What are some great one-season TV shows?
May 17, 2010 11:59 AM Subscribe
What are some great one-season TV shows?
I love TV shows that last one season. Usually, this means that they have not had a chance to go bad yet. Also, they do not take so long to watch (try catching up to Lost before the finale...).
Here are some one-season shows that I think are pretty awesome:
Freaks and Geeks
Kings
New Amsterdam
Firefly
What are your favourite one-season TV shows? Feel free to list miniseries and TV shows that were canceled before their time (even if they lasted more than one season).
I love TV shows that last one season. Usually, this means that they have not had a chance to go bad yet. Also, they do not take so long to watch (try catching up to Lost before the finale...).
Here are some one-season shows that I think are pretty awesome:
Freaks and Geeks
Kings
New Amsterdam
Firefly
What are your favourite one-season TV shows? Feel free to list miniseries and TV shows that were canceled before their time (even if they lasted more than one season).
It lasted two seasons, but Sports Night was pretty great and definitely canceled before its time.
posted by cider at 12:02 PM on May 17, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by cider at 12:02 PM on May 17, 2010 [4 favorites]
Wonderfalls while arguably the weakest of Bryan Fuller's shows (the others being Pushing Daisies and Dead Like Me) is still pretty great from start to finish.
The Comeback is one of my favorite shows ever that probably would have dragged if it got a second season.
Seconding Clone High. It's available on DVD in Canada (but not America) but it's Region 1 either way. I'd recommend checking it out on youtube first, but I can't imagine anyone not liking it.
posted by bookwo3107 at 12:06 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
The Comeback is one of my favorite shows ever that probably would have dragged if it got a second season.
Seconding Clone High. It's available on DVD in Canada (but not America) but it's Region 1 either way. I'd recommend checking it out on youtube first, but I can't imagine anyone not liking it.
posted by bookwo3107 at 12:06 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
I will third Clone High, LOVED that show
posted by moochoo at 12:07 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by moochoo at 12:07 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
I really liked Journeyman, which NBC cancelled after 13 episodes a couple years back.
Also: Undeclared, Judd Apatow's followup to Freaks & Geeks.
posted by something something at 12:07 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also: Undeclared, Judd Apatow's followup to Freaks & Geeks.
posted by something something at 12:07 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
In the vein of Freaks and Geeks, there's also My So-Called Life. Also seconding Sports Night.
posted by questionsandanchors at 12:09 PM on May 17, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by questionsandanchors at 12:09 PM on May 17, 2010 [3 favorites]
Oh! and Mission Hill. It's Bill Oakley/Josh Weinstein's neon colored love letter to artsy hipster communities. What it was doing on UPN, God only knows.
posted by bookwo3107 at 12:09 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by bookwo3107 at 12:09 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley
Twin Peaks had a truncated second season, but you're free to pretend it didn't.
posted by Clambone at 12:10 PM on May 17, 2010
Twin Peaks had a truncated second season, but you're free to pretend it didn't.
posted by Clambone at 12:10 PM on May 17, 2010
Thirding Wonderfalls. Quirky, clever, and it actually has a pretty satisfying conclusion for a show cancelled after one season.
On the other hand, Journeyman was killed way before its time, leaving many unanswered questions. But it is still worth watching, in my mind.
Carnivale lasted two seasons before cancellation, and remains one of my favorite shows ever.
On preview, I guess I'm seconding Journeyman.
posted by Roommate at 12:11 PM on May 17, 2010
On the other hand, Journeyman was killed way before its time, leaving many unanswered questions. But it is still worth watching, in my mind.
Carnivale lasted two seasons before cancellation, and remains one of my favorite shows ever.
On preview, I guess I'm seconding Journeyman.
posted by Roommate at 12:11 PM on May 17, 2010
Clone High, absolutely.
And the U.S. version of Kath & Kim made me LOL (but I don't think many people agree with me on that one).
posted by geekchic at 12:12 PM on May 17, 2010
And the U.S. version of Kath & Kim made me LOL (but I don't think many people agree with me on that one).
posted by geekchic at 12:12 PM on May 17, 2010
Profit. From David Greenwalt (Angel, Buffy).
posted by Free word order! at 12:15 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Free word order! at 12:15 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Carnivale was two seasons, but fantastic and ended with a huge amount of plot to be fulfilled.
posted by Weighted Companion Cube at 12:15 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by Weighted Companion Cube at 12:15 PM on May 17, 2010
N’thing the Middleman. Everybody I’ve shown it to has liked it, but I think I’m the only one I knew who watched it when it was on the air.
Wonderfalls and My So-Called Life are also awesome.
posted by dinty_moore at 12:18 PM on May 17, 2010
Wonderfalls and My So-Called Life are also awesome.
posted by dinty_moore at 12:18 PM on May 17, 2010
Action!
American Gothic (was available on Hulu last summer)
The Tenth Kingdom
Also, nthing My So Called Life.
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 12:18 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
American Gothic (was available on Hulu last summer)
The Tenth Kingdom
Also, nthing My So Called Life.
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 12:18 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Being in Canada, allow to me to hold aloft my DVD of Clone High. May it forever glitter and gleam like Mena Suvari's enormous forehead!
posted by WinnipegDragon at 12:23 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by WinnipegDragon at 12:23 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Undeclared
Dead Like Me
nth-ing Sports Night, perhaps the finest TV show ever made.
posted by donnagirl at 12:26 PM on May 17, 2010
Dead Like Me
nth-ing Sports Night, perhaps the finest TV show ever made.
posted by donnagirl at 12:26 PM on May 17, 2010
Tin Man - 3 part miniseries
Dollhouse - 2 seasons, a bit slow at times but the ending was pretty exciting.
