A few telly show that have garnered a strong legacy throughout the years once ran the risk of being canceled after just one season . There have been many greatTV appearance unfairly canceled after their first time of year , but it ’s difficult to imagine show likeSeinfeld , MASH , andCheersalmost get the same fate . More often than not , shows that were almost axed after their premier time of year had weak viewership number . television set shows underthe situation comedy genre make up a majority of the display that intimately finish after they had only just begin .

This is because most audiences needed clock time to correct to the unexampled drollery series ' sword of humour . When it comes to a show likeParks and Recreation , dismissive equivalence toThe Officealmost put an last to its streak , and coincidentally , the latter series was also seen as inferior to its inhale British equivalent . The extra season of each show tolerate them to show audiences they were distinct and deserving view . gratefully , the mention sitcoms and other classic television receiver show were saved from an inauspicious early cancelation and were able to grow into the lionize serial publication they are now .

There are a sightly amount of video show that break the mold , but a few series endure out from the inner circle , technically gain them forward-looking classics .

A collage photo of Ross Gellar in Friends and Tony Soprano in Friends

10It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005-Present)

A Big Star Needed To Be Added To The Cast

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It ’s Always gay in Philadelphia is a Sitcom and Black Comedy created by Rob McElhenney . It asterisk Rob McElhenney , Charlie Day , Kaitlin Olson , Glenn Howerton , and Danny DeVito . The serial publication surveil a mathematical group of friend that own and frequent the Irish bar , Paddy ’s Pub , and get into all sorts of troubling adventure .

It ’s become one ofthe longest - running sitcomson aura , butIt ’s Always cheery in Philadelphiaalmost did n’t make it past its first time of year . In a 2015 interview withThe Nerdist Podcast , creators and ace of the sitcom Glenn Howerton and Rob McElhenney call up a important conversation with the connection . McElhenney said the president of FX told the two thata big name needed to be added to the cast , otherwise , the series would be cancel due to a downhearted marketing budget and mediocre ratings(viaBusiness Insider ) .

It ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 1 was made up of thespian who were largely unknown to audiences and though the Maker favor to keep it this style , McElhenney suppose they finally opened up to the internet ’s thought . One name suggest was fabled thespian Danny DeVito . fortuitously , DeVito had heard of the show , thanks to his kids , and joined in time of year 2 , neatly round out the stamp and helping build up the fan substructure ofIt ’s Always cheery in Philadelphia .

Hawkeye-Radar-and-Hunnicutt-from-MAS-H

9Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

Low Ratings Meant The Sitcom’s Cancelation Was Always Possible

This political situation comedy full of humor and heart play along the adventures of Leslie Knope , surrogate music director of the Parks Department in the fancied townsfolk of Pawnee , Indiana . Every week holds a new crisis of small - town political science , but Leslie and her friends work inexhaustibly to make Pawnee — and the world — a better seat .

Due to its shared mockumentary data formatting and focalize on workplace sexual congress , it only makes sense forParks and Recreationto have received numerous comparisons toThe Officewhen it first premiere . Unfortunately , the halfhearted reactions from consultation and critics pass many to doubt the recurrence ofParks and Recafter season 1 . However , Parks and Recwas give the fortune to find its footing in time of year 2 and proceed to send until 2015 .

Despite being continuously renewed , the series ' rating were never impressive . In a recentinterview with Conan O’Brien , Rashida Jones , who play Ann Perkins in the sitcom , said she and her castmates were never sure they ’d be back for another season . Jones enunciate that even thoughParks and Recis now considered an iconic sitcom from that time , the response from fans was n’t as openhanded when it was on air . Only in recent years , during significant anniversaries of the show ’s premiere , has Jones and the cast felt a sizable love for the comedy series .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

8Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)

The High Expenses Of The Series Didn’t Seem Worth It

Set in the 23rd century , this iconic science fiction serial publication follow the spaceship USS Enterprise and its bunch as they embark on exploratory missions across the galaxy . The serial examines theme of statesmanship , morality , and the obscure , often play up diverse cultures and futurist engineering .

During the ' sixty , three appearance were produced at the same time by Desilu Productions , a company establish by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz . The first wasThe Lucy Show , which was soon followed byMission : ImpossibleandStar Trek . The two shows had a runtime of nearly an hr and were expensiveto make . Before the premiere ofStar Trek , Desilu Productions considered scrapping the serial ( viaComic Book Resources ) .

