10 Cancelled TV Shows That Netflix Revived
Hey everyone! Ever feel bummed when your favorite show gets the axe? It's like a punch to the gut, right? But what if I told you there's a superhero in the streaming world that often swoops in to save the day? Yep, I'm talking about Netflix! They've got a knack for resurrecting cancelled TV shows, giving fans a second chance to binge-watch their beloved characters and storylines. Let's dive into 10 awesome examples of shows that Netflix brought back from the brink of cancellation, making some serious streaming magic happen. Get ready for some serious nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the power of streaming!
1. Arrested Development: The Bluths' Hilarious Comeback
Alright, let's kick things off with a true comedy legend: Arrested Development. This show is pure genius, if you haven't watched it already, you're missing out. Arrested Development originally aired on Fox from 2003 to 2006. Its unique, dry humor and unconventional storytelling made it a critical darling, but it struggled to find a massive audience on traditional television. The show's devoted fanbase was heartbroken when Fox decided to pull the plug, but the cult following never really gave up on the Bluth family. The show's blend of satire, dark humor, and self-aware commentary resonated deeply with viewers. The show's use of running gags and its ensemble cast created a unique viewing experience that was instantly lovable. The characters are so well-developed and the plotlines are so intricate that viewers find themselves continuously re-watching the episodes, often catching details they missed the first time around. In 2013, Netflix saw the opportunity and brought the show back for a fourth season. This revival was a huge deal, giving fans more of what they loved. While the initial reception was a bit mixed due to some changes in the format and style, it still gave the Bluths a proper second run. It proved that sometimes, even after a cancellation, there's still life left in the story, especially when a streaming giant like Netflix is ready to invest in the comeback. The show's return demonstrated the power of the internet and streaming services to sustain and grow fan bases, even years after a show's initial run. Netflix provided a platform for both existing fans and new viewers to discover and enjoy Arrested Development, introducing the show to a wider audience than ever before.
Why it Worked
Netflix recognized the show's potential and the loyal fanbase. They took a chance on a beloved property and gave it a fresh start. The show's clever writing and unique comedic style were a perfect fit for streaming. This just shows how important the internet is when it comes to reviving classic shows. The Bluths are back, baby!
2. Lucifer: From Cancellation to Celestial Success
Next up, we have Lucifer, a show that really captured the hearts of its viewers. Originally airing on Fox, Lucifer followed the story of the charming, devilishly handsome Lucifer Morningstar. The show quickly amassed a dedicated following thanks to its clever premise, charismatic lead actor, and the blend of procedural elements with supernatural drama. But, after three seasons, Fox made the tough call to cancel it. The fans were furious, and they did what fans do best: they started a massive campaign on social media, using hashtags and online petitions to convince another network to save the show. That's when Netflix stepped in and picked up the pieces. Netflix not only saved the show but gave it a new home, allowing the showrunners to tell the story they always envisioned. It provided a platform where the creative team could explore complex themes and push the boundaries of storytelling, giving the fans exactly what they wanted and more. With Netflix, Lucifer got three more seasons, letting the show reach a satisfying conclusion. This is a testament to the power of fan support and the willingness of streaming services to listen to their viewers. The success of Lucifer demonstrates how fan engagement can directly impact a show's fate, and how streaming platforms are increasingly willing to invest in content that has already proven its audience appeal. The show's popularity on Netflix not only gave it a new life but also helped solidify Netflix's reputation as a savior of cancelled shows.
Why it Worked
Netflix saw the passion of the fans and the show's popularity on streaming platforms. They knew it had a dedicated audience and a lot of potential. The show's strong storytelling and great characters made it a great fit for a binge-watching experience.
3. Designated Survivor: A Political Thriller's Second Term
Designated Survivor is a gripping political drama that originally aired on ABC. The show's premise is high-concept: a low-level cabinet member suddenly becomes President of the United States after a catastrophic attack. The series offered suspenseful storylines and timely commentary on political intrigue. While it initially drew a decent audience on ABC, the network eventually decided to cancel it after two seasons. Netflix came to the rescue and picked it up for a third season, giving the series a chance to continue its captivating story. The transition to Netflix allowed the showrunners to explore the plot with more freedom, moving beyond the traditional constraints of network television. While the show ultimately didn't get a fourth season, Netflix's intervention gave Designated Survivor a chance to conclude its story on a more satisfying note. This is another example of Netflix stepping in to give a show a new lease on life, offering fans a chance to see their favorite characters' stories unfold.
Why it Worked
Netflix recognized the show's audience appeal and the unique premise. The political thriller genre is always popular, and Netflix understood the potential for a successful series. It gave the show a chance to tell its story without censorship.
4. The Killing: A Dark Return for a Detective Duo
The Killing is a gritty crime drama that initially aired on AMC. The show's dark and atmospheric storytelling, along with its focus on complex characters, quickly gained a loyal following. It was cancelled after its second season, leaving fans on a major cliffhanger. However, AMC and Netflix eventually teamed up to bring the show back for a third season. Netflix offered the platform and investment to continue the series, proving that streaming services are perfect for darker, serialized shows that benefit from a binge-watching format. While the final episodes weren't as widely celebrated as the earlier seasons, Netflix's involvement allowed the show to give its viewers some closure and complete its investigation. This once again shows how Netflix is capable of breathing life back into cancelled shows.
