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TV shows come and go, and in 2023, there were quite a few that didn't manage to make a lasting mark or get people talking.
Each of these series, from dramas that didn't quite drama enough to comedies that didn't make us laugh as hard as others, had moments where they seemed like they might take off, but they never really did; it's like when you're watching, waiting for that big moment that hooks you in, but it never comes, and you're left feeling a bit empty.
1. "The Old Man" (2022, FX) Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%
The Old Man, featuring stellar performances by John Lithgow and Jeff Bridges, struggled to leave a mark with its storyline. Despite the talent involved, the plot didn't manage to make a memorable impact.
2. "A League Of Their Own" (2022, Amazon Prime) Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
A League Of Their Own aimed to capture the magic of its cinematic predecessor but didn't manage to hold the attention of its audience beyond a couple of episodes, despite some claims of it being underrated.
3. "The Patient" (2022, Hulu ) Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%
The Patient starring Steve Carell struggled to captivate, confined both physically to a basement and narratively to a lackluster plot. Despite the potential for psychological depth, the series failed to resonate, passing by viewers like a fleeting shadow.
Hulu's Reboot started strong with a promising pilot but quickly faded into the background. Its short season and lack of memorable moments left it as just another show that couldn't quite find its footing, becoming easily overlooked.
The anticipation for a Halo adaptation had been building for years, making the eventual release of the series a significant event. However, the excitement quickly turned to dismay when it was revealed that the creators had taken considerable liberties with the source material, distancing themselves from the rich lore that fans cherished.
This departure left many feeling alienated, making the series a forgettable blip in the franchise's storied history.
6. "The Peripheral" (2022, Amazon Prime) Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%
The Peripheral initially dazzled with its futuristic visions and enigmatic storyline. However, it quickly veered off course, with laughable plot devices such as improbably short train accidents, diminishing its early promise and leaving viewers disengaged.
7. "Y: The Last Man" (2021, FX on Hulu) Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%
The Last Man, despite years of anticipation and a beloved comic series as its foundation, faltered in its transition to the small screen. Its cancellation came as little surprise to those who found it difficult to engage with the adaptation.
8. "The Baby" (2022, HBO) Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%
The Baby on HBO began with a whirlwind of mystery and intrigue, only to spiral into repetitive plotlines that left viewers disenchanted. The lead character's lack of appeal, despite the sinister undertones of her infant counterpart, failed to engage audiences, rendering the show forgettable.
9. "Reginald the Vampire" (2022, Syfy) Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%
Starring Jacob Batalon of MCU 's Spider-Man fame, Reginald the Vampire attempted to twist vampire lore with an average Joe protagonist, but despite its renewal, it struggled to make a lasting impression, blending into the background of genre offerings.
10. "Tom Swift" (2022, The CW) Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%
Drawing inspiration from the century-old novel series, this CW adaptation sought to modernize the adventures of its titular character with a fresh, contemporary twist. Despite its ambition and the support of a hopeful fanbase, the show struggled to blend its adventurous spirit with meaningful social commentary, leading to an early cancellation that left its narrative potential unfulfilled.
11. "Lopez vs. Lopez" (2022, NBC) Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%
Comedy often runs in the family, but Lopez vs. Lopez proved that it's not always a guarantee. Banking on the real-life father-daughter dynamic of George Lopez and Mayan Lopez, the show aimed to explore generational differences with humor. Sadly, it missed the mark, failing to resonate with audiences and leaving its future in doubt.
12. "Invasion" (2021, Apple TV+ ) Rotten Tomatoes score: 56%
Apple TV+'s Invasion offered a sci-fi narrative that somehow managed to both captivate and confuse, never delivering on its narrative promises and leaving viewers bewildered by its direction and lack of clarity.
Netflix's The Watcher promised a gripping mystery based on true events, but viewers were left scratching their heads. The series was marred by bizarre character decisions and a plethora of unresolved storylines, frustrating audiences and ensuring that it would be remembered more for its missed potential than its achievements.
This adaptation of the iconic video game series had all the ingredients for a hit: a beloved franchise, a rich lore, and the talented Lance Reddick leading the cast. However, it veered off course, turning into what many felt was an unrecognizable version of its source material.
Its cancellation came swiftly, merely a month after debut, leaving fans to mourn what could have been a thrilling addition to the Resident Evil universe.
15. "La Brea " (2021, NBC) Rotten Tomatoes score: 38%
Sci-fi fans are no strangers to suspending disbelief, but La Brea asked for more than most were willing to give. With a plot centered around a massive sinkhole leading to a prehistoric world, the series hoped to blend disaster drama with time-travel intrigue. Despite its ambitious premise, it was criticized for its lackluster writing and performances, making it a tough watch for even the most dedicated sci-fi enthusiasts.
16. "How I Met Your Father" (2022, Hulu) Rotten Tomatoes score: 34%
In an attempt to capture the magic of its beloved predecessor, How I Met Your Mother, this spin-off fell flat. While occasionally remembered in passing conversations, it failed to carve out its own identity or capture the audience's imagination, becoming a footnote in the legacy of the original series.
17. "Day of the Dead" (2021, Syfy) Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%
Inspired by George A. Romero's iconic film, this series aimed to breathe new life into the zombie genre. While it managed to avoid being a complete disaster, it didn't offer anything new or compelling enough to stand out from the crowded field of undead narratives, leading to its quiet fade from memory.
18. "The Pentaverate " (2022, Netflix) Rotten Tomatoes score: 28%
The Pentaverate, despite Mike Myers ' reputation for comedic brilliance, fell flat. Its attempt to replicate the success of his multi-character performances in previous works couldn't mask the absence of genuinely humorous moments.
Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the last Blockbuster video store, this comedy aimed to capture the hearts of viewers with its quirky premise and the charm of Randall Park. Unfortunately, it failed to deliver memorable laughs or lines, resulting in a show that felt as outdated as the video rental model it romanticized. Its quick exit was a disappointment but not a shock to those who tuned in.