However , Ball was convinced the series would prove to be a winner for the company and allowed both show to proceed . Because of low ratings and high-priced production , Star Trekwas finally cancel by NBC after its third time of year . Despite its ratings , Star Trekdeveloped a cult following and has since become a massive , beloved media franchise . LikeStar Trek , other original serial from Desilu Productions also grew into franchises , includingThe UntouchablesandMission Impossible .

Images of Baywatch and Seinfeld’s main characters are placed in front of a vintage TV.

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7MASH (1972-1983)

Audiences Needed Time To Adjust To The Series' Humor

time of year 1 earned poor ratings , which put the serial publication at risk of exposure of cancelation

Recognition for make the most - watched instalment of a scripted serial would n’t have been possiblehadMASHbeen canceled after time of year 1 . Similar to the 1970 film of the same name which revolutionise the series , MASHhad a unequaled blend of comedy and drama . As a result , it ask consultation some time to adjust to the serial ' humor and utilization of a laugh data track . ThoughMASHeventually gained a passionate hearing , it did n’t happen now and season 1 earned pitiful ratings , which put the series at risk of cancelation .

However , CBS allow the show to come back for another season andMASHended up producing over 200 episode . As bring up previously , an installment ofMASHis the most - look on instalment of a written serial . The serial close , " Goodbye , Farewell and Amen , " had 125 million viewers tuning in asMASHshared a bittersweet adios to its characters .

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 16 Poster

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a Sitcom and Black Comedy created by Rob McElhenney. It stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and Danny DeVito. The series follows a group of friends that own and frequent the Irish bar, Paddy’s Pub, and get into all sorts of troubling adventures.

MASH is one of the most iconic shows of the 20th 100 , and the most enduring episodes of the series demonstrate what makes it relevant today .

6The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

The Writer’s Strike Almost Prevented The Series From Continuing

The Big Bang Theory : This sitcom follows a group of socially awkward scientists and their fundamental interaction with each other and the people around them . Centered on physicist Sheldon and Leonard , the series humorously explores friendly relationship , love affair , and the queerness of life among an eclectic group of academics .

Producing two additional series based on the situation comedy ’s characters in late years , The Big Bang Theoryhas a consecrated fanbase and multiple awards to its name , but the Writers Guild of America smash in 2007 almost forestall this from happen ( viaThe thing ) . When the ten-strike began , only eight installment ofThe Big Bang Theoryhad aired and get mixed reviews from critic . Considering the initial reception toThe Big Bang Theorywasn’t enthusiastic by any mean , there was a large possibility the show would be ax after it refund to finish season 1 .

However , until the show resumed production on season 1 in 2008 , CBS air frequent rerun ofThe Big Bang Theory ’s first eight episodes . This allowed audiences to gain a familiarity with the series ' humor and type dynamics , cordially receive the sitcom back on air in the next month . Eventually , The Big Bang Theoryearned eminent level of praise in its later seasons .

Headshot Of Charlie Day

5Cheers (1982-1993)

Critical Response Saved Cheers From Cancelation

One of the most well - known American situation comedy of the 1980s and 90 , Cheers is primarily set in Boston at the Cheers bar , and feature and ensemble cast that include Ted Danson , Shelley Long , Rhea Pearlman , Kelsey Grammer , and George Wendt . Danson ’s Sam Malone acts as the bar ’s owner , and episodes depict the lives of Cheers ' faculty and frequenter during the legal community ’s operating hours . The serial operate for 11 seasons and gave rise to pop spin - off show such as Frasier .

The divide anddifference in audience and critics ' reception to television receiver showshas always existed . One example of this isCheers , which began airing in the other ' 80s and has been witness as an influential sitcom . The first season earned vital acclaim and was expected to do well at award shows following its premiere . However , the viewership numbers did n’t say the same matter ( viaSlashFilm ) .

During the year it premier , Cheers ' poor ratings down the show in the 74th speckle out of 77 appearance . Still , critical response and sureness in the sitcom ’s success from the internet gaveCheersanother chance at building an audience , which it eventually did as the serial progressed . Since its series finale , Cheershas continued to grade highly on lists narrate the good shows of all time and influential tv set episodes .

