TV heartbreak is a real thing. There’s nothing that hurts more than becoming addicted to a show—only to have it canceled before it could really take off. From offbeat game shows of the ’70s, cult teen dramas, and even recent fan darlings, some cancellations just didn’t make sense. So, grab the popcorn (and possibly a “bring it back” petition), because here are 9 overlooked or unjustly cancelled shows that hands down deserve a reboot. Countdown style, naturally.
9. Murder in Malibu (1990)
Columbo aficionados remember the revamp years on ABC were… spotty. And Murder in Malibu is routinely referred to as the worst of the bunch. But this is the thing: even an “off” Columbo episode is better than most crime TV available. The rumpled raincoat, the underappreciated detective, the iconic “just one more thing”—it’s ageless. Picture Columbo cracking cases in modern-day America with smartphones and streaming. Tell us you wouldn’t tune in.
8. Grosse Pointe (2000)
Before Riverdale and Euphoria, Grosse Pointe existed—a wicked teen drama that satirized teen dramas. Wise, in-tune, and far too fleeting, it ran for only one season. Viewers still claim it was criminally underappreciated, and believe it or not? They’re correct. Its razor-sharp wit would completely flourish on streaming today.
7. The Money Maze (1974–1975)
Hosted by Nick Clooney (yep, George’s dad), The Money Maze had an incredible premise: trivia champions led their teammates through a life-size maze constructed on the soundstage. Production costs made it a quick victim, but the concept? Pure genius. With budgets and technology today, you could easily see Netflix turning this into a popular game show revival.
6. My Lady Jane (2024)
Occasionally, critical love just isn’t sufficient. My Lady Jane, a fun, irreverent historical fantasy, received a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes but was canceled after a single season. The fans hold the lackluster promotion responsible for its failure, not the series itself. Given the petitions already in circulation, there’s a good argument to be made for this gem’s return.
5. Second Chance (1977)
Before Press Your Luck made Whammies notorious, Second Chance existed. It was a combination of trivia questions and the spin of the big board, with animated “Devils” that might destroy your score. It ran only one season, but it set the table for game show mayhem in the ’80s. With retro sensation back in style, this might find a new following easily.
4. The Acolyte (2024)
A High Republic era Star Wars series? Yes, sign us up. Featuring Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte had a new corner of the galaxy to offer—but Disney cancelled it after only one season. Fans were not pleased with the cliffhangers left hanging, and arguments over representation fanned the flames. Of all the shows on this list, this one is the cancellation that most needs to be undone.
3. Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)
One season. That is all NBC provided Freaks and Geeks, and it remains one of television history’s most confounding choices. Judd Apatow’s cult favorite better portrayed the stilted highs and lows of high school than much of anything else. It spawned gigantic careers (James Franco, Seth Rogen, Linda Cardellini, Jason Segel) and won eternal affection. Its fans still fantasize about getting to see what those geeks and freaks became.
2. La Brea (2024)
A sinkhole in Los Angeles that takes humans to a prehistoric era? The premise had blockbuster potential, and at first, the show delivered. But strikes and network pruning decimated the third season to only six episodes, leaving fans frustrated with its rushed conclusion. With a decent budget and sufficient time, La Brea might still turn out to be the epic it promised to be.
1. Whew! (1979–1980)
If game shows were fever dreams, Whew! Would be Exhibit A. Tom Kennedy hosted a game where contestants sped around a massive board while attempting to bypass “blocks” planted by their rivals. It was crazy, cheesy, and visionary. Yeah, it lasted just two seasons, but in the new TV landscape where odd = great, this also-ran treasure might make a comeback.
Some of the cancellations are understandable. These? Not so much. From bold comedies to wild game shows and under-marketed streaming gems, all these shows were killed too early. And in an age obsessed with reboots and revivals, perhaps it’s time they got the second chance they deserve.