Over the years, ourtelevisionshave been graced with numerous great shows, and the streaming age has exponentially raised that number. A select number of those series achieve the popularity and quality necessary to earn renewal, delivering multi-season stories that develop their worlds into full-fledged universes and bring their narratives to a natural end. But even as more shows hit the screens every year, some promising and enjoyable ones are sadly and prematurely cut down.
Not every show gets to be aGame of Thronesor aFriends. Far too many series, including some of the best ones in recent memory, have tragically been canceled before their time, often just as they were beginning to find their rhythm. The reasons vary — ratings and funding problems being the most common — but the fact remains that the world deserved to hear more of what they had to say. Read on to discover our selection of the very best shows that were sadly canceled in their prime.
1‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’ (2016 - 2017)
Created by Max Landis
Inspired by the books byDouglas Adams,Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agencyis a sci-fi/fantasy dark comedy series that follows the misadventures of the titular holistic detective (Samuel Barnett) and his hapless “assistant” Todd (Elijah Wood). The show isn’t a direct adaptation; instead, it’s essentially a soft sequel to the novels, with each season following a new original story. The series also featuresHannah Marks,Jade Eshete,Fiona Dourif,Mpho Koaho, and more in key roles.
A quirky, madcap mystery show with heaps of hilarity and solid sci-fi writing,Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agencywas very well received by critics and fans at the time of its premiere. The series aired on BBC America for two seasons, but it was unfortunately canceled shortly after the second-season finale in 2017. While the series doesend fairly well, it’s still a tragedy that we couldn’t get more of the show’s endearing characters and excellent world-building.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
2‘Why Women Kill’ (2019 - 2021)
Created by Marc Cherry
Why Women Killis a dark comedyanthologyseries that follows the stories of various women who all come to the decision to commit murder, each for different reasons. In the first season,Ginnifer Goodwin,Lucy Liu, andKirby Howell-Baptistestar as three women who all lived in the same house at different times (1963, 1984, and 2019) and discover their respective husbands have been unfaithful. The second season follows a middle-aged housewife in 1949 (played byAllison Tolman) who is desperate to join an elite garden club.
Why Women Killwas quitewell-receivedby critics and viewers, with soapy drama and a deliciously campy sense of humor, not to mention a stylish production and stellar performances. The series did get a renewal for a third season but was then canceled just before production was due to begin.
Why Women Kill
3‘Firefly’ (2002)
Created by Joss Whedon
An Emmy-winning 2000s space Western series,Fireflyfollows the adventures of the spaceship Serenity and her crew, led by the dashing captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds (Nathan Fillion). Set in the year 2517, the show follows a procedural format, exploring their lives in the aftermath of a devastating civil war that left many living on the fringes of society as space-age pioneers. Nathan Fillion leads an ensemble cast that includesGina Torres,Alan Tudyk,Morena Baccarin,Adam Baldwin,Jewel Staite,Sean Maher,Summer Glau, andRon Glass.
Often hailed by genre fans as one of the greatest sci-fi shows of all time,Fireflyis a fun, adventurous series with memorable characters, great writing, and a well-developed vision of the future that’s grounded inreality. The show wascanceledby Fox after airing 11 of the 14 episodes produced, even though it was hugely popular with viewers and critics.Firefly’s enduring popularity led to the creation of a successful franchise that includes comics, games, and the 2005 movieSerenity.
4‘Good Girls’ (2018 - 2021)
Created by Jenna Bans
A suburban crime comedy-drama series,Good GirlsstarsChristina Hendricks,Retta, andMae Whitmanas three mothers who make the fateful decision to rob a supermarket. But that’s just the beginning of their troubles, as this relatively small-time crime draws the attention of a dangerous crime boss (Manny Montana), and the trio soon find themselves pulled into the unpredictable world of money laundering. The show featuresReno Wilson,Lidya Jewett,Isaiah Stannard, andMatthew Lillardin supporting roles.
