6 TV Shows Canceled for Unbelievable Reasons
There’s a list of TV shows that we find comforting at any time. It’s exciting when our favorite series gets renewed for new seasons. Yet, disappointment also comes when shows face cancellation due to factors like revenue and ratings. Surprisingly, some series ended due to trivial reasons that could have been avoided. Here are six shows that sadly never received their much-deserved endings. This is prepared by SSP.
6) An Unhappy Executive for The Critic
The Critic faced a significant fall in ratings due to its scheduling on ABC, resulting in its initial cancellation in 1994. Although the viewership declined, the show returned for a second season on Fox, where it effectively retained its audience.
As reported by Cracked, co-creator Al Jean noted that politics were behind its second cancellation. He highlighted that the series was thriving on Fox, but Mike Reiss, another co-creator, specifically pointed to John Matoian, the president of Fox in 1995. Matoian reportedly disliked The Critic. During a meeting, he expressed that the show wasn’t funny, contradicting the general enjoyment in the room. Consequently, the series came to a halt after its second season.
5) Gandhi Didn’t Make It in Clone High
Launched in 2002, Clone High featured teenage cartoon incarnations of famous leaders, including Gandhi, who was depicted as a party enthusiast. Due to the character's portrayal, which infuriated many viewers in India, a significant protest erupted, even involving Gandhi’s grandson.
Despite the outrage, the creators considered continuing the show with alterations to Gandhi's character. Unfortunately, the production company rejected these changes, leading to a two-decade hiatus. It wasn’t until 2023 that Clone High returned, though seasons two and three aired without including the Gandhi character.
4) HBO Max’s Shift in Gordita Chronicles
Gordita Chronicles debuted during the summer of 2022 on HBO Max but was canceled just one month later. While the sitcom received affection from viewers initially, HBO Max shifted its programming strategy, announcing the elimination of family sitcoms.
Creator Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz expressed her disappointment in an interview with Rolling Stone, asserting that the cancellation seemed unjust. She mentioned that despite their beloved status and significant audience numbers, the importance of their stories was disregarded.
3) Trump’s Influence on OK K.O.!
OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes faced an early end in its third season, contrary to initial plans. Ian Jones-Quartey, the show’s creator, stated that the cause was outside network influences, particularly from Donald Trump.
Originally geared for a streaming premiere on the newly formed service after Warner Bros. and AT&T merged, the merger suffered against Trump’s opposition. This culminated in an early conclusion on Cartoon Network, affecting the timeline and leading to the regrettable cancellation.
2) Longmire Was Adored Only by Older People
Longmire, one of cable TV's highest-rated shows, showcased the story of a Wyoming sheriff faced with social challenges. Despite its popularity, A&E pulled the plug after three seasons in 2014 due to its older audience.
The primary audience was over 50 years old, which networks see as less appealing when targeting the 18-49 demographic, a crucial market for advertisers. Thankfully, Netflix later picked up the show, allowing it to thrive instead of relying on ad revenue.
1) The Owl House Did Not Satisfy Disney
The Owl House witnessed a proper ending with three hour-long specials instead of the anticipated full third season. Despite favorable ratings and a strong fanbase, the show did not receive the comprehensive conclusion it deserved.
Creator Dana Terrace revealed that business decisions impacting Disney's brand played a vital role in the show's early ending. She pointed out that although the show is serialized, it didn’t appear to align with certain Disney measures. Initially skeptical, Terrace reconsidered when discovering that Disney had backed politicians endorsing the "Don’t Say Gay" bill.
