5 TV Shows That Were Canceled After S1 But Still Delivered Strong Finales
Valuable additions to your must-binge lists.
These days, more and more streaming and television shows are being canceled because they fail to attract an audience sizable enough to justify the budget. Usually, an abrupt cancellation robs these series of a sense of closure and disappoints fans. But there are happy exceptions.
If you're a fan of miniseries, you've probably already seen all the popular titles like Mare of Easttown, Sharp Objects, and Chernobyl and are now looking for lesser-known short-run stories. In this case, shows that weren't originally conceived as one-seasons, but ended up that way, can be a real treasure.
Here are five series that were axed after their first season, but still managed to tell complete stories and deliver great finales.
Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000, 18 episodes)
IMDb rating: 8.8/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+, ITVX, Fandango at Home
In the realm of shows cut short before their time, Freaks and Geeks, the teen dramedy about siblings navigating a rural high school in the 1980s often tops the list. Behind-the-scenes reasons led NBC to pull the plug after one season, leaving original fans frustrated.
Yet, against all odds, the creators delivered a stunning conclusion that eventually led many viewers to argue that Freaks and Geeks was perfect as it was, with 18 episodes, and didn't need to be continued.
Jean-Claude Van Johnson (2016-2017, 6 episodes)
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Where to stream: Prime Video
In this dramedy, Jean-Claude Van Damme plays a fictionalized version of himself - a slightly moody, retired martial arts and action movie star. But there's a twist. Van Damme's character isn't just a has-been actor, he's also a former secret agent who longs for his spying days.
Despite the hasty cancellation in 2018, the first season wrapped up so perfectly that the show works great as a miniseries.
Terriers (2010, 13 episodes)
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu
The noir dramedy about a recovering alcoholic ex-cop and his buddy with a criminal past who start a private detective agency turned out to be a sleeper hit. It gained a wider following long after FX ditched it after its first season.
Even now, fans occasionally clamor for a revival. But while it would be nice to see another season or two of Terriers, the way the show ended has cemented its place in television history.
Watchmen (2019, 9 episodes)
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Where to stream: Max, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, NOW
HBO initially framed Watchmen, set in the beloved comic book universe, as an ongoing drama series. But after Season 1, Damon Lindelof stepped down as showrunner, saying his vision had been fully realized and the story he wanted to tell was complete - a sentiment echoed by fans.
The first season stands as a tightly woven narrative, complete and compelling from beginning to end. Many feel there's no need for a sequel unless it takes on a new anthology-style approach.
Quarry (2016, 8 episodes)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Fandango at Home, NOW
Quarry tells the story of a Marine returning from Vietnam in the 1970s, only to face alienation and hostility from those around him, which pushes him into the city's underworld.
Similar to other shows listed here, Quarry was axed after its debut season, leaving fans disappointed. Over time, however, many have come to see the conclusion of the story as fitting, in line with its intended trajectory, and providing a sense of closure.