The Unpredictable World of Show Business
Great sitcoms that were tragically cut short faced premature cancelations that left audiences craving for more. Even if a show's merits have allowed it to garner a loyal cult following, this is typically not enough to justify a show's continued existence to network executives. In fact, low ratings or viewership is the most common reason why good sitcoms get axed by their network's decision makers prematurely.
Sam Sylvia (Marc Maron) tiredly resting on the ropes in GLOW
This is the case for many unfairly canceled good TV shows, but it's not the only reason why some of the best sitcoms were ended before their time. Sometimes, network mergers and other business decisions leave little to no room for even the most promising newly-minted shows to grow beyond 1 or 2 seasons. In certain cases, it is not the network who cancels the show, but the showrunners who decide to move on to other things. In rare instances, audiences are left with no explanation for why the new sitcom they like was abruptly canceled. Whatever the reason for their cancelation, these sitcoms exemplify the unpredictability of show business.
The Tragic End of Beloved Sitcoms
The cancelation of great sitcoms can be attributed to various reasons, such as low viewership, network changes, and unexpected events. Let's take a look at some of the most beloved sitcoms that were tragically cut short due to unforeseen circumstances.
GLOW, a wrestling-based sitcom, fell victim to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to disrupted production and increased budgetary constraints, ultimately resulting in its cancelation by Netflix. Similarly, The Royal Family, featuring prominent Black entertainers, experienced a significant drop in ratings after the death of star Redd Foxx, leading to its cancelation by CBS. Out All Night, despite having the same creators as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, was canceled by NBC after its debut season due to low ratings. These are just a few examples of how great sitcoms faced premature ends due to external factors beyond their control.
Ruth (Alison Brie) in character as Zoya the Destroya, standing at the corner of a fighting ring and holding the ropes in GLOW
The Legacy of Short-Lived Sitcoms
The legacy of short-lived sitcoms extends beyond their brief existence on television. Despite their untimely ends, these sitcoms have left a lasting impact on audiences and the entertainment industry. From launching the careers of talented actors to addressing important social and economic issues, these sitcoms have made their mark despite their premature cancelations.
For instance, Freaks and Geeks, despite being canceled due to low viewership, is known for launching the careers of actors like James Franco, Seth Rogen, Martin Starr, and Jason Segel. Similarly, Cuts, a spinoff of the more popular United Paramount Network series One on One, tackled racial and economic issues alongside hilarious plots, showcasing the potential of short-lived sitcoms to address important societal issues.
Chelsea (Patti LaBelle) and Jeff (Morris Chestnut) speaking in Out All Night
