TV Shows Gone Too Soon: ‘Pitch,’ ‘The Newsroom’ and More

Credit: NBC; Getty Images; Cliff Lipson/CBS; Mark Seliger/NBC

TV Shows Gone Too Soon: 'Pitch,' 'The Newsroom' and More

Whether it was an unanswered cliffhanger or a character who wasn’t given enough time to shine, there are many shows that didn’t deserve to end as early as they did. Sure, the networks can blame low ratings, small budget and packed lineups, but we will never forgive these cancellations! In 2017, Fox refused to give Pitch, a drama about the first female pitcher in the MLB, a second season, despite critics' rave reviews. Star star Mark-Paul Gosselaar admitted in multiple interviews that the cast was "blindsided" by the news and remains hopeful that one day, it will come back. The show was so beloved by fans that when it was released on Hulu in May 2020, the streaming giant even put out a new promo in which Gosselar and Kylie Bunbury (who played star athlete Ginny Baker) joke around about "itchin’ to get back in there." Pitch was only one of many shows to get an early ax. One year after canceling the Latinx soap Grand Hotel, ABC also chose not to renew The Baker and the Beauty, the drama based on the Israeli series. Nathalie Kelley, who led Baker and the Beauty, spoke out regarding the cancelation in 2020, revealing how disappointed she was with the network. "We are seeing now more than ever that representation is important for Black and brown people of color. How we are represented on our television shows determines how society sees us, and the empathy and support they will grant our communities," she said in a statement at the time. "When we are constantly depicted as narcos and maids, we can’t expect to find favor with voters when they go to the polls and elect leaders who will decide on the fate of immigrants." The Vampire Diaries alum continued: "Baker and the Beauty is a show that depicts Latin families as warm, lovable, full of joy and compassion and humor. A cancellation by ABC means that there are now no shows on the networks with a Latinx cast. At a time when the public is marching in the streets demanding representation and diversity this is an extremely tone deaf decision." That same month, Lisa Vidal addressed fan efforts to save the series. "Thank God my Latin community has jumped on board, and they’re making some noise because, for once, we had a show on primetime with an all-Latino cast, where 60 percent of the writers’ room was Latino, our whole crew was Latino, and we shot Puerto Rico. It was just this beautiful family," the actress told Hollywood Life. "They were non-stereotypical, non-violent and not cartel members. We were a functional, loving, hard-working, Americanized immigrant Cuban family. The fact that our show was so universal and so relatable, there was no reason to cancel it actually." Scroll through the gallery below for more shows gone too soon:

Credit: Miller Mobley/The CW

Nancy Drew (2019-2023)

The mystery drama, based on the book series penned by Carolyn Keene, was canceled in October 2022 following Nexstar's acquisition of The CW.

“It has been the greatest pleasure to begin my career as one small part of Nancy Drew’s endless legacy. What a privilege to walk in her shoes for as long as I have, to be inspired by her and to grow with her," Kennedy McMann, who played the titular role, said in a statement at the time. "I wish our incredible fans could feel the heart and passion of our crew that has been ever-present on and off screen, day in and day out since the very beginning. You are every bit a part of this incredible show as we are. Thank you, thank you, thank you for every ounce of passion and kindness you have shared with me and with each other.”

Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Tom Swift (2022-2022)

The short-lived Nancy Drew spinoff was axed after airing one season on The CW. Tom Swift starred Tian Richards, Ashleigh Murray, Marquise Vilsón, Albert Mwangi and April Parker Jones.

Credit: Brian Douglas/Netflix

First Kill (2022-2022)

Two months after its debut on Netflix, First Kill was canceled — a decision that received online backlash. Fans of the supernatural show that explored a forbidden love between a vampire and a vampire hunter have continued to campaign for a renewal.

Credit: Kane Skennar/Amazon Prime Video

The Wilds (2020-2022)

The Prime Video series reached its shocking conclusion after its second season ended on a cliffhanger. The Wilds cast included Sophia Ali, Reign Edwards, Shannon Berry, Jenna Clause, Mia Healey, Helena Howard, Erana James and Sarah Pidgeon. Season 2 added Zack Calderon, Aidan Laprete, Nicholas Coombe, Charles Alexander, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Reed Shannon, Tanner Ray Rook and Alex Fitzalan.

Credit: Michael Parmelee/FX/Kobal/Shutterstock

Pose (2018-2021)

Ryan Murphy’s FX drama Pose, which focused on ‘80s and '90s New York City ballroom culture, announced its conclusion in March 2021, ahead of the show’s third season premiere.

“We got to tell the exact story we wanted, as we wanted to tell it, and I’m incredibly honored and grateful,” the Glee creator said in a statement. “Pose’s story may end in 1996, but its impact will go on forever.”

