Top 10 Best Sitcoms That Got Cancelled
#10: “The Munsters” (1964-66)
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For a show that lasted only two seasons, “The Munsters” has left behind an incredible cultural legacy, which speaks to the quality of the series. A brilliant satire of both monster movies and family-friendly sitcoms, it received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series, and its name has transcended generations. It’s now regarded as a classic, with characters like Herman Munster being heralded as television icons. Unfortunately, the show struggled to fight off “Batman” ratings-wise, and was axed after two seasons. It later found its current-day success with the help of syndication and home video releases.
#9: “Santa Clarita Diet” (2017-19)
Top 10 Santa Clarita Diet Moments
A single-camera sitcom starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, “Santa Clarita Diet” was one of Netflix’s finest comedies. Barrymore plays Sheila Hammond, a suburban real estate agent who suddenly turns into a zombie. Olyphant is her baffled husband, who comically deals with his wife’s new diet and lifestyle. The show expertly balances dark humor, shocking violence, and even some touching explorations of marriage and love. It also helps that Barrymore and Olyphant share fantastic chemistry. Despite strong reviews, Netflix canceled “Santa Clarita Diet” after three seasons and thirty episodes.
#8: “The Addams Family” (1964-66)
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Airing over the same span of time as “The Munsters” and sharing a similar premise, “The Addams Family” helped ensure that ‘60s audiences got their share of monster-related comedy. This show is an iconic piece of American pop culture. Its theme song is loved by many, and numerous characters have become enduring figures of television, including Uncle Fester, Cousin Itt, and Lurch. Its humor was also done in a clever way, with the generally courteous Addams family clashing with outsiders owing to their various peculiarities. While the show became more popular throughout the years, it wasn’t as much of a hit in its day and was shown the door after just two seasons.
#7: “American Vandal” (2017-18)
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Another beloved Netflix comedy, “American Vandal” is a comical send-up of true crime documentaries - a genre that the streaming service knows a lot about. The two seasons share stylistic similarities, and both take place in high school, but they tell different stories. The first spotlights a vandalization scandal, and the second concerns the mysterious spiking of lemonade. The mockumentary was many things at once - a sharp satire of true crime, a hilarious glimpse into the uses of social media, and even a humanistic study of high school life. Despite winning a Peabody, “American Vandal” was canceled after two seasons.
#6: “GLOW” (2017-19)
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Sports comedies are a dime a dozen, but few have the quality of “GLOW.” The show gives viewers a fictional look at the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, an unconventional wrestling promotion which saw aspiring entertainers blending fighting with sketch comedy. Balancing over-the-top camp with genuine emotion, “GLOW” earned consistent acclaim throughout its three-season run. Of particular note was its compelling ensemble of colorful characters and Emmy-winning production design, which brought the ‘80s to vivid life. A fourth season was planned by Netflix and would’ve been the last, but COVID-19 and the resulting obstacles resulted in the series’ ultimate cancellation.
#5: “Better Off Ted” (2009-10)
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ABC had a wonderful thing going with “Better Off Ted.” An intriguing workplace sitcom, it satirizes megacorporations through its Veridian Dynamics, which makes murderous robots and regularly treats its employees like trash, among other things. Aside from the fun satire, “Better Off Ted” also makes use of some experimental filmmaking techniques, like fake commercials and the breaking of the fourth wall. Sadly, the very smart sitcom earned high praise but poor ratings. It struggled throughout its brief run and was axed in the midst of its second season. American audiences didn’t even get to watch the final two episodes on the network at the time.
#4: “Party Down” (2009-10)
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This sitcom about a catering team had a slew of talented folks behind it. It was created by actor Paul Rudd and Rob Thomas of “Veronica Mars” fame, among others. It also boasted a spectacular cast, including the likes of Jane Lynch, Adam Scott, and Lizzy Caplan. This talent emerged through the show itself, which earned high praise for its writing and performances. It was also commended for its realistic themes surrounding struggling actors and generally aimless lifestyles. Despite the big names behind it, “Party Down” struggled in the ratings and was canceled after twenty episodes. However, fans got some good news in March of 2021, when Starz announced that the show would be returning with six new episodes.
#3: “My Name Is Earl” (2005-09)
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Don’t you hate it when a show ends on a cliffhanger? That’s exactly what happened to NBC’s sitcom “My Name Is Earl” owing to its surprise cancellation. Jason Lee is Earl Hickey, a thief who begins comically righting his past wrongs in an attempt to rack up some good karma. The sitcom was an enormous critical success, winning Emmys for its writing, directing, and acting. And while it started strong in the ratings, that apparently wasn’t enough in the long run. In a move basically nobody saw coming, NBC canceled the series upon the conclusion of its fourth season, leaving some shocking plot revelations unexplored.
#2: “Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19)
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Is the cancellation of “Arrested Development” one of TV’s greatest tragedies? Ask some fans, and the answer will be a resounding yes. Airing on Fox between 2003 and 2006, the sitcom followed the naive Bluth family, who lost much of their fortune. The Bluths are portrayed by a pitch perfect cast, and the show is filled with Emmy-winning writing and directing. It also comes equipped with many fun stylistic choices, playing out much like a documentary with its handheld cameras and narration. The series was canceled after three seasons, leaving its devoted fan base completely devastated. Luckily, it was eventually revived by Netflix for a fourth and fifth season. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“One Day at a Time” (2017-20)
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“Soap” (1977-81)
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This Widely Acclaimed Soap Opera Parody Was Canceled After Four Seasons
“Happy Endings” (2011-13)
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An All-Star Cast Wasn’t Enough to Save This Show, Which Was Canceled After Three Seasons
#1: “Freaks and Geeks” (1999-2000)
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While maybe not a sitcom in the traditional sense of the word, “Freaks and Geeks” is nevertheless a brilliant comedic examination of high school life that deftly mixes in some drama with the non-stop laughs. It aired just fifteen episodes on NBC, even though eighteen were produced. Various reasons have been given for its cancellation, including creative clashes with the network and a wildly unpredictable schedule. Either way, NBC axed what is now regarded as a classic. Many people involved in its creation - including its writers, directors, and cast - have gone on to have extraordinarily successful careers. That fact has only strengthened the reputation of this short-lived masterpiece.