Good Girlshad largely positive reviews when it premiered on NBC in 2018 and steadily improved its critical standing (and overall quality) over its next three seasons. However, the ratings did not keep up, and the show was unfortunately canceled, leaving the story on a frustrating cliffhanger. Though it ended too soon,Good Girlsis a thrilling and darkly funny crime show with great characters, genuine thrills, and manysteamy moments.
Good Girls
5‘Based on a True Story’ (2023 - 2024)
Created by Craig Rosenberg
A dark comedy thriller series,Based on a True Storyis a satirical take-down of true crime podcasts and their sensationalization of serial killers.Kaley CuocoandChris Messinastar as a Los Angeles couple struggling with their finances and failing marriage while expecting their first child. When they happen to discover the identity of a notorious serial killer (Tom Bateman), they hatch a scheme to make a podcast with him.
The first season ofBased on a True Storywas generally well-received when it premiered on Peacock in 2023, but the show really hit its stride in the second season. Anchored by its talented leads and wicked sense of humor, the series evolves into a truly biting satire in its sophomore entry, ending on a hell of a cliffhanger. However, the show was canceled in April 2025, cutting the story short just as it was becoming a truly entertaining crime thriller.
Based on a True Story
6‘Bored to Death’ (2009 - 2011)
Created by Jonathan Ames
A cerebral mystery comedy series,Bored to DeathstarsJason Schwartzmanas a fictional version of series creatorJonathan Ames, a Brooklyn-based writer who decides to moonlight as a private detective.Ted DansonandZach Galifianakisstar as Jonathan’s friends, and the show follows their various personal and professional misadventures, as well as Jonathan’s eccentric cases. The series also features a number of notable stars in recurring roles, includingPatton Oswalt,Kristen Wiig,Isla Fisher, and more.
Part slice-of-life comedy and part neo-noir mystery,Bored to Deathis a masterfully crafted show with plenty of wit and charm. The series ran for three seasons on HBO, receiving largely positive reviews and winning an Emmy. However, the show was sadly canceled after its third season, setting off several fan petitions to revive the series to no avail. Though it really did deserve more time, the show is an entertaining andunderratedwatch that’s perfect for fans of idiosyncratic comedies.
Bored to Death
7‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021 - 2025)
Created by Rafe Judkins
Based on theeponymous book seriesbyRobert Jordan,The Wheel of Timeis an epic fantasy drama series set in a fantastical world. The show boasts an ensemble cast led byRosamund Pikeas Moiraine, a member of a mystic order who goes on a quest alongside five people, believing that one of them may be the prophesied reincarnation of a powerful being who could save the world or destroy it. Besides Pike, the series featuresDaniel Henney,Zoë Robins,Josha Stradowski, and more in lead roles.
A high-budget adaptation of one of the most acclaimed fantasy series of all time,The Wheel of Timehad a lot of expectations riding on it, and it lived up to them, too! The show was very well-received throughout its three-season run, receiving steadily better reviews with each season. Gorgeously produced and wonderfully acted,The Wheel of Timewas shaping up to be a true epic before its unfortunate cancelation in May 2025.
The Wheel of Time
8‘Altered Carbon’ (2018 - 2020)
Created by Laeta Kalogridis
Based on the books byRichard K. Morgan,Altered Carbonis a cyberpunk noir series set in a far future where consciousness is digitally stored and you’re able to change bodies as easily as swapping clothes – if you can pay for it. The series follows Takeshi Kovacs, a freedom fighter turned mercenary who is released from a digital prison by an ultra-wealthy man to investigate an inexplicable death.Joel Kinnamanplays Takeshi in the first season, andAnthony Mackieplays the character in Season 2, leading an ensemble cast that includesRenée Elise Goldsberry,James Purefoy,Dichen Lachman, and more.
A gritty sci-fi series with truly spectacular world-building,Altered Carbonwas very well-received after the premiere of its first season, and it showed significant improvement in its second installment. The show was sadly canceled after Season 2, but an anime spin-off movie,Altered Carbon: Resleeved, was released in 2020, expanding the world of the show. Despite its short life, the series is a must-watch for fans of hard-hitting action, visually striking worlds, and complex character development.
