Do you ever wish there was a special charity network on TV? One that would just adopt cancelled shows that have no home? I’ve dreamt of this a lot. Unfortunately, it hasn’t come to exist yet.
Cancelled shows. Oh the heartbreak. You all know the feeling. A new show premieres, you watch it, you love it. But at the same time, there’s this dread in your stomach, you just have this feeling that the chances of this show surviving are slim to none. Then you debate whether you should continue watching or not, because it could become too painful – to get deep into the first season and then hear that heart wrenching news that “Sorry, but ABC, FOX, or whatever network, won’t be ordering anymore episodes at this time”.
And then you think of all those horrible shows that are STILL on-air, after all this time, whatever your brand of pointless horrible shows are – “reality” (just when you thought The Hills couldn’t get any worse, The City came along), another medical drama (did we really need another one? are doctors that interesting?), or another crime show. Inevitably, you curse the American public, or whatever public for their short attention spans, or lack of taste, or whatever else you’ve determined the reason is.
Anyway, I tend to fall in love with shows that are bound to get cancelled. And I always know it too. Eventually, the inevitable happens and I whine and complain about it and move on. So here’s my list. Maybe you think these shows deserved to get cancelled. Maybe you agree with me. Either way, they’re gone and we’ll never have them back. The lost potential almost makes me want to cry.
*Just a note, it seems I have an affinity for the number 6, don’t worry, I don’t. It’s just a coincidence. Promise.
#1 Kings
March 15, 2009 – July 25, 2009
1 Season, 13 Episodes
(NBC)
A show about a modern day monarchy, loosely based on the story of David and Goliath. Already sounds like a winner right? Add to that the fact that the King is being manipulated by the Queen’s brother, has a mistress/secret son, his heir, Prince Jack, is a closeted homosexual (hey there Sebastian Stan), and David, a soldier, is divinely chosen to be the King’s successor, who is also in love with the King’s daughter, Princess Michelle. Why why why couldn’t we have seen that all play out? Too bad.
And no, the only reason I loved this show was not Sebastian Stan.
#2 The Black Donnellys
February 26, 2007 – April 2, 2007
1 Season, 13 Episodes
(NBC)
The Black Donnellys, narrated by Joey Ice Cream (an unreliable narrator we’re told), follows the Donnelly brothers as they try to make it on the mean streets of New York. This show comes (came? what tense should I be using here?) complete with a mob boss, a bookie named Louie Downtown, and an Irish-Italian gangster rivalry. I knew I was going to love this show as soon as Tommy Donnelly took over the neighborhood. Although bleak and heartbreaking at times, it was also kind of hilarious and amusing, as Tommy, the only brother with any common sense, has to abandon art school to save his brothers after they inevitably get themselves into trouble. As Joey Ice Cream says “I always wanted brothers like that.”
#3 Jack & Bobby
September 12, 2004 – May 11, 2005
1 Season, 22 Episodes
(The WB)
Jack & Bobby is a documentary-esque show about two brothers, one of whom will be President in 2041. Every so often, we get flashforwards of interviews with the President’s staff and the First Lady. Sounds good right? It was good! It was even nominated for a Golden Globe! Anyway, at the end of the pilot, it’s revealed that Jack dies at a young age. Later, we find out that while running for public office, he is shot at a convenience store robbing. Bobby takes Jack’s place and is eventually elected President, he even ends up marrying Jack’s ex-girlfriend. All these brotherly stories just warm your heart don’t they?
#4 Dirty Sexy Money
September 26, 2007 – August 8, 2009
2 Seasons, 23 Episodes
(ABC)
The Darling Family! My favourite TV family ever, yup, they’re right up there with the Walker family (Brothers & Sisters). This is hard for me to do, Dirty Sexy Money was my favourite show for awhile, it was that good guys, I’m serious. It was hilarious, fun, and it really was sexy. Dirty Sexy Money followed lawyer Nick George as he dealt with the Darling family’s numerous problems, while at the same time trying to figure out who killed his father. But it was never about the plot, the thing about Dirty Sexy Money was the characters. From spoiled celebutante Juliet Darling, to cynical Reverend Brian Darling, and the powerful Tripp Darling… ya, I like saying the name Darling. Sorry about that. Ok, I have to move on to the next show, this is too depressing.
#5 Lipstick Jungle
February 7, 2008 – January 9, 2009
2 Seasons, 22 Episodes
(NBC)
Alright, I’ll be the first to admit that Lipstick Jungle wasn’t exactly award-winning television, but it was one of those fun laid-back shows where no one’s going to die or anything. We need more of these shows, you know, the TV equivalent of the chic flick: three professional women, Sex and the City-esque, New York City, lots of eye candy, etc. I was loving Brooke Shields and Kim Raver, although she’s on Grey’s now trying to break up McArmy and Christina, so there’s that I suppose. I also miss the millionaire (what was his name? Joe?) and Kirby (Robert Buckley)! Sigh. Oh well, now One Tree Hill has him I believe, what a waste.
#6 Eastwick
September 23, 2009 – December 16, 2009 (?)
1 Season, 10 Episodes
(ABC)
When Daryl Van Horne comes to Eastwick, three women start realizing supernatural powers… blah blah blah. Again, this was a great laid-back fun show. I knew it was going to get cancelled and then it did, of course. Wouldn’t witches have been a nice change from vampires? No? Really? I loved the characters and where the plotlines were going! Ok, maybe they deserved this for killing off Matt Dallas’ character, maybe it was bad karma who knows, but I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss Rebecca Romijn and more importantly, PAUL GROSS. Side note: Poor Lindsay Price, it’s just cancelled show after cancelled show isn’t it? Life sucks.