The show’s original cast and crew contained over 140 trans or LGBTQ members. 

“I was interested in bringing up a new group of people,” Murphy told Us Weekly exclusively in June 2018. “When I was coming up in the industry, it was all white guys over 40 who had power. I’m interested in using my juice to promote other people.”

Credit: Greg Gayne/NBC

Superstore (2015-2021)

NBC announced in December 2020 that the sitcom would end with its sixth season. The news came after the departure of series lead America Ferrera.

Credit: Bob Mahoney/HBO/WARNERMEDIA

The Outsider (2020)

The crime drama, based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, was axed from HBO in November 2020 after just one season. The series debuted in January 2020 and starred Cynthia Erivo, Jason Bateman and Ben Mendelson. According to Deadline, MRC studio will continue to search for a platform to air their second season despite HBO's cancellation.

Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith

Single Parents (2018-2020)

In May 2020, ABC announced that they would be pulling the plug on the sitcom starring Taran Killam, Leighton Meester and Brad Garrett after two seasons. 

Credit: Matthias Clamer/ABC

Stumptown (2019-2020)

Despite a season 2 renewal, the Cobie Smulders-led drama was canceled by ABC in September 2020 after one season due to the COVID-19 crisis. 

Credit: (ABC/Nino Munoz)

The Baker and the Beauty (2020)

Despite decent ratings, ABC did not renew the drama, which followed Victor Rasuk's Daniel Garcia, a baker who falls in love with a famous model, Noa Hamilton (Kelley).

Credit: Phillip Caruso/Hulu

High Fidelity (2020)

The Hulu original series was dropped by the streaming service after its first season. Zoë Kravitz, Jake Lacy and more of the cast was notified of the show's cancellation in August 2020. A gender-swapped version of the 2000 movie, which starred John Cusack, Lisa Bonet and Jack Black, the series told the story of a Brooklyn record shop owner (Kravitz) who revisits her top five biggest heartbreaks of all time.

Credit: Netflix

The Society (2019)

Netflix fan-favorite The Society was canceled after just one season. The streaming giant announced in August 2020 that — along with I Am Not Okay With This — the teen thriller, which had previously been renewed, would not be coming back. 

"We’ve made the difficult decision not to move forward with second seasons of The Society and I Am Not Okay With This," Netflix said in a statement. "We’re disappointed to have to make these decisions due to circumstances created by COVID, and we are grateful to these creators, including: Jonathan Entwistle, Christy Hall, Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, Dan Cohen and Josh Barry at 21 Laps Entertainment for I Am Not Okay With This; Chris Keyser, Marc Webb and Pavlina Hatoupis for The Society; and all the writers, casts and crews who worked tirelessly to make these shows for our members around the world."

Credit: Ursula Coyote/Netflix

Daybreak (2019-2019)

The post-apocalyptic drama show, which was based on the comic series by Brian Ralph, starred Colin Ford, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sophie Simnett, Austin Crute, Cody Kearsley, Jeanté Godlock, Gregory Kasyan, Krysta Rodriguez and Matthew Broderick.

Following one season, Netflix axed the series. “We learned last week that Daybreak will not be returning for a second season,” co-creator Aron Coleite wrote in a December 2019 statement. “We’re so sorry we couldn’t share it with you sooner but also grateful that we got to hang out in these last few live tweet sessions with all of you."

He continued: "Thank you for picking up what we put down, for running with it in all of your amazing, weird, monstrous ways and for being such an important part of this show and our experience making it. No one is as heartbroken as we are that we can’t share more of this ride with you. But we’re so grateful to have gotten to bring it this far.”

Credit: Liz Von Hoene/SHOWTIME

On Becoming a God in Central Florida (2019)

After scoring a second season, Showtime reversed course and canceled the show in October 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. “Last year, Showtime renewed On Becoming a God in Central Florida but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we were unable to move forward with production on the new season,” the premium network said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. “The pandemic has continued to challenge schedules across the board, and although we have made every effort to reunite the cast and crew for a second season, that has become untenable. It is with great regret that we are acknowledging On Becoming a God will not return.”

The announcement continued, “We extend our deepest thanks to star and executive producer Kirsten Dunst, creators Robert Funke and Matt Lusky, showrunner Esta Spalding and their fellow executive producers George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Charlie McDowell, the terrific cast and crew and our partners at Sony Pictures Television.”

Credit: ABC

Grand Hotel (2019)

After one summer of Grand Hotel, ABC announced they were not renewing the soapy series, which starred Demián Bichir, Roselyn Sanchez, Lincoln Younes and Bryan Craig.

Credit: Erica Parise/Netflix

GLOW (2017-2019)

The Netflix series starring Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin and Marc Maron was canceled in October 2020 after three seasons. The streaming giant initially greenlit the wrestling show for a fourth and final season, but the coronavirus pandemic led to the reversed decision. 

