5 TV Shows That Completely Changed Course After S1 (And Saved Themselves)
That one classmate who underwent a major glow-up during a summer break.
There are few things as exciting as watching a show go through a complete transformation and take off in a more interesting direction. While some TV series start out strong and maintain their original vision throughout their entire run, others find their true potential by taking a bold leap and changing their direction after their first season.
Here are 5 TV shows that weren't afraid to take a remarkable turn after season one, proving that change can often be the path to success.
Upon its debut in 2009, Parks and Recreation struggled with a comedic tone that was too similar to The Office. Luckily, the show's creators recognized a critical shift, and in its second season, the show switched from a mockumentary to a traditional sitcom, adding depth and personality to its characters.
This shift allowed the show to explore the eccentricities of the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department as well as the hearts of its characters, leading to its current highly praised status.
4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
While Brooklyn Nine-Nine got off to a strong start in its first season, it was in its second season that it really hit its comedic stride.
Subtle changes in the humor and character dynamics refined the comedic style of the show, and the transformation of Captain Holt from a stern authority figure to a deadpan comedic force was particularly noteworthy, cementing the show as one of the funniest of all time.
3. The Office
While the UK's Office sibling appears to be a well-crafted mockumentary, the first season is often overlooked by fans.
Due to its lack of substance and humor, it fails to capture the essence of the subsequent seasons, making it easily skippable and it is this stark contrast in tone and quality that sets it apart from the rest of the series, as it is a significant departure from the unforgettable tone of the later seasons.
2. Schitt's Creek
Although you may struggle through the early episodes, you will be hooked by the end of the first season. At first, the writers focused on making fun of the townspeople, but eventually, they saw the comedic potential in the absurd situation of the Rose family, and that's when the tide completely turned for the show.
The most compelling thing about Stranger Things is how you get invested in its main characters growing up onscreen. If the first season offered fans a more subdued storyline and horror elements that young children have to deal with, the second season began to develop more intense themes and grow with the main characters into a more compelling story, completely changing the tone of the show.
