Netflix Rescues: 10 Cancelled TV Shows You Can Still Binge

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Netflix Rescues: 10 Cancelled TV Shows You Can Still Binge

Hey guys, have you ever been devastated when your favorite TV show gets the axe? That feeling of despair when a series you've invested hours in suddenly disappears from your screens? Well, thankfully, in the age of streaming, there's a superhero in the mix – Netflix! They have swooped in to save the day (and our viewing pleasures) on numerous occasions, picking up cancelled shows and giving them new life. Today, we're diving into the world of Netflix revivals, highlighting 10 cancelled TV shows that found a second chance at glory, thanks to the streaming giant. Get ready to have your watchlist expanded! We're talking about everything from sci-fi sagas to quirky comedies, all resurrected by the power of streaming. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's explore these TV treasures that Netflix brought back from the brink of cancellation.

1. Lucifer: From Fox to Netflix Heaven

Let's kick things off with a show that truly rose from the ashes – Lucifer. Originally airing on Fox, this devilishly charming series, starring Tom Ellis, followed the story of Lucifer Morningstar, who abandons his throne in Hell for a life of luxury and pleasure in Los Angeles. The show was a hit, but after three seasons, Fox made the decision to cancel it. The fans, however, were not ready to let go, and they launched a massive social media campaign to save the show. Their persistence, combined with the show's popularity on Netflix, paid off! Netflix picked up Lucifer for a fourth season, and the show went on to produce two more critically acclaimed seasons, giving fans the closure they deserved and ensuring Lucifer's story wasn't left unfinished. Talk about a happy ending! This is a great example of how streaming services like Netflix can become the ultimate saviors for shows that have a strong, dedicated fanbase. The Netflix revival of Lucifer not only gave the show a new lease on life, but also allowed the creators to explore the story with a bit more creative freedom. The show was able to delve into deeper themes and character development, resulting in a richer, more satisfying viewing experience for its loyal viewers. The success of Lucifer is a testament to the power of fandom and the changing landscape of television, where streaming services are increasingly stepping in to fill the void left by traditional networks. It's a win-win for everyone involved – the fans get their beloved show back, the creators get to continue telling their story, and Netflix gets a hugely popular series to add to its ever-growing library. The story of Lucifer proves that even when a show seems down and out, there's always a chance for a comeback, especially with Netflix in your corner.

2. Designated Survivor: A Political Drama's Second Term

Next up, we have Designated Survivor, a political thriller that kept us on the edge of our seats. The show, which starred Kiefer Sutherland, centered around a low-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes President of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the Capitol. The first season aired on ABC, but after a second season, the show was cancelled. However, Netflix recognized the show's potential and, after picking up the show, commissioned a third season. Although the show was ultimately cancelled again after season three, Netflix gave it a decent run and allowed the storyline to progress further. The show saw a continuation of Kiefer Sutherland's presidency and all of the challenges that came with it. Even though Designated Survivor didn't get a lengthy run on Netflix, the platform did give fans more of what they wanted, proving once again that streaming services can sometimes provide the necessary life support for prematurely cancelled shows. The move also highlights the value of having a global audience, as Netflix could provide exposure to Designated Survivor to viewers all over the world. This can often translate into increased viewership and a renewed interest in the show, even if it had already aired its initial run on a different network. The platform's algorithm also helped in the discovery of the show, recommending it to viewers who enjoyed similar content. This is a clear indicator that Netflix understands the importance of providing a diverse content library, catering to different tastes and preferences. The show's ability to be saved underscores the changing nature of the entertainment industry, where platforms like Netflix have the power to decide a show's destiny. For the fans, this meant more episodes to enjoy, and for the showrunners, it meant an opportunity to continue their narrative. This kind of flexibility has made streaming services attractive to both viewers and show creators.

