13 Canceled Shows We Wish Hadn't Left Us in 2015
TV Fanatic Staff
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Whether a show was mowed down while it still had plenty to offer to viewers or it was given a proper send off because it was at the pinnacle of success, we are still sad to see them go.
Heck, sometimes we just want the crazy kid on the block to stick around a little while longer so we can relax, unwind and, well, make fun of something. There. We said it. Not all TV has to be so serious.
This list contains a little of everything. From the very best to the not so great TV had to offer that went off the air in 2015.
What will you miss going into 2016?
1. Forever - ABC
Forever may not have been a ratings powerhouse for ABC, but it posted decent numbers and boasted both a strong cast and an intriguing storyline. Unfortunately, ABC declined to renew it for a second season, leaving us to mourn the loss of Ioan Gruffudd and Alana de la Garza from our screens. At least it didn't end on a cliffhanger.
2. The Following - FOX
The Following Season 3 was easily its best season, but it was too little too late. Viewers had already given up on the show after the mess that was season 2, and The Following was cancelled just as it was getting really good. To add insult to injury, it also ended on a cliffhanger.
3. Hindsight - VH1
Hindsight's cancellation on VH1 is another stunner. The network has no other scripted series of note, so scrapping this gem after already committing to a second season is not only a mystery, but a mistake. It was surprising that another network didn't latch onto the series when it was dropped, and now we'll never see what happens next after Becca wakes up again in the elevator, back in her own time. It's so unfair!
4. Mad Men - AMC
Mad Men going off the air felt like an event. Every episode being kept as close to the vest as possible, shrouded in secrecy, worked to keep the mystery and the magic of the series alive. It was given a fitting ending, and there was no worry about the paths of each character after the series concluded. All in all it was not only one of the best series in television history, but one of the best final seasons and finales.
5. Stalker - CBS
Stalker. It was CBS’ best drama and delivered compelling cases every week. Add in the compelling subplots and solid cast, it was up there with Forever as the most painful cancellation last year.
6. Revenge - ABC
Revenge. Yes, you read that right. The show was very addictive, but the last few episodes felt very rushed and like they only found out they were done weeks before. There could have been a Revenge without Emily Thorne and that would have featured Nolan and Louise in cahoots on revengendas.
7. Parenthood - NBC
Parenthood had a good run, but it is still hard knowing we'll never spend another day with the Bravermans, nor can we in the way we once knew because Zeek is no longer with us. Deciding to end it with his death was probably the easiest way to ensure we wouldn't pine away excessively for the show to return, despite how hard it was to say goodbye!
8. The Bastard Executioner - FX
The Bastard Executioner. Obviously this show wasn't perfect, but it did have potential and some fantastic performances, and it was starting to find its rhythm around midway to two-thirds through the season. There was a lot of set-up for a second season in the last few episodes of the first season, which has now been basically squandered since Kurt Sutter realized no one was watching he show and voluntarily pulled it from the network.
9. Chasing Life - ABC Family
Chasing Life. The show made some very questionable storyline choices in Season 2, but it was still a very enjoyable drama that had so much story left to tell. The cast were great and the show deserved at least another season.
10. Under the Dome - CBS
Don't laugh, but I got so into hate watching Under the Dome that I was kind of upset when it was cancelled. Sharing some of the review-writing duties with Paul this year made watching it a lot of fun. It's completely different to write about a show that you don't have to take seriously than one like Homeland, which you do (and can't always). I think the readers were enjoying the lighthearted tone (battering?) of the reviews as well, so here's hoping BrainDead picks up the slack on CBS next summer! - Carissa
11. Married - FX
Married being cancelled on FX was a real shame. It was extremely funny and should have been paired with You're the Worst for a consistent hour-long look at relationships outside of the norm. Not outside of the norm of REAL life, but outside of the norm of televised life, because this married couple was probably more realistic than any we've seen on television since Roseanne.
12. Constantine - NBC
It's really too bad Constantine didn't end up on another network after NBC dropped it. While it's no surprise it was dumped off of the mothership, given their relationship with so many other networks, the series' cult following and the success of other DC properties across TV, it could have and should have been reworked a little bit and given room to grow elsewhere. That was a real disappointment.
13. Eye Candy - MTV
Eye Candy. The show was pretty ludicrous, but it was addictive and very different to everything else on TV at that time. Given time, it could have improved. There were a lot of characters that just plain sucked, but Lindy and her hacker friend were pretty good.
