Short-lived TV shows

Short-lived TV shows

We gather to mourn the premature deaths of television series that didn't live to see 30 episodes. Reminisce about everything from the struggles of the Moseley family to Angela Chase's adolescence. The good news? Many of these shows are available online in full episodes. So pick up the remote, er, mouse and get watching.

'Police Squad'


Premiere: Spring of 1982


Life span: 6 episodes

"Police Squad!" was the brainchild of the creators of this hilarious movie. The show starred Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Fran Drebin. Ironically, execs pulled the plug on the show because of this reason. But, it did spawn a successful series of funny movies.

'2000 Malibu Road'


Premiere: August 23, 1992


Life span: 6 episodes

Aaron Spelling had a hit with shows about this pricey zip code and this swanky place. However, not even the likes of Drew Barrymore could get folks to ease on down Malibu Road.

'The Tick'


Premiere: Nov. 1, 2001


Life span: 8 episodes (9 exist)

Even producers of "Seinfeld" and "Men in Black" fame couldn't ensure "The Tick" survived. Springing from a cult comic and animated series, the show starred Patrick Warburton, now on this sitcom, as a blue-suited hero

'South Central'


Premiere: April 5, 1994


Life span: 10 episodes

This series, which was set in the Los Angeles neighborhood of South Central, offered viewers a glimpse at the life of one African-American family. The show starred Larenz Tate and even had star-studded guest performance, including this former flygirl. Its cancellation prompted protest from a civil rights leader, but the show's creator bounced back with a hit.

'Freaks and Geeks'


Premiere: Sept. 25, 1999


Life span: 12 episodes (18 exist)

Considered one of TV's best shows ever, "F&G" features a cast of future stars, including a "Milk" actor, a "Knocked Up" funnyman and a now-A-list producer. It featured great tunes, notably a rocker-girl classic as the opening theme.

'Journeyman'


Premiere: September 24, 2007


Life span: 13 episodes

The premise of this show about a San Francisco newspaperman who time traveled had a familiar ring to it. Remember this show? Journeyman's journey ended mainly because of this. The star of the show, Kevin McKidd, later redeemed himself on a hit ABC show.

'Firefly'


Premiere: Sept. 20, 2002


Life span: 14 episodes

After his previous hit, creator Joss Whedon faced sky-high expectations for follow-up "Firefly", a sci-fi drama about a spaceship crew. Star Nathan Fillion now appears on "Castle". The "Firefly" saga continued as this 2005 film.

'Wonderfalls'


Premiere: March 12, 2004


Life span: 14 episodes

Was the talking wax lion too quirky? Rescue efforts aside, the cult fan base couldn't save this dramedy about a grad working at a Niagara Falls gift shop. Visitors can attest, however, the show perfectly captures Niagara's offbeat appeal.

'My So-Called Life'


Premiere: Aug. 25, 1994


Life span: 19 episodes

Fans of this teen drama remain traumatized by the unresolved cliffhanger. Perhaps this photo of stars 15 years on will provide closure. Just avoid this R.E.M. song from the show.

'Square Pegs'


Premiere: Sept. 27, 1982


Life span: 19 episodes

Before Carrie Bradshaw, S.J.P. played gawky Patty Greene on high-school comedy "Square Pegs". Memorable intro: "This year we're going to be popular." Why did the acclaimed show die young? Stiff competition and rumored production woes.

'Jericho'


Premiere: Sept. 20, 2006


Life span: 29 episodes

After this post-apocalyptic drama starring Skeet Ulrich was axed, fans deluged the network with 25 tons of this food. It worked for a while. The show died for good after two seasons, but the third season appeared in another medium.
Source:Specials