3. Arrested Development: A Cult Comedy's Revival

Arrested Development, is a show that has the honor of being a cult classic. The show follows the Bluth family, a wealthy, dysfunctional family who lose their fortune and must adapt to a drastically changed lifestyle. The series originally aired on Fox, but the show was cancelled after three seasons. But, due to critical acclaim and a huge following, Arrested Development was picked up by Netflix for a fourth season. This allowed the show's creators to revisit the quirky characters and hilarious situations that made the show so popular in the first place. Although the fourth season had a mixed reception, Netflix did bring the show back for a fifth season. For fans of the show, this was a great deal, because they were able to continue seeing more of the characters that they had come to love. Arrested Development's revival is a testament to the power of streaming to revive shows that had a dedicated fanbase but never quite found the mainstream success they deserved initially. Netflix took the opportunity to bring back the show and introduced it to a whole new generation of viewers, who could appreciate the show's unique comedic style. The platform has a global reach, making it easier for shows like Arrested Development to find an audience beyond its original network. Furthermore, Netflix was able to experiment with different formats, and release all the episodes in one go, a model that differs from traditional television. This allowed viewers to binge-watch the entire season at their own pace, adding to the show's appeal and giving the show a new relevance. The platform has also embraced the show's quirky style, making the revival even more interesting and memorable. For the actors and the creative team, this was a great chance to revisit the characters they knew and loved and give the show's fans what they had been waiting for. The entire experience of Arrested Development on Netflix is a perfect example of how streaming can preserve and prolong the life of shows that were prematurely cancelled.

4. The Killing: A Dark Crime Drama's Redemption

The Killing, a dark and gritty crime drama, aired on AMC for its first two seasons. The show, which followed the investigation of a murder, was praised for its atmospheric tone and compelling storytelling. Despite critical acclaim, the show was cancelled after two seasons. Fans of the show protested the cancellation and were delighted when Netflix stepped in to revive the series for a third season. AMC and Netflix co-produced the show, and then the show was renewed for a fourth and final season, giving the series a complete ending. The Killing's revival is an example of how Netflix can work with other networks to save shows and provide fans with a more fulfilling viewing experience. The partnership allowed the show to continue its storyline, but also gave the show a conclusion that the viewers deserved. This strategy of co-producing and sharing rights has become increasingly common in the streaming world, allowing shows to flourish in a way that wouldn't have been possible in the past. It's a win-win for everyone involved – the show gets to continue, the network gets to benefit from its success, and Netflix gets to add a popular show to its collection. The show's success on Netflix also helped it gain an even wider audience, introducing the show to many viewers who had never seen it before. The platform's recommendation system made it easy for new viewers to discover and enjoy the show. This is another example of Netflix contributing to the longevity of the series. The show's finale delivered closure to the fans, and demonstrated Netflix's commitment to completing the stories of the shows it revives.

5. Longmire: A Western's Second Ride

Longmire, a modern Western crime drama, originally aired on A&E. The show follows Sheriff Walt Longmire, as he investigates crimes in a rural Wyoming county. The show had a dedicated following, but was cancelled after three seasons. Netflix came to the rescue and picked up the show for three more seasons, allowing the show to conclude its story. Netflix's involvement was vital in giving the show a proper ending and allowing fans to say goodbye to the characters they had come to love. The revival of Longmire on Netflix illustrates the platform's ability to cater to diverse audiences and save shows that might not have fit into the traditional television landscape. The show found a loyal audience on the platform, and the viewers were happy to see their show not being abruptly ended. The show's success on Netflix is a testament to the power of a strong fanbase and the value of a well-told story, and it is a clear indicator that Netflix is willing to invest in shows that have an established fanbase and a proven track record. The show was able to maintain its appeal on the platform and its viewership remained constant throughout its run. This proves that a committed viewership can be a show's lifeline, and that streaming platforms can provide the ideal environment for a show to thrive. The show's final season provided closure, which is something that fans always appreciate.

6. Fuller House: A Family Favorite's Return

Fuller House is a sequel to the beloved family sitcom Full House. The original show was a big hit, and its revival was highly anticipated. The show picks up with the grown-up Tanner family, dealing with the ups and downs of life in a familiar setting. The show aired on ABC for many seasons. Netflix saw the potential of reviving this beloved franchise and ordered a full series. It was a massive success, proving that nostalgia is a powerful force. This reboot brought back familiar faces and introduced a new generation of viewers to the warm, family-friendly humor. The success of Fuller House proves the power of nostalgia and the potential for reviving classic shows. The show not only served as a sequel to Full House but was also a reminder of the original show's appeal. Netflix knew how to capitalize on the show's fan base, but also on the family audience. The platform recognized that the show had the potential to resonate with a wide variety of viewers, from those who had grown up watching Full House to a new generation discovering it for the first time. The revival of Fuller House not only expanded the story, but also introduced new elements and storylines that kept the show fresh and relevant. The family theme still worked, and the show's popularity on Netflix is a testament to the value of creating content that resonates with audiences of all ages. This is another proof that Netflix is willing to bet on franchises that have a proven track record, and give them a new life. The platform's investment in Fuller House paid off and gave audiences more of the family-friendly content they desired.

