10 TV Shows That Completely Transformed and Surprised Fans With Their New Direction

Summary

TV shows can succeed or fail based on their original premise, but some series become hits after they abandon their initial concept.

Successful TV series go beyond their core premise by delving into unexpected narratives and captivating characters, ultimately enhancing the overall viewer experience. Prominent examples such as Breaking Bad, The Office, and Parks and Recreation exemplify this evolution through their exploration of darker themes, infusion of heartfelt moments, and the development of distinctive characters. #TVShows #Evolution

While many TV shows rely on their original concept for success, some series only became popular after they let go of their crucial initial idea. The power of a single sentence pitch can either make or break a television show. Certain shows with captivating titles, such as Young Sheldon, the spinoff of the long-running favorite The Big Bang Theory, can instantly catch the attention of devoted fans. On the other hand, shows like Dexter require a brief explanation, such as "a serial killer rationalizes his actions by exclusively targeting other, more dangerous serial killers," to captivate potential viewers.

Nevertheless, a successful TV series encompasses far more than just its fundamental concept. As evidenced by the numerous accomplished shows that deviated from their original ideas, a series can end up focusing on characters that the creators never expected viewers to become attached to, as well as storylines that would not have fit the initial narrative. In certain instances, this departure can lead to disaster for the series. Straying too far from the idea that initially engaged viewers can alienate fans, while newcomers may find the inconsistent storytelling of these shows confusing. However, in rare cases, this decision can actually enhance a series.

10 Breaking Bad

9 The Office

Breaking Bad initially presented a bleakly humorous depiction of a desperate individual resorting to drug sales in order to afford medical treatment. However, as Walter White's cancer went into remission and his criminal activities became unnecessary, the show evolved into a much more profound exploration. Ironically, the storyline shifted away from its initial focus on illness, and Breaking Bad delved into even darker and morally complex territory. Its character analysis grew more gripping, portraying the seductive allure of greed and the destructive consequences of hubris.

The Office, which initially adapted the UK series with the same title for new viewers in the United States, experienced a significant boost in its success when it departed from its original source material. After the first season, the American version of The Office abandoned its efforts to mimic the awkward humor of the UK original and instead focused on character-driven comedy. This resulted in a noticeable improvement in the show's quality. By embracing a warmer tone and developing more affection for its hilariously incompetent protagonist, The Office flourished as it gradually distanced itself from the initially unpleasant influences of its UK counterpart. The inclusion of greater heart, romance, and charm in its narrative further enhanced the overall appeal of the series.

8 Brooklyn Nine-Nine

The initial chemistry between Andy Samberg's Jake Peralta and Melissa Fumero's Amy Santiago was essential for the success of the first season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. However, the show faced significant challenges during its early stages. Initially, Brooklyn Nine-Nine attempted to merge elements of a police procedural with a workplace sitcom. Nevertheless, as the series evolved, it found its footing more as a sitcom rather than a cop show. In this transformation, the show drew inspiration from the often overlooked Barney Miller, a cop show that primarily took place within the precinct. By reducing the emphasis on high-speed chases and prioritizing character-driven comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine gravitated closer to the essence of the beloved classic series.

7 Parks And Recreation

Similar to The Office, Parks and Recreation had to break away from its initial imitation in order to thrive. However, unlike its predecessor, the U.S. version of The Office served as the original inspiration for Parks and Recreation. In the first season of Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope was essentially a gender-swapped replica of Michael Scott. The show's creators later recognized the shortcomings of this approach and transformed Leslie into a character who possessed a unique combination of innocence and unwavering ambition in subsequent seasons. As a result, Parks and Recreation garnered as much adoration as The Office.

6 American Dad

While American Dad boasts some of the most memorable supporting characters in the history of cartoons, the majority of these iconic figures were introduced only after the show's initial two seasons. This can be attributed to the fact that American Dad was originally crafted as a clever parody of the excessive patriotism prevalent in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks — hence the show's title. Initially, the focus of the series revolved around Stan Smith's paranoid form of right-wing nationalism. However, American Dad underwent a significant transformation, shedding its original premise to evolve into a surreal family-centric sitcom. Subsequent seasons of this animated series took on a much lighter and quirkier tone, greatly deviating from its original incarnation.

5 New Girl

The early episodes of New Girl, despite their title, were not its strongest moments. They primarily focused on the conflict between Jess Day and her male roommates. However, as the show shifted its focus to the dynamics of the entire group, it truly came into its own and became both stronger and funnier. Initially, New Girl seemed to mirror the pilot of The Big Bang Theory, with a few ordinary men struggling to connect with a single "adorkable" woman. But as the show started to delve into the quirks and idiosyncrasies of characters like Schmidt, Nick, and Winston, as well as Jess, it quickly established itself as one of the standout sitcoms of the 2010s.

4 Cougar Town

3 Happy Days

Happy Days eventually reached a point where it coined the term "jumping the shark" due to a decline in quality. However, in its early years, this comedy series thrived on the captivating on-screen presence of Henry Winkler's Fonzie. Originally, Happy Days was intended to be a nostalgic sitcom set in the 1950s, centered around a nerdy teenage protagonist navigating the challenges of adolescence. However, the immense popularity of Fonzie, the effortlessly cool neighbor, led the show to shift its focus. Starting from season 1, the spotlight was placed on this supporting character.

2 Mom

Originally, Mom revolved around a teenage mother, her own mother, and her grandmother sharing a home. With its inherent potential for conflicts, this sitcom premise initially focused on repairing their fractured relationships. However, as the show progressed, it began placing equal importance on the women they encountered during their recovery journey from addiction. By the third season, Mom expanded its narrative to include a diverse group of women introduced through Alcoholics Anonymous, thus broadening its storyline. Through this evolution, Mom compassionately shed light on the opioid crisis long before The Conners tackled the subject by addressing Roseanne's fatal overdose.

1 South Park

South Park became known for its shock humor and boundary-pushing gags in its early seasons. However, co-creator Trey Parker acknowledges that these episodes were inconsistent, focusing more on gore and toilet humor. Starting from season 4, the show took advantage of its unique production process to create timely satire that no other series could match. With each episode completed within a five-day timeframe, South Park can comment on current events faster than any other show. It took some time for the creators to realize this, but eventually, it became the show's main selling point.