Top 10 TV Shows That Had a Big Resurgence Years Later

#10: “Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

This cozy small-town comedy-drama from creator Amy Sherman-Palladino ended in 2007, but its life as a cultural phenomenon is far from over. Something about the show’s pre-iPhone camaraderie and low-stakes plotlines keep people coming back, year after year. Like a warm blanket and a cup of tea, “Gilmore Girls” is a familiar comfort during the colder months. Streaming data for this series spikes from October through January, when “Gilmore Girls” fans return to Stars Hollow for their annual rewatch. Given the show’s enduring popularity on streaming services, it’s pretty safe to say the Gilmore girls are here to stay.

#9: “Firefly” (2002-03)

What do you get when you have a groundbreaking sci-fi space Western with brilliant political commentary, extensive worldbuilding, and Nathan Fillion? A premature cancellation, apparently. Joss Whedon’s “Firefly” lasted for just one brief season, doomed by an unforgiving time slot and weak promotion. Despite the show’s low ratings while airing, “Firefly” became a sleeper hit when it was released on DVD. Sci-fi fanatics saw the potential in Whedon’s gritty futuristic world, and spread the word about this now-beloved series. Eventually, its cult status led to a feature film, “Serenity,” to continue the short-lived story. With the advent of streaming, “Firefly” has been able to reach even more people.

#8: “The Nanny” (1993-99)

This CBS sitcom about the cultural clash between a working class Queens native and the privileged Manhattanites she nannies is full of laughter, heart, and killer outfits. Though the show was a success upon release and well-received by critics, it soon became overshadowed by bigger hits like “Friends” and “Seinfeld.” In 2021, “The Nanny” was made available to stream on HBO Max. Viewers tuned in to find the show’s sharp writing and campy humor held up surprisingly well, and the familiarity of the sitcom world felt comforting during the stress of the pandemic. Thanks to streaming, younger generations can continue to appreciate what a comedic legend and fashion icon Fran Drescher is.

#7: “Veronica Mars” (2004-07; 2019)

Early 2000s TV shows didn’t always have the best role models for teenage girls, but “Veronica Mars” was one exception. Kristen Bell plays Veronica, a teen detective, who’s as brilliant as she is chic. She’s known for her sharp wit, but also her incredible strength as a survivor of sexual assault. Though not as popular as shows like “One Tree Hill” and “The O.C.,” “Veronica Mars” continued to grow in popularity through word of mouth after the series was cancelled. Continued fan support for the series eventually resulted in a Kickstarter-funded film in 2014 and a one-season revival in 2019. This series was truly ahead of its time.

#6: “Freaks and Geeks” (1999-2000)

Upon initial airing, this show was a charming period piece about the awkwardness of adolescence and the existential dilemmas that arise when outgrowing childhood. It was cancelled after just one season, despite rave reviews from critics. In the years since, “Freaks and Geeks” has grown a massive fanbase, largely due to the success of many of its young stars. Actors like James Franco, Seth Rogen, Linda Cardellini, and Jason Segel all got their start on this show. The series went from featuring an ensemble of nobodies to a star-studded cast. Cancelling “Freaks and Geeks” is a decision that might still keep NBC execs up at night.

#5: “Star Trek” (1966-69)

One of the most successful science fiction franchises of all time nearly came to an end just three years into its existence. As ratings continued to fall, there were frequent rumors that NBC would cancel the series. Thanks to a letter-writing campaign from “Star Trek” fans, the series managed to survive long enough to earn syndication after being cancelled. Throughout the 1970s, “Star Trek” reruns kept viewership alive and allowed the fandom to thrive. As demand for the series grew, network execs had no choice but to give the people what they wanted. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of science fiction’s most loyal fanbase, “Star Trek” has been able to live long and prosper.

#4: “Futurama” (1999-2003; 2008-13; 2023-)

Created by Matt Groening, “Futurama” is like “The Simpsons’” quirky, offbeat younger cousin. The appeal of Fry’s adventures in the distant future was a mystery to Fox execs, who dropped the show after four seasons. Interest in the series rose again as it gained popularity with reruns on Adult Swim. Comedy Central then decided to pick up “Futurama” for a revival. Once that run ended in 2013 with season 7, fans still weren’t done with the series. 10 years later, Hulu stepped in for yet another revival. This show has had so many near-death experiences that there have been four potential series finales in its lifetime. Thankfully, they don’t seem to stick.

#3: “Suits” (2011-19)

During its initial run, this legal drama was quite successful, popular enough to last nine seasons and over a hundred episodes. Even if you didn’t watch “Suits,” you likely heard about it when one of its stars left to become literal British royalty. With a recognizable name and now extremely high-profile star, “Suits” enjoyed a second wave of popularity when it was made available to stream on Netflix in 2023. This also coincided with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA writers’ strikes, when viewers were short on new scripted shows to watch. “Suits” dropped at the perfect time to attract new fans, paving the way for a spinoff series, “Suits LA.”

#2: “The Golden Girls” (1985-92)

This sitcom starring four timelessly glamorous women living together in Miami was widely acclaimed by critics and viewers alike during its original seven-year run. The show challenged stereotypes by featuring older women as active and complex protagonists, and it tackled important social issues that are still relevant today. In the decades since the series finale, “The Golden Girls” has proven to resonate with new generations, becoming a hit on streaming. Its popularity surged following the passing of one of its beloved stars, Betty White, in 2022. Fans, new and old, celebrated what would have been White’s 100th birthday by watching her iconic performance as Rose Nylund, cementing the legacy of “The Golden Girls” well into the 21st century.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Murder, She Wrote” (1984-96)

Thrifty Viewers Found This Classic Series Streaming Free on Tubi, & Found It Still Holds Up

“PEN15” (2019-21)

This Brutally Honest Comedy Remains Relatable for Viewers Young & Old

“Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19)

Low Ratings Forced Fox to Cancel This Show, but Netflix Gave It New Life

#1: “Friends” (1994-2004)

The stories of six twenty-somethings living in New York City captivated television viewers throughout the ‘90s. And they wouldn’t be forgotten after the series ended. With the full series available to stream on various platforms around the world, new generations have discovered the magic of “Friends.” Despite how much our world has changed with the Internet and social media, today’s teens still find the stories of “Friends” resonate with their own lives. The show also received a significant bump in streaming popularity following the news of Matthew Perry’s tragic passing in 2023. The world may change, but friendship is truly timeless.

Which show did you discover years after it ended? Let us know in the comments!