10 Unsuccessful TV Shows with a Cult Following
You've never even heard about some of these.
1. "Wonderfalls" (2004)
"Wonderfalls," a comedy-drama with a surreal twist, follows the life of an underachieving, cynical sales clerk, Jaye Tyler, who begins to hear inanimate animal figurines speaking to her. These trinkets drive her to help others, leading to quirky and unpredictable scenarios.
While the show only lasted one season, it developed a cult following for its unique premise, memorable characters, and clever writing. Caroline Dhavernas, who played Jaye, later starred in the cult favorite "Hannibal. "
2. "Pushing Daisies" (2007-2009)
"Pushing Daisies" is a whimsical tale of a pie-maker, Ned, who has the ability to bring dead things back to life with a single touch. However, a second touch would kill them forever. When his childhood sweetheart, Chuck, is murdered, he revives her but can never touch her again.
With its striking visuals, poignant love story, and dark humor, the series captured a faithful audience despite being canceled after only two seasons. A sweet tidbit – the show won seven Emmys during its short lifespan!
3. "Better Off Ted" (2009-2010)
This satirical workplace comedy set in the research and development department of a morally questionable corporation, Veridian Dynamics, could make anyone laugh. The show, led by Ted Crisp, presented a humorous critique of corporate culture and featured bizarre inventions like weaponized pumpkins.
While the show only lasted two seasons, its sharp humor and unique premise garnered it a loyal following. Portia de Rossi, known for "Arrested Development," played the role of Veronica, Ted's emotionless, career-driven boss.
4. "Party Down" (2009-2010)
"Party Down" followed a group of aspiring actors and writers working as caterers while waiting for their big break. With its sharp, witty dialogues and engaging character dynamics, the show was a hit with viewers.
Despite its critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, the show was canceled after just two seasons. However, the silver lining is that many of the cast members, including Adam Scott and Lizzy Caplan, went on to have successful careers in comedy, reuniting years later in 2022's revival on Starz.
5. "Terriers" (2010)
"Terriers" was a criminally under-watched show about unlicensed private investigators, played by Donal Logue and Michael Raymond-James. It blended the best of buddy-cop shows with clever plotlines and character-driven stories.
However, due to a vague marketing campaign and low viewership, it was canceled after one season. Despite this, "Terriers" has been remembered as one of the best one-season wonders, with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 93%.
6. "The Tick" (2001-2002, 2016-2019)
"The Tick" has had two runs at television fame, both times ending prematurely but leaving a strong impact. The early 2000s live-action series starred Patrick Warburton as the titular hero, a nigh-invulnerable and not-so-bright superhero in a blue suit. The show played up the absurdity of the superhero genre to comedic effect.
The 2016 reboot introduced a new cast with Peter Serafinowicz taking up the mantel, and added more depth to the characters and storyline. Despite their cancellations, both iterations have been adored for their humor, unique take on superheroes, and most importantly, the surreal charm of The Tick himself.
7. "Carnivàle" (2003-2005)
Set during the Great Depression, "Carnivàle" follows the story of a young farm boy, Ben, with healing abilities, and Brother Justin, a preacher who develops strange powers. Their lives run parallel, suggesting a looming battle between good and evil.
This HBO series was visually stunning and deeply symbolic, with complex characters and a sense of eeriness that lingered long after the show ended.
Unfortunately, its high production costs and niche appeal led to its cancellation after two seasons. However, it holds a respectable 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and is praised for its dark and intricate narrative.
8. "Dead Like Me" (2003-2004)
"Dead Like Me" presented a quirky perspective on life, death, and the afterlife through the eyes of 18-year-old Georgia 'George' Lass, who becomes a reaper after her untimely death. The plot cleverly combines comedy and drama as George navigates her new existence, "reaping" souls just before they die.
Despite its early cancellation, the show has remained popular among fans for its innovative concept, clever writing, and Ellen Muth's captivating performance as George. The show was created by Bryan Fuller, who has a reputation for creating beloved yet prematurely cancelled series, including previously mentioned "Wonderfalls" and "Pushing Daisies".
9. "Profit" (1996)
"Profit" was a series far ahead of its time, with a ruthless corporate climber, Jim Profit, who would stop at nothing to reach the top of the business world. Its edgy storytelling and morally ambiguous protagonist were jarring for audiences of the '90s, leading to its cancellation after just four episodes.
However, its daring narrative and Adrian Pasdar's chilling performance have since been recognized, and "Profit" is now considered a cult classic, with many believing it paved the way for future anti-heroes in TV series.
10. "Clone High" (2002-2003)
An animated sitcom featuring a high school filled with clones of historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and Gandhi? That's "Clone High" for you. The show satirized both the high school drama genre and historical figures with smart humor and clever characterizations.
Although the series was canceled after one season due to controversies and low ratings, it has since been praised for its innovative concept and witty writing. The show was created by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the talented duo behind the "21 Jump Street" films and "The Lego Movie."