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Streaming services have seen a rise in the popularity of 'limited series'. These narratives end up being impactful but brief. Many of these shows leave viewers wanting more, although the majority are only meant to be one-season wonders.
Regardless of strong ratings, critical acclaim, and dedicated fan bases, numerous such series are abruptly cancelled, in many cases, owing to the cost of production, reshuffling of corporations, or simply, timing. Viewers are left frustrated with cliff-hanging plots and emotional attachment towards characters.
The list of seven shows below concentrates on limited series that proved to be exciting with their distinctive storytelling, characterization, and a positive response from the audience. All the shows had something new to offer to the TV screens, from Sci-fi adventures and supernatural mysteries to philosophy-rich animation and contemporary drama or romance.
The return of these characters for at least one more season would not only please the fan base but also make space for the development of the narrative.
**Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.**
The list of 7 limited series that should come back with at least another season is provided below:
7. The Irregulars (Netflix, 2021)
The Irregulars is a supernatural mystery series set in Victorian London. It revolves around several teenagers who help Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes solve peculiar crimes. Centred around the journeys of the young detectives, the show reimagines the traditional Sherlock Holmes stories through the lens of horror.
The Irregulars quickly acquired popularity, surpassing certain well-known programs. It made it to the top ten on Netflix in the US and the UK and had a robust on-stream number. Despite its success, Netflix canceled the series after one season, leaving fans disappointed and numerous plot points unresolved.
The series creator, Tom Bidwell, had plans for a second season, with more stories to tell. The combination of mystery and supernatural, paired with character development, struck a chord with the viewers. The announcement of an upcoming season of The Irregulars would have allowed the viewers to explore more of their intriguing universe.
6. Selfie (ABC, 2014)
Selfie is a comedy series featuring the main character, Eliza Dooley, a social media addict who needs to rebrand herself. Eliza is portrayed by Karen Gillan, alongside marketing expert Henry Higgs, played by John Cho. The series is a modern interpretation of My Fair Lady and addresses issues of growth, identity, and connection.
The show was able to draw in a devoted audience, despite the connotation the word "selfie" carries in modern social space. John Cho, in an interview with TIME, expressed his worry regarding the name as well as the viewership of Selfie. Cho said,
"It is a good gag reflex we have as a society, that we hear the word selfie and dislike it. Maybe we should loathe the concept a little bit."
Critics observed how this show got better with time and loved the chemistry of Gillan and Cho, and its critique of social media culture.
Once cancelled, fans started the #SaveSelfie campaign, which gained more than 65,000 signatures during the petition and raised funds for charity in the show’s memory. Gillan and Cho have shown interest in returning to their roles, acknowledging the significance of the program and the necessity of its depiction. Selfie deserves a second chance given its cult appeal and the topic's ongoing relevance.
5. The Chair (Netflix, 2021)
The Chair is a comedy-drama series starring Sandra Oh, who plays Ji-Yoon Kim. The character is the first woman of color to become the chairperson of the English department at a top university. The show grapples with her struggles, for instance, generational differences, academic politics (discrimination), and personal relations.
Netflix chose to discontinue the series just after a season, despite the production receiving high praise from critics and Oh's outstanding performance. Co-creator Amanda Peet conveyed her and Oh's disappointment regarding the cancellation at the TCA's.
The cancellation upset fans and reviewers due to the relevance of topics such as diversity, cancel culture, and the changing landscape of higher education. In addition to providing closure to current viewers, giving the show a chance to make a comeback would bring forth crucial discussions about representation and academia in the mainstream.
4. Firefly (Fox, 2002)
Firefly is a space Western devised by Joss Whedon. The TV series set in 2517 revolves around the life of crew members of the spaceship Serenity on the edge of society. The show's unique blend of science fiction and western elements led to its cancellation after a year due to low ratings, network mismanagement, and episodes that were broadcast out of order.
The sitcom quickly developed a cult following, with fans dubbed as "Browncoats" yearning for it to make a return to the airwaves. From their efforts arose the 2005 film Serenity, which further propagated the story. However, many people feel that much more still lies unexplored in the Firefly universe.
The show's world-building and character development had a profound impact on the viewers. Bringing back Firefly for another season would not only satisfy fans of the previous episodes but might also introduce it to a new audience.
3. The Society (Netflix, 2019)
The Society is a teen drama about a group of high school teenagers who return from a trip to discover that they're left all alone without any adult supervision. They struggle with survival, morality, and leadership as they attempt self-government. Critics liked the show for its good storyline and character development. Netflix extended its run for a second season. However, it was canceled due to production budget increases and COVID-19-related delays.
The first season ended on a significant cliffhanger, which infuriated many viewers. Christopher Keyser (the show's author) is interested in developing the plot further and has stated that he has conversations about its revival constantly. This TV show's new season could be used to wrap up storylines and explore the consequences of the characters' actions within their isolated environment.
2. Archive 81 (Netflix, 2022)
Archive 81 is a horror supernatural series that revolves around Dan Turner, an archivist hired to repair destroyed videotapes in the year, 1994. As he digs further, he uncovers a horrific tale that connects the past and present, a strange cult, and a lady named Melody. This show received positive reviews with an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and held the top spot on Netflix charts in the U.S. for a short while.
The series was a great success, yet Netflix concluded the show after just one season, leaving many questions unanswered. As Melody returns to the present, Dan is left trapped in the 1990s, concluding the first season on a cliffhanger. Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine would continue to build the plot, with plans to delve deeper into the show's background.
Fans were upset, and some even signed petitions to bring the show back. Archive 81 is an interesting show with an engaging storyline that can get renewed for another season in light of its compelling narrative and a devoted fan base.
1. The Midnight Gospel (Netflix, 2020)
The Midnight Gospel is an animated TV show by Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time) and Duncan Trussell. It follows Clancy, a spacecaster, who floats into irregular universes, interviewing different residents about the big subject of living. The show is unique due to the combination of colorful, surreal animation with deep philosophical talk. It was also widely acclaimed for its originality (Rotten Tomatoes rated it 91% of approval), with its combination of visuals and insightful dialogue proving to be popular. Netflix canceled the sitcom after its first season, despite receiving favorable reviews.
Followers were dissatisfied and disappointed because the show addressed serious subjects such as death, love, and the meaning of life. Many viewers were moved by the subject matter, which occasionally also examined personal sorrow. Due to its peculiar format and in-depth content, there is much to be said for reviving it. Clancy's voyage across the multiverse and more philosophical ideas could be explored in a second season, offering viewers entertainment and opportunities for introspection.
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Despite their promising beginnings, the shows listed above were shortened, leaving unresolved storylines and devoted viewers wanting more. Every narrative had a distinct voice, whether it was the unexplained disappearance in The Society, the philosophical voyage of The Midnight Gospel, or the future insurrection in Firefly. Some of the limited series received massive fan efforts to renew, while the actors and creators expressed potential and interest in others.
With another season, these series could expand their settings and tie up loose ends for both characters and viewers. Their cancellations were not an indicator of poor quality, but rather a result of factors outside storytelling itself. In retrospect, they had more to say, and many still have their fingers crossed in the hope that one day they will be back and finish what they started.
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