Whether it’s due to cast politics, low ratings or bias broadcasters; a great deal of TV we loved has sadly been cancelled in their prime! We’re left with a graveyard of great TV shows that we wish hadn’t ended so soon. Here are five top television shows that ended sooner then they should:
Arrested Development (2003-2006)
“Is it beating a dead horse to once again state that this underappreciated gem is the best sitcom on TV? Too bad. Arrested Development is the best sitcom on TV!” – Entertainment Weekly
Lasting only three seasons, Arrested Development was another award winning show that got cut a little too early for our liking! The popular comedy had gathered a large following that would vocally blame Fox for making a big mistake in cancelling their favourite show! The show followed the dysfunctional Bluth family, with laughs and tears a plenty this is a show that you probably wish you had caught while it was around. Although, there is hope after it was revealed that a new season was being produced and streamed by Netflix in 2013.
Veronica Mars (2004-2007)
“Nancy Drew meets Philip Marlowe, and the result is pure nitro. Why is Veronica Mars so good? It bears little resemblance to life as I know it, but I can’t take my eyes off the damn thing.” – Stephen King
Following the life of Veronica, a high school student/detective, the series follows her through the usual trials and tribulations of teenage life. But it also has a darker edge which gives this programme a serious and unique edge. Despite winning numerous awards Veronica Mars was cancelled in 2007 but in its short run managed to build up a large, and loyal, fan-base.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979)
Voted the Greatest British Television Programme by the British Film Institute in 2000
The seventies series Fawlty Towers, quickly became an all-time British classic despite only 12 episodes being produced. A typically British comedy set in a hotel run by the marvellous Basil Fawlty, his wife and a colourful cast of wacky, clumsy and often idiotic hotel staff! From the innocently useless Spanish waiter Manuel, to the pedantic and misanthropic hotel owner Basil played by John Cleese. Often considered the benchmark for British television comedy it is to this day loved classic.
Father Ted (1995-1998)
Voted as the Greatest Comedy Show on Channel 4 in 2012 and won 3 BAFTA awards during its short run.
With only 25 episodes being aired, the hilarious Father Ted was certainly one of the greatest TV comedy shows to ever come out of Ireland and certainly finished too soon! Unfortunately, the reason this programme ended before its time is due to tragic circumstances; Dermot Morgan, who played Father Ted, died of a heart attack just after the filming of the third series had ended. Set on the fictional Craggy Island off the west coast of Ireland, the show follows Father Ted, the naive Father Dougal McGuire and the perennially drunk Father Jack Hackett.
The Office (UK) (2001-2003)
Won three consecutive British Academy Television Awards for Best Situation Comedy (2001, 2002, 2003) and had numerous versions created in 7 countries.
British comedy The Office escaped our screens too early when it finished in 2003, after a mere three seasons on British screens! Despite its life being cut short, The Office had still managed to work its charms on TV audiences around the world. It was so successful that an American, French, German and even a Chilean version of the show was commissioned. Starring comedian Ricky Gervais as David Brent, the manager of a paper company, the show followed the daily happenings of the office, and the staff, in a documentary style.
Josh Hansen works for Electric Dialogue a London SEO agency.