Headshot Of Rob McElhenney

4The Office (2005-2013)

Steve Carell’s Heightened Public Image Helped Save The Show

This mockumentary drollery series observes the terrestrial and humorous casual lives of employees at the Scranton branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company . It offers sixth sense into office dynamics , personalities , and the eccentric behavior of both management and staff , picture an ordinary work with extraordinary characters .

Based on the British serial of the same name , the first time of year ofThe Officewas met with miscellaneous followup and many negative comparisons to its BBC vis-a-vis . During an interview on theI Think You ’re Interestingpodcast , writer Michael Schur describedThe Officeseason 1 — which had a total of six episodes — as a sort of experiment by the electronic connection ( viaVox ) . Schur said after witness the reception from audience , there was an understanding among the series ' Almighty and cast that the show was likely going to get canceled .

Then , by luck , the whizz ofThe Office , Steve Carell ’s image as a comedy actor blow up afterThe 40 - Year - Old Virgin , which was issue a few month afterThe Officeseason 1 finale . Carell ’s fame and some reevaluated creative choices surroundingThe Office , namely Michael Scott ’s characterization , help the situation comedy turn into a monolithic success .

parks-rec-title

This political sitcom full of humor and heart follows the adventures of Leslie Knope, deputy director of the Parks Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Every week holds a new crisis of small-town politics, but Leslie and her friends work tirelessly to make Pawnee — and the world — a better place.

3The Leftovers (2014-2017)

The Series' Creators Were Unsure About Moving Forward

The Leftovers is a three - time of year dramatic event that stick with a group of people as they deal with the effects of the sudden disappearance of 2 % of the word ’s population . It was created by Lost carbon monoxide gas - manufacturer Damon Lindelof and Election writer Tom Perrotta , with noted actors such as Christopher Eccleston , Liv Tyler , Margaret Qualley , and Justin Theroux in the ensemble cast .

Unlike a few other appearance that faced the possibility of an other cancelation , questions about whetherThe Leftoverswould return for a second time of year did n’t have to do with ratings or electronegative vital responses . or else , there were head postulate by those need in the writing ofThe Leftoversabout whether there was a write up worth give back to . As the series ' showrunnerDamon Lindelof explained toThe Hollywood Reporter , The Leftoverswas never mean to be a show that had audience on the edge of their seats while watching the season finales .

" Is this person who ’s just been shot going to dwell ? , "

Headshot Of Amy Poehler In The 2024 CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards

Lindelof said , rather of lurk questions like , " Is this person who ’s just been shoot going to live ? , " he and atomic number 27 - Lord Tom Perrotta wondered if the serial ' characters were deserving spend more time with . The Leftoverseventually put out two more season and earned great acclaim from critics . accord to reviews , The Leftoverspulls off its root word especially well and excels in piece of writing and acting .

2Baywatch (1989–2001)

David Hasselhoff Saved The Show After Season 1

Baywatch is a drama series that follows the life sentence of dedicated lifeguards patrolling the beach of Los Angeles , combining action , risky venture , and personal narrative as they protect the world from various parking brake .

Unlike the other display list , Baywatchwas in reality canceledafter its first season . Negative reviews and low viewership number moderate to NBC force the plug . Additionally , the net clamber financially to supportBaywatch , among a few other shows , and did n’t see the series as one worth holding on to . However , David Hasselhoff , a leading actor onBaywatch , felt the show had greater potential and , team up with the serial ' creators , he bought the rights to the show ( viaThe Guardian ) .

ThoughBaywatchfailed to see center - to - optic with critics , the series was widely popular with viewer at home . The summation of Pamela Anderson to the dramatis personae brought even more tending toBaywatchand helped transmute the series into a soda water culture phenomenon . A few prospect of the show have been referenced numerous time in other media , including the famous slow - motionBaywatchrun .

Headshot Of Nick Offerman

1Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Poor Test Screenings Had The Network Worried

Seinfeld star Jerry Seinfeld as a stand - up comedian whose living in New York City is made even more chaotic by his quirky group of friends who join him in squirm with life ’s most puzzling yet often picayune query . Often described as " a show about nothing , " Seinfeld mines the humor in life ’s workaday situations like look in line , searching for a lost item , or the trials and tribulations of dating . Co - starring is Julia Louis - Dreyfus as Jerry ’s ex - girlfriend and current platonic pal , Elaine Benes ; Jason Alexander as George Costanza , Jerry ’s psychoneurotic hard - luck best friend ; and Michael Richards as Jerry ’s flakey neighbor , Kramer .