“COVID has killed actual humans. It’s a national tragedy and should be our focus. COVID also apparently took down our show,” Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, the show’s cocreators, said in a statement to Deadline. “Netflix has decided not to finish filming the final season of GLOW. We were handed the creative freedom to make a complicated comedy about women and tell their stories. And wrestle. And now that’s gone.” 

The announcement continued, “There’s a lot of s----y things happening in the world that are much bigger than this right now. But it still sucks that we don’t get to see these 15 women in a frame together again. We’ll miss our cast of weirdo clowns and our heroic crew. It was the best job.”

Credit: David Giesbrecht/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Mr. Robot (2015-2019)

USA Network’s critically acclaimed drama starring Rami Malek and Christian Slater will end after season 4, the network announced in August 2018. "I've always said it's four or five seasons, and I've said that because I think it's somewhere in between," creator Sam Esmail told The Hollywood Reporter after the season 3 ended. "Whether that means the next two seasons are two short seasons, or it could technically still be two full 10-episode seasons, we're still kind of figuring that out. It's something the writers' room and I take very seriously. We never want to feel like we're treading water.”

Credit: YouTube

Sweet/Vicious (2016-2017)

MTV canceled Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's TV series about two college students who become on-campus vigilantes that target sexual assailants.

Credit: Fox

Pitch (2016)

After one season, which aired on Fox from September to December 2016, the drama was canceled. Although creator Dan Fogelman was hopeful another network would snag the show, it never got renewed.

Credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC

Trophy Wife (2013-2014)

Apparently being pretty isn’t everything. This praised ABC comedy — starring Malin Ackerman in the titular role — was thrown out after just one season, despite positive reviews and an irresistible cast (come on, just look at Bert). Many blamed the network’s time slot of 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday nights.

Credit: HBO

The Newsroom (2012-2014)

An HBO drama about real-life current events produced by Aaron Sorkin — what could go wrong? Unfortunately, a lot. The short-lived journalism series only made it to three seasons and was the victim of mixed reviews and low ratings. It followed a team of journalists working for the fictional show News Night, headed up by anchor Will McAvoy. Prior to the final season airing, writer and creator Sorkin admitted, “I feel like I’m just now starting to learn how to write it.”

Credit: Andrew Eccles/ABC Family

Bunheads (2012-2013)

Apparently ABC Family can put Baby in a corner. Beloved creator Amy Sherman-Palladino delighted fans with her first big post-Gilmore Girls series about a Las Vegas showgirl (played by Sutton Foster) who moves to a small town and helps teach teenage ballerinas about dance and life. It was cancelled after just one season, but shows like Baby Daddy managed to stick around. Life’s not fair.

Credit: Joe Viles/ABC

Don't Trust the B— in Apt. 23 (2012-2013)

Despite its lengthy, seemingly ridiculous title, this ABC comedy starring Krysten Ritter as the mischievous Chloe quickly earned a loyal following. Sadly, it only lasted two seasons after premiering mid-season in 2012. In 2014, eight previously unaired episodes of the show were released on Logo.

Credit: Mark Seliger/NBC

Smash (2012-2013)

Just like many shows on The Great White Way, this Broadway musical series dimmed its lights too early. With Steven Spielberg attached as an executive producer, the NBC series — about the mounting of a Marilyn Monroe biographical musical and, well, other stuff — ran for two seasons to mixed reviews. Though many musical lovers praised the original numbers and Megan Hilty and Katharine McPhee’s vocal talents, Smash suffered from a weak plot and characters who help coin the phrase “hate watching.” Plus there was that whole Bollywood episode.

Credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC

Happy Endings (2011-2013)

Not-so Happy Ending. After three seasons of this beloved, wacky ABC comedy about a group of friends (Eliza Coupe, Elisha Cuthbert, Zachary Knighton, Adam Pally, Damon Wayans Jr., and Casey Wilson) living in Chicago, the pals were — many likened them to the second coming of Friends — unceremoniously kicked off the airwaves. Though USA reportedly considered reviving the show, ultimately it was sent to the cancellations graveyard when the third season’s ratings failed to impress.

Credit: HBO

Enlightened (2011-2013)

Amy Jellicoe’s come to Jesus moment wreaked havoc on her life, but did little to inspire HBO to keep this critically acclaimed show for more than two seasons. Star Laura Dern won a Golden Globe for her performance, but the low ratings led to an early cancellation.

Credit: Bob D'Amico/ABC Family

Greek (2007-2011)

Hazed out! This ABC Family comedy about life in sororities and fraternities wrapped up nicely after the writers were told it would end in season 4, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t have easily continued. Main character Rusty (aka Spitter) was only a junior when the series ended, meaning he had plenty of parties and romances ahead of him.