Why it Worked
Netflix understood the show's appeal and the fans' dedication. The dark and atmospheric nature of the show was a great fit for streaming.
5. Longmire: The Western with a Second Act
Longmire, a modern Western crime drama, originally aired on A&E. It centers around a Wyoming sheriff and his investigations. The show was known for its beautiful cinematography, strong characters, and intricate plots. When A&E cancelled the show after three seasons, fans were disappointed. Netflix, realizing the show's strong viewership and dedicated fan base, stepped in to rescue it. The streaming platform ordered three additional seasons, giving Longmire a proper conclusion. This decision highlights Netflix's ability to recognize the value of shows with a loyal following, even if they didn't attract massive ratings on traditional television. Longmire on Netflix thrived, proving that a dedicated fanbase can make a difference. The show's transition to Netflix not only saved it from an early demise, but it also expanded its reach to a wider audience who might not have discovered it on cable.
Why it Worked
Netflix saw the show's popularity and loyal fan base. The Western genre has a strong appeal, and the show's storytelling was perfect for streaming.
6. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: A Comedy's New Beginning
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a hilarious comedy series, was initially developed for NBC. When it was passed over by the network, Netflix took a chance on it. The show, created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, quickly became a critical and commercial success. Its quirky humor, upbeat tone, and the empowering story of Kimmy Schmidt resonated with viewers worldwide. This show demonstrated the streaming platform's commitment to supporting original content. The show received critical acclaim and a devoted audience. This is a testament to Netflix's willingness to give a platform to distinctive, creative voices in the television industry, proving that innovation and unique storytelling can flourish on streaming platforms.
Why it Worked
Netflix was looking for original, high-quality content. The show's unique comedic style and strong writing made it a perfect fit.
7. The Mindy Project: Mindy's Romantic Comedy Revival
The Mindy Project, a romantic comedy series, aired on Fox for three seasons before being cancelled. When Fox decided to end the show, Hulu (in partnership with Netflix) swooped in to save it. The Mindy Project fit perfectly on Hulu, where it continued to explore the relationships, careers, and the humorous lives of its characters. This demonstrated how streaming services and their willingness to embrace shows that appeal to specific audiences. The show's transition to Hulu allowed Mindy Kaling to further develop her creative vision. This also provided a seamless viewing experience for existing fans. The Mindy Project is proof that some shows may thrive in a new home.
Why it Worked
Hulu recognized the show's potential and its existing audience. The romantic comedy genre is a popular one, and the show's great characters made it a perfect fit for streaming.
8. One Day at a Time: A Family's Second Chance
One Day at a Time, a family sitcom, originally aired on Netflix. When Netflix chose to cancel the show after three seasons, fans were devastated. However, the show's strong critical acclaim and devoted fanbase caught the attention of Pop TV, which ordered a fourth season. The show's themes of family, culture, and social issues resonated deeply with viewers. One Day at a Time proved that a show can find a new home and continue to thrive, even after cancellation. The show's success highlights the importance of fan support and the power of streaming platforms to connect with viewers. This transition demonstrates the adaptability of television shows and the potential for stories to continue on different platforms.
Why it Worked
Pop TV recognized the show's value and the loyalty of its fans. The show's heartwarming storylines and relatable characters made it a perfect fit for the network.
9. Manifest: A Mystery's Unexpected Flight Path
Manifest, a mystery drama, was cancelled by NBC after three seasons, leaving fans on a major cliffhanger. However, due to its popularity on Netflix, the streaming service ordered a fourth and final season to conclude the story. The fans were thrilled, and the show could give closure to all the character's stories. This demonstrates Netflix's role in the television industry and the value of a dedicated audience.
Why it Worked
Netflix saw the show's success on its platform and the fans' dedication. The mystery genre is a popular one, and the show's cliffhangers made it perfect for binge-watching.
10. Fuller House: A Nostalgic Reboot's Continued Run
Fuller House is a sequel to the beloved 90s sitcom Full House. The show was a hit on Netflix, offering a continuation of the original series. The show's success is a testament to the power of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of the Full House characters. Fuller House proves that revisiting familiar stories and characters can be a successful formula for streaming, particularly when coupled with strong fan support.
Why it Worked
Netflix recognized the nostalgia factor and the potential for a reboot. The show's family-friendly content and the popularity of the original series made it a perfect fit for streaming.
In conclusion, Netflix has become a champion of the cancelled, bringing back fan favorites and giving them a second chance to shine. These revivals prove the power of streaming, fan support, and the enduring appeal of great storytelling. So, the next time you're mourning the loss of a favorite show, remember there's a good chance Netflix might just save the day! Thanks for reading, and happy streaming, everyone!