The original post: /r/television by /u/Maervok on 2026-05-17 19:02:12+00:00.
When starting a new show, I try to know as little about it as possible as it helps me with immersion. However, this approach has recently caused me a series of heartbreaks where I watched “last” seasons ending with cliffhangers only to find out the show was prematurely cancelled. As such, I feel the need to give them a shoutout.
GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) (2017-2019): As I wanted to watch something with Betty Gilpin, I came across GLOW. This retro comedy/drama with focus on WWE-style wrestling felt like such an original and refreshing idea for a TV show that I gave it a go and it did not disappoint, far from it. The first season has a slow start but as a whole it’s a truly high-quality production with creative and entertaining ideas. The show even began shooting it’s last season but was postponed and eventually cancelled due to Covid. A big shame but if the concept sounds intriquing to you then it’s definitely worth the watch.
Carnivàle (2003-2005): Does a TV show centered around a travelling carnival filled with mysteries and teased with otherwordly powers sound good to you? Well it did sound great to me and I cannot express enough how gutted I was realising the show was planned for 6 seasons but ended after 2. The aesthetics of the show have an old-school style that some modern viewers might struggle with but it holds 8,4/10 rating on IMDb for a reason. While its cancellation means a lot of its mysteries remains unsolved, it packs a punch and feels like a hidden gem.
I Am Not Okay with This (2020): A comedy/drama about a troubled teenage with supernatural elements that thankfully was not corny! Sophia Lillis and Wyatt Oleff portray their weird characters brilliantly and thus make the single season quite enjoyable. Unfortunately, it was also cancelled due to Covid, sometimes timing is all that matters…
Renegade Nell (2024): This show definitely felt “weaker” compared to the other mentions but it was simply a fun and enjoyable ride. I guess calling it a swashbuckling adventure feels just about right. I wonder how Disney actually promoted this show because I can definitely see it gathering a solid fanbase of undemanding viewers. Funny how Disney recommended Shardlake TV show to me which is another show they cancelled prematurely within the same year! And yes, I began watching it and this time around I am watching a cancelled show knowlingly. I mean, who am I to end the streak of suffering so soon?
Honorable Mentions: I also want to give a shoutout to Mindhunter and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance which were top level show (but I watched them long time ago) and to Taboo which, ironically, will receive a second season after its first being from 2017! So maybe there’s always hope.
Make a Wish Mentions: Lastly, there are shows which have not been officially cancelled but their continuation is not certain although I would love it to be: A Thousand Blows, House of Guinness and The Artful Dodger (especially this one I need to see more of!).
I would love to hear your recommendations of good cancelled shows. After the accidental streak I just had with them, I formed a soft spot for them and they are somehow becoming more tempting (plus they usually have a secret bonus - they are not long!)