15 TV shows that got cancelled way too soon

What hooks fans into TV shows is their plot, characters, themes, and direction. Many series have managed to tick off these points and have been rewarded by a loyal fan following. So, it is shocking when the plug is pulled on good shows. From social media campaigns to crowdfunding, fans have desperately tried to save their favorite shows. Alas, some of them could not make the cut. Here is a list of 20 TV shows that got canceled too soon.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinions and does not reflect Soap Central as a platform. Reader discretion is advised.

1. Mindhunter

A psychological crime-thriller, Mindhunter, was based on retired FBI agent John E. Douglas’s work at the bureau. Douglas introduced the concept of personality profiling that looked into the psychology of mass murderers. David Fincher served as the showrunner and the show received high viewership and was universally acclaimed. It was therefore a shock to fans when it was canceled after only two seasons. Netflix stated that Fincher wants to pursue other projects and might revisit the series in the future.

2. Devious Maids

Starring Ana Ortiz, Judy Reyes, Roselyn Sanchez, and others, Devious Maids was created by Marc Cherry, who was also the mastermind behind Desperate Housewives. The show followed four Latin maids who worked in the houses of the rich in Beverly Hills, California. Full of suspense, intrigue, and drama, fans were shocked when the show was canceled after four seasons. Especially, since one of the protagonists disappeared at the end of season four and viewers were left hanging.

3. Perry Mason

Starring Matthew Rhys, Perry Mason, was a legal drama that follows the rise of the famous titular defense lawyer. Set in 1932 Los Angeles, it detailed how Mason was a private investigator and struggled in the wake of his divorce. It wasn't until he was pulled into a child kidnapping case that he began to showcase his genius to others. The show ran for only two seasons and was positively reviewed by critics and audiences. Yet, it was surprisingly canceled.

4. Wayward Pines

Executively produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Wayward Pines, was a mystery thriller that adapted the novels of Blake Crouch. A cross between Twin Peaks and The X-Files, the show follows a government agent, who investigates the disappearance of two agents—leading him into the eerie titular town. The series was created as a one-season show, but its strong reviews forced Fox to renew it. Alas, the show lost ground in its second season and was canceled due to low viewership.

5. The Afterparty

Created by Christopher Miller, The Afterparty, was a comedy murder mystery that featured Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richarson, and more. The anthology series aired for two seasons and revolved around a different murder each season. The unique show provided a different point of view in each episode and was crafted as a whodunit that met millennial angst. Even with a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show was canceled too soon.

6. Hannibal

The series was a prequel to the movie The Silence of the Lambs and even though people admire Anthony Hopkins’ work as the titular cannibalistic psychiatrist, Mads Mikkelsen gave new energy and depth. The series revolves around an FBI investigator, and his complex relationship with Dr. Lecter, as the two solve cases. Hannibal was critically acclaimed and has since gained a cult following. However, it was canceled after three seasons due to low viewership.

7. Paper Girls

Starring Sofia Rosinsky, Adina Porter, and others, Paper Girls, was a sci-fi thriller that adapted the famous comic book series by Brian K. Vaughan. Set in 1988, it revolves around the adventures of four girls who become embroiled in a battle to save the world and must time travel in the future and meet themselves. The show had an interesting premise and received favorable reviews from everyone. Still, Amazon canceled the show after only one season.

8. Schmigadoon!

Another unique show, whose curtains dropped too soon. Schmigadoon! was a musical comedy series that was an over-the-top satire on famous musicals. The show also paid homage to the plays and involved multiple plot styles. Full of dance, music, and colorful costumes, the show was a delightful bonanza and the cast included revered musical theatre stars like Kristin Chenoweth. Sadly, the show was canceled after two seasons by Apple TV+

9. Gentleman Jack

Starring Suranne Jones, Gentleman Jack, was a historical drama series that adapted the life of 19th-century landowner, Anne Lister. Dubbed as the first modern l*sbian, Lister documented her homos*xual relationships in a diary. Jones compellingly portrays Lister and the show revolves around her work and romance with a lady. Smart and humorous, the show was canceled after two seasons when HBO backed out. Though, BBC has announced that they would revive the show with a new production partner.

10. The OA

One of the few shows that caused an outcry due to its cancellation, The OA, was a mystery drama that starred Brit Marling. A blind woman goes missing for seven years and returns with sight. She now knows the presence of other dimensions and decides to help other missing people like herself who are stuck in various timelines. A mix of sci-fi and supernatural elements, the show caused an uproar when it was canceled after two seasons with a cliffhanger.

11. Santa Clarita Diet

Starring Drew Barrymore, Santa Clarita Diet, was a horror sitcom that provided a fresh take on the zombie genre. It revolved around a real estate agent couple living happily in the suburbs when things go haywire. Sheila (Barrymore) becomes a zombie and craves raw human flesh. The show is a smart and inventive take on middle-class suburb life and often includes biting satire. Fans were dismayed when the show was canceled after three seasons and a cliffhanger.

12. Selfie

A show that was canceled only after one season and even led to a campaign for renewal, Selfie, was a sitcom starring Karen Gillan and John Cho. A social media influencer decides to revive her image through the help of a marketing guru and the two fall in love. Essentially, a modern retelling of George Bernard Shaw’s play, Pygmalion, the series had important themes and was liked by audiences and critics. Unfortunately, it ended too soon.

13. Reboot

Starring Keegan-Michael Key, Judy Greer, Paul Reiser, and others, Reboot, was a comedy show that as the name suggests, lampooned the industry’s obsession with remakes. When the cast of a 2000s sitcom comes together for a reboot, the actors must face their differences and the pressures of working in a new entertainment environment. Despite favorable reviews and nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards, the show was canceled after one season.

14. Girl Meets World

A sequel to the famous 90s sitcom, Boy Meets World, and bringing back original actors, Girl Meets World, was an acclaimed comedy show before it got cancelled after three seasons. The show follows Corey and Topanga’s teenage daughter Riley, who navigates adolescent issues with her best friend. The series was praised for a similar tone to its predecessor and for highlighting girlhood issues. The show aired on Disney, which seemed unfit as the actors grew up, likely contributing to its demise.

15. Veronica Mars

This early aughts show starring Kristen Bell, Francis Capra, and others, was created by Rob Thomas. A high-school student, Veronica (Bell) investigates cases with her father and solves different standalone cases as well as a central mystery. The show has a noir feel and was universally acclaimed. After its cancellation, Thomas wrote a feature film script, and together with Bell, they crowdfunded a movie. The show was even revived by Hulu for a fourth season but has no plans since.