Top 9 TV Shows That Squandered Their Premises

9. Avenue 5 (2020-2022)

Armando Iannucci, with his illustrious history in political satire, conceived of Avenue 5 as a sharp critique of the uber-rich and the ineptitude of leadership, set against the backdrop of a space cruise gone wrong. The show promised a thrilling voyage but instead delivered a narrative adrift in space, much like the ill-fated ship at the story's center. The reveal of Captain Jack's fraudulent persona could have been a pivotal moment, but it came too soon, leaving the audience devoid of suspense for the remainder of the series. The potential for a smart, satirical look at society's foibles was lost in the vacuum, leaving viewers with a show that meandered aimlessly through its runtime.

Avenue 5 Space ship Judd top view

8. Joey (2004-2006)

Joey Tribbiani, the beloved character from Friends, embarked on a solo journey expecting to find success in Hollywood, but instead found himself in a sitcom that lacked the charm and humor of his previous ensemble. Joey's character, once known for his endearing naivety and optimism, was recast into a figure burdened with anxiety and pessimism, a stark contrast to the lighthearted spirit that made him a fan favorite. The absence of a strong supporting cast comparable to that of Friends only highlighted the shortcomings of the spinoff. Joey's misadventures in acting failed to captivate audiences, as the show couldn't recreate the magic formula that had worked so well for its predecessor.

Joey, the spinoff of Friends

7. The Twilight Zone (2019-2020)

The Twilight Zone, a name synonymous with groundbreaking storytelling, faced an uphill battle in its 2019 reboot. With Jordan Peele at the helm, expectations were high for a series that could live up to Rod Serling's original creation. Instead, what viewers got was a pale imitation that lacked the innovative spirit and tension of its predecessor. Despite Peele's horror pedigree, the reboot struggled to find its voice, often falling back on derivative stories or failing to elicit the eerie sense of unease that the original series mastered. The show's inability to renew interest in its iconic source material marked it as a missed opportunity, a shadow cast by the towering legacy of the original Twilight Zone.

Jordan Peele hosting the Twilight Zone

6. Under The Dome (2013-2015)

Adapted from Stephen King's novel, Under The Dome initially presented a gripping mystery of a town inexplicably trapped beneath an impenetrable barrier. However, the show's promising start quickly unraveled as it descended into a spiral of absurd plot twists and contrived drama that bore little resemblance to King's work. The show's narrative, which could have benefited from the concise storytelling of a miniseries, instead stretched thin over three seasons, losing coherence and the audience's investment with each passing episode. Under The Dome's failure to maintain a semblance of reality or deliver a satisfying conclusion left a premise rich with potential tragically unfulfilled.

Two people navigating the dome in Under the Dome from either sides.

5. Super Drags (2018)

Super Drags aimed to blend the worlds of drag culture and superhero antics, presenting a vibrant animated series with the potential to become a queer cult classic. Despite a stylish aesthetic reminiscent of The Powerpuff Girls and voice talent from RuPaul's Drag Race, the show fell flat with humor that often missed the mark and resorted to outdated stereotypes rather than innovative comedy. The Brazilian series, although providing representation in the superhero genre, ended up reinforcing the very cliches it could have subverted, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of viewers who had hoped for a groundbreaking show that both entertained and empowered.

5. Super Drags (2018)

4. Queen Cleopatra (2023)

Queen Cleopatra sought to explore the life of one of Ancient Egypt's most enigmatic figures, blending historical insight with dramatic flair. However, the series stumbled in its execution, unable to find a balance between the documentary-style exposition and the dramatized sequences. The result was a disjointed viewing experience that neither enlightened nor captivated. The show's indecision to commit fully to either informative discourse or a purely narrative approach led to a portrayal of Cleopatra that lacked depth and nuance, leaving viewers with a fragmented picture of a story that deserved a more thoughtful and consistent treatment.

Netflix's Queen Cleopatra With Mark Antony and Children

3. The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power (2022-)

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, with its storied legacy and expansive mythos, had all the ingredients for a mesmerizing fantasy epic. Yet, the show's debut season wandered aimlessly through Middle-earth, failing to anchor its narrative in the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world. Characters meandered without compelling storylines, and the series lacked a clear direction, resulting in an experience that felt less like an adventure and more like a scenic detour. The anticipation and potential of the show, bolstered by the monumental success of Peter Jackson's films, only underscored the disappointment of a series that has yet to justify the hype it generated.

Finrod looking at Valinor in The Rings of Power. 

2. Space Force (2020-2022)

Space Force, a workplace sitcom set within the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, promised to launch audiences into a realm of laughter with the combined talents of Greg Daniels and Steve Carell. Instead, the show failed to reach the comedic stratosphere, with jokes that often misfired and a plot that lacked momentum. Unlike The Office, which resonated with viewers through relatable scenarios, Space Force's foray into the absurd left many struggling to connect with its characters and universe. The show's inability to capitalize on its stellar cast and premise led to an early cancellation, a testament to the gravitational pull of failed expectations.

The general look worried in Space Force

1. Velma (2023-)

Velma's attempt to reimagine the iconic Mystery Incorporated gang as adults in an animated sitcom format seemed poised for success, yet it veered too far from the essence of the characters that fans cherished for generations. The drastic alterations to Velma's character, alongside the absence of the beloved Scooby-Doo, were changes that not only alienated fans but also undermined the spirit of the original series. Despite the uproar and negative feedback, the show has been renewed for a second season, leaving many to question whether it can redeem itself or if it will continue to diverge from the nostalgia and charm that once defined the franchise.

HBO's Velma pressing her hands together and looking like she's scheming