Credit: Starz

Party Down (2009-2010)

Just like its wannabe actors-turned-cater waiters, Party Down wasn’t able to make it big. The Starz series was cancelled after just two seasons, despite positive reviews. In addition to low ratings, the comedy suffered after losing actress Jane Lynch to Glee and Adam Scott to Parks and Recreation.

Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS

Jericho (2006-2008)

It’s not the end of the world…oh wait. CBS’ post-apocalyptic drama centered around the town of Jericho, Kansas after a nuclear attack took down 23 major U.S. cities. The action-packed series lasted for two seasons on television and was revived for seasons 3 and 4 in comic book format. There has been talk of a potential Netflix buy, but nothing concrete.

Credit: HBO/Everett Collection

Rome (2005-2007)

Was it Brutus? This historical drama, which chronicled Ancient Rome’s transition from Republic to Empire — with all the sex and violence of Game of Thrones! — lasted only two seasons on HBO. The cost of the period drama proved too great, but there have long been rumors of a Rome movie. Don’t worry, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) has already promised his participation.

Credit: Anthony Mandler/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank

The 4400 (2004-2007)

Were they beamed up? This sci-fi drama about 4,400 previously missing people who were beamed to Earth in Mount Rainier, Washington without a memory of what had happened to them, spent four seasons on air. Sadly, the Writers Guild of America strike, budgetary problems, and low ratings led to the show’s cancellation on CBS after it had ended season 4 on a cliffhanger.

Credit: Warner Bros./Getty Images

Everwood (2002-2006)

Long before Chris Pratt was the Guardian of the Galaxy or the goofy Andy Dwyer or Emily VanCamp was the revenge-filled Emily Thorne, they played a lovable brother and sister duo on Everwood. The soapy tale of a father and son who left New York City for Colorado attracted a beloved fan base, while alienating some parents who found the sexual themes to be reckless. Though the fourth and final season brought in the show’s highest ratings, it was cancelled during the WB/UPN merger that birthed The CW.

Credit: 20th Century Fox/Everett Collection

Firefly (2002-2003)

Don’t piss off the Browncoats! Following the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off series Angel, Comic-Con legend Joss Whedon wowed his fan base with the sci-fi series Firefly, about a renegade spaceship crew in the year 2517. Sadly, Captain Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) was only allowed one season to shine on Fox. To please the distraught fans, Whedon released the 2005 film Serenity as a follow-up.

Credit: Getty Images

Roswell (1999-2002)

It’s not hard to see why a sci-fi show about alien encounters quickly gained a cult fan base, but unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to keep Roswell on The WB for more than three seasons. The struggle between the conflicting relationship story lines and the extraterrestrial plots caused the show to be cancelled after season 2 and then revived for a disappointing season 3. Star Katherine Heigl went on to TV fame several years later on Grey’s Anatomy, and costar Nick Wechsler also lit up the small screen on ABC’s Revenge.

Credit: Touchstone Television

Popular (1999-2001)

Not quite popular enough. This late ‘90s Ryan Murphy teenage comedy followed two girls at opposite ends of the popularity spectrum in high school, who were forced to live together after their parents got married. Unfortunately, The WB comedy didn’t last more than two seasons. Murphy, however, went on to become one of the most celebrated TV creators with hit shows like Glee, American Horror Story, and Nip/Tuck, and the HBO film The Normal Heart.

Credit: NBC

Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Long before Judd Apatow and Paul Feig became comedy legends, they created the cult classic teenage dramedy Freaks and Geeks, which starred a young James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Busy Philipps. Only 12 of the first season’s 18 episodes aired on NBC from 1999-2000, with the final six being released after fans complained later that year. The series has been listed on several top TV lists of all time by Time Magazine, TV Guide, and Entertainment Weekly.

Credit: Getty Images

Sports Night (1998-2000)

If you’ve watched any of the big TV shows in the last five years, you’ve probably seen an actor from this Aaron Sorkin dramedy about a sports news program, which starred Desperate Housewives’ Felicity Huffman, The Good Wife’s Josh Charles, Parenthood’s Peter Krause, and Scandal’s Joshua Malina. Though it was offered the chance to move from ABC to other networks, Sorkin passed to work on his popular, longer-lasting political drama The West Wing.

Credit: Mark Selinger/ABC

My So-Called Life (1994-1995)

But who did she choose? ABC’s critically acclaimed first season of My So-Called Life ended on a cliffhanger in which Angela (then relatively-unknown Claire Danes) realized that bad boy Jordan (Jared Leto) wasn’t exactly the man of her dreams. With the writers convinced the show would live to see another season, they left audiences wondering if she would ever get together with the lovable Brian (Devon Gummersall).