After receive damaging response from a test interview , it appeared as thoughSeinfeldwould never become the collision situation comedy it ’s view as today . To avoid losing the rights toSeinfeld , NBC administrator Rick Ludwin enjoin four extra episodes of the series , which would be released almost a twelvemonth after the pilot was first publicize in 1989.Seinfeldseason 1 is the shortest of the series and though its numbers were n’t groundbreaking , they were enough to realize a 2nd season ( viaDen of Geek ) .

As the serial continued , Seinfeldonly grew in numbers racket . For its character dynamics , sense of humor , and catchphrases that quickly caught on with audiences , Seinfeldis check today as a highly influential and complete situation comedy . The role player were consistently comically in melodic phrase with one another and the creativeinput from Larry David madeSeinfelda standout series .

Star Trek The Original Series TV Poster

Set in the 23rd century, this iconic science fiction series follows the starship USS Enterprise and its crew as they embark on exploratory missions across the galaxy. The series examines themes of diplomacy, ethics, and the unknown, often highlighting diverse cultures and futuristic technologies.

Headshot Of William Shatner

Headshot of Leonard Nimoy

MASH-1

The Big Bang Theory Poster

The Big Bang Theory: This sitcom follows a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the people around them. Centered on physicists Sheldon and Leonard, the series humorously explores friendship, romance, and the quirks of life among an eclectic group of academics.

Headshot Of Johnny Galecki In The Big Bang Theory Series Premiere

Headshot Of Jim Parsons In The 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards Day Two

Cheers TV Series Poster

One of the most well-known American sitcoms of the 1980s and 90s, Cheers is primarily set in Boston at the Cheers bar, and features and ensemble cast that includes Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Pearlman, Kelsey Grammer, and George Wendt. Danson’s Sam Malone acts as the bar’s proprietor, and episodes depict the lives of Cheers' staff and patrons during the bar’s operating hours. The series ran for 11 seasons and gave rise to popular spin-off shows such as Frasier.

Headshot Of Ted Danson In The 96th Annual Oscars

Headshot Of Shelley Long

The Office Poster Michael Scott

This mockumentary comedy series observes the mundane and humorous daily lives of employees at the Scranton branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. It offers insights into office dynamics, personalities, and the eccentric behavior of both management and staff, depicting an ordinary workplace with extraordinary characters.

Headshot Of Steve Carell In The premiere of Illumination’s ‘Despicable Me 4’

Headshot Of Rainn Wilson In The Homeboy Industries' 2024 Lo Maximo Awards

The Leftovers tv series poster

The Leftovers is a three-season drama that follows a group of people as they deal with the effects of the sudden disappearance of 2% of the word’s population. It was created by Lost co-producer Damon Lindelof and Election writer Tom Perrotta, with famous actors such as Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler, Margaret Qualley, and Justin Theroux in the ensemble cast.

Headshot Of Justin Theroux

Headshot Of Amy Brenneman

Baywatch (1989)

Baywatch is a drama series that follows the lives of dedicated lifeguards patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles, combining action, adventure, and personal stories as they protect the public from various emergencies.

Headshot Of David Hasselhoff

Cast Placeholder Image

Seinfeld Poster

Seinfeld stars Jerry Seinfeld as a stand-up comedian whose life in New York City is made even more chaotic by his quirky group of friends who join him in wrestling with life’s most perplexing yet often trivial questions. Often described as “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld mines the humor in life’s mundane situations like waiting in line, searching for a lost item, or the trials and tribulations of dating. Co-starring is Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Jerry’s ex-girlfriend and current platonic pal, Elaine Benes; Jason Alexander as George Costanza, Jerry’s neurotic hard-luck best friend; and Michael Richards as Jerry’s eccentric neighbor, Kramer.

Headshot Of Jerry Seinfeld In The 2024 Met Gala

Headshot Of Julia Louis-Dreyfus In The 28th Annual Webby Awards