applegate. With excellent supporting turns from Jennifer Esposito and Melissa McCarthy, this show proved that amnesia can actually work well as a defining trope.

Now if only it could work on TV viewers as well....

My So Called Life (1994-1995)

I just watched some of this again recently, and it completely holds up. And by that, I mean that it makes me want to curl up in a ball of teenage angst and awkwardness and die of a broken heart for all fifteen-year-old girls.

You know what holds up less from when I was 15?

Wonderfalls (2004)

This show is weird. But, like, awesome weird.

This is a major plot point. No, really.

Pushing Daises (2007-2009)

Man, Bryan Fuller is the king of awesome cancelled shows. He is the creator of the wonderfully quirky, beautiful Pushing Daises, as well as the previously mentioned Wonderfalls, and the almost-awesome Dead Like Me (which gets an honorable mention for this list). Someday they will let him have a third season. In the meantime, you should watch all of his stuff. It's on Nexflix.

In the show, this guy makes pie. For a living. I know, it's like every girl's dream.

Better Off Ted (2009-2010)

This show was too smart for TV. Full of social commentary, witty sarcasm, and blink-and-you'll-miss-it jokes, this short-lived sitcom could have been a huge splash if it got to play with the crazy comedy big boys over on NBC. Alas, ABC wasn't feeling the love, so it's here in the kiddie pool with the other losers.

This is the guy serving those losers drinks.

Firefly (2002-2003)

Let me reiterate, for those of you who have missed this in previous posts: Joss Whedon. Nathan Fillion. In space.

In space, no one can hear him scream (at me to stop following him).

Sports Night (1998-2000)

If you 've read this blog before, you also know my adoration of all things Aaron Sorkin, and I remain convinced the superb Sports Night is his finest work to date. It's funny and smart and brilliantly done, and the laugh track will make you crazy. Once again, too far ahead of its time.

All of these people are now on far worse shows. What's wrong with you, TV?

Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Hey, you know how Judd Apatow makes all these great movies that make a ton of money and are hilarious? Well, he did that on TV first. (Except for the money-making part.) This sweet and hilarious show has most of your Apatow favorites, including Jason Segel, Busy Phillips, Seth Rogan, and James Franco, and if you haven't watched it, you are really missing out.

Plus, you can get some really excellent ideas for your next 70's theme party.
Oh, not everybody has those?

So what cancelled glory did I miss, Freaks? Take your venom to the comments!