7. The Gilmore Girls: A Mother-Daughter Duo's Reunion

Gilmore Girls, a show known for its fast-paced dialogue and heartwarming stories, initially aired on The WB and later The CW. After a successful seven-season run, the show concluded its original run. However, fans were left wanting more. Netflix answered the call, and released a revival miniseries, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. The show brought back the beloved characters and their witty banter, allowing fans to revisit Stars Hollow and catch up with Lorelai, Rory, and the rest of the gang. The revival was a huge success and gave fans the closure they had been longing for. The show's revival not only capitalized on the nostalgia factor, but also on the show's existing loyal fan base. The show gave viewers the opportunity to reconnect with the characters they had grown to love over the years. This demonstrates the power of streaming platforms to offer new content while also revisiting beloved series. This also emphasizes Netflix's ability to identify popular content and create a program that caters to fan demand. This miniseries became a cultural event and was widely discussed and celebrated. The platform's success shows its understanding of the value of continuity and nostalgia. The show gave the creators the opportunity to finish the story on their terms and to provide the fans with the resolution they had hoped for. The revival of Gilmore Girls is a great example of Netflix recognizing the potential of a beloved franchise and giving it a new platform.

8. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: A Comedy's New Lease on Life

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a quirky comedy starring Ellie Kemper, originally premiered on Netflix, but the show was co-produced with NBC. This unique arrangement allowed the show to gain momentum. The show was praised for its humor and its optimistic tone, but was cancelled after four seasons. The cancellation of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt didn't mean the end for the series. Netflix and the show's creators came together to produce an interactive special. The special allowed viewers to make choices that would influence the outcome of the story. This was an inventive way to engage the show's fans and to give the characters a new journey. The special was a success and proved Netflix's commitment to innovation and to giving its viewers a unique viewing experience. The interactive special also allowed the show's creators to experiment with new ways of storytelling, which provided a lot of entertainment. The show's ending proves Netflix's ability to offer flexibility. The innovative approach highlights the platform's desire to experiment with different content forms. The show's creative special allowed the show's fans to participate in the story's direction, and that is why Netflix is still so popular.

9. One Day at a Time: A Family Comedy's Second Chance

One Day at a Time, is a sitcom that won a lot of hearts. The show, which focused on a Cuban-American family, originally aired on Netflix. The show received critical acclaim for its writing, its humor, and its exploration of relevant social issues. Despite its success, the show was cancelled after three seasons. However, the show's fans, with the help of the show's creators, were determined to find a new home for the show. Their hard work paid off when Pop TV picked up the series for a fourth season. The show's journey is an example of the power of community, and it shows how shows can be saved from cancellation with the help of the show's creators. This also shows how a show can be given a second chance with the support of the fan base. The show's revival on Pop TV gave the show's writers the chance to continue the family's stories and deal with the social and cultural concerns that are relevant to the times. The experience is a testimony to the entertainment industry's evolving landscape and highlights the significance of fan support in the era of streaming services. The show's revival and second life are a testament to the show's impact, which is why Netflix is still at the top of the entertainment industry.

10. The Mindy Project: A Rom-Com's Happy Ending

The Mindy Project, is a rom-com series starring Mindy Kaling, which aired for three seasons on Fox. The show followed the life of a romantic comedy-obsessed OB/GYN as she navigated her love life and career in New York City. The show was cancelled after three seasons. But, Netflix saved the show, and the show was given three more seasons. The show's salvation on Netflix is yet another success story and it emphasizes the streaming platform's dedication to providing a broad range of programming. The streaming platform's ability to identify shows with a strong fan base has given many shows a second life. The platform gives viewers the chance to see their favorite characters again, and it allows creators to further develop the story. For The Mindy Project, this meant more hilarious situations, more character development, and a satisfying conclusion to Mindy's love story. The revival of the show highlighted the power of streaming to provide a home for shows that were cut short by traditional television. Netflix saw the value of continuing the show, and that is why fans are so grateful. The show's second life on Netflix demonstrates the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, and it also highlights the value of streaming platforms to revive and rejuvenate canceled shows. The Mindy Project continues to resonate with fans, which is why Netflix is still the leader in the entertainment industry.

And there you have it, folks! Ten amazing TV shows that were saved by the streaming magic of Netflix. From heartwarming family comedies to gripping crime dramas, Netflix has given these shows a new lease on life, delighting fans and giving them the endings they deserved. It's a testament to the power of streaming, the dedication of fans, and the ever-changing landscape of television. So, next time you're scrolling through Netflix, keep an eye out for these rescued gems – you might just discover your next binge-worthy obsession!