Also there are tons (TONS!) of anime series that only last one season. Elfen Lied, Desert Punk, Trigun... I haven't watched much anime in a while but I'm sure there are loads of newer great shows too. They tend to do a complete story arc in a season.
posted by lizbunny at 12:27 PM on May 17, 2010
Dollhouse - 2 seasons, a bit slow at times but the ending was pretty exciting.
Also there are tons (TONS!) of anime series that only last one season. Elfen Lied, Desert Punk, Trigun... I haven't watched much anime in a while but I'm sure there are loads of newer great shows too. They tend to do a complete story arc in a season.
posted by lizbunny at 12:27 PM on May 17, 2010
Another vote for the first season of Twin Peaks, ignoring the second.
posted by scody at 12:28 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by scody at 12:28 PM on May 17, 2010
Seconding many of these (Sports Night, Mission Hill, Firefly) but my favorite is Alien Nation, one of the first shows hit by the Fox SF curse. You might remember it as the show with bald aliens, but it's a surprisingly well-written and well-acted racial allegory. On a buddy cop show. With bald aliens.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:32 PM on May 17, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:32 PM on May 17, 2010 [3 favorites]
There was a time in my life when I really enjoyed VR.5
posted by wingless_angel at 12:32 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by wingless_angel at 12:32 PM on May 17, 2010
Here's some more love for The Comeback.
posted by hermitosis at 12:37 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by hermitosis at 12:37 PM on May 17, 2010
Ultraviolet?
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:37 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:37 PM on May 17, 2010
There were actually two season, but only six episodes per season. Fawlty Towers was one of the greatest comedy shows of all times. Unfortunately, if you like that brand of humor you have probably already seen them, but if not they are worth a look.
posted by caddis at 12:38 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by caddis at 12:38 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
The Prisoner
Police Squad!
Not sure if you're interested in documentary series, but if you are: Cosmos
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 12:40 PM on May 17, 2010
Police Squad!
Not sure if you're interested in documentary series, but if you are: Cosmos
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 12:40 PM on May 17, 2010
For starters: Snuff Box (BBC), The original "The Prisoner", Stella (Comedy Central US)
posted by BishopFistwick at 12:40 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by BishopFistwick at 12:40 PM on May 17, 2010
If you pretend real hard, Heroes only has one season, the first one, and it's reasonably good. A little draggy, but it wraps up with no real "must see the second season" urge.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 12:41 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 12:41 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
Oh oh oh! Also, the US version of Life on Mars, though I've heard it's not as good if you've seen the UK version. The producers learned about the cancellation before the finale, so it's self-contained and doesn't end in a cliff-hanger, unlike many of these series.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:41 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:41 PM on May 17, 2010
Also, TNT's Leverage is heading into season three-- but the first season was explicitly designed to stand alone, in case they didn't get picked up. It wraps up satisfyingly and nothing's left hanging.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 12:42 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 12:42 PM on May 17, 2010
It's two seasons, but I found the UK version of Life on Mars to be a fun viewing. There's only one episode in the bunch that I would call bad. It's bit outlandish at times but there's a decent plot premise to giving the storyline latitude. In the series finale commentary they actually talk about how they deliberately wanted to kill the series before it got old – something that's hard to find in successful US broadcasts. Speaking of which, I can't speak to the merits of the US version since I haven't seen it.
posted by quadog at 12:45 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by quadog at 12:45 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
I am seconding (or thirding?) Wonderfalls, Firefly and The 10th Kingdom (technically, it was a mini-series). Pushing Daisies and Arrested Development were pure <3 for me as well. The Critic and Andy Richter Controls the Universe were good ones too.
posted by littlesq at 12:45 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by littlesq at 12:45 PM on May 17, 2010
Should have added in my earlier comment: you can currently watch The Prisoner for free online courtesy of AMC. (Works for me in the US, dunno if there are geographic restrictions.)
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 12:46 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 12:46 PM on May 17, 2010
I forgot to add The Unusuals to the list.
posted by littlesq at 12:47 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by littlesq at 12:47 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
I also like 10 Items or Less but there were 3 seasons before it was canceled.
posted by lilkeith07 at 12:51 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by lilkeith07 at 12:51 PM on May 17, 2010
I liked Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Pushing Daisies was also pretty good.
posted by lilac girl at 12:52 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by lilac girl at 12:52 PM on May 17, 2010
I would HIGHLY recommend the first season of Murder One.
Even though the series continued after Season One, they are inferior to the first in every way.
As each season was one case, they are designed to be stand alone.
Hope this helps!
- Bill
posted by willmize at 12:55 PM on May 17, 2010
Even though the series continued after Season One, they are inferior to the first in every way.
As each season was one case, they are designed to be stand alone.
Hope this helps!
- Bill
posted by willmize at 12:55 PM on May 17, 2010
I really enjoyed Rome. Two seasons, but only 22 episodes.
posted by supercres at 12:59 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by supercres at 12:59 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. Great stuff and c'mon, it stars Bruce Campbell. I think it may have squeaked into a second season before being cancelled.
posted by elendil71 at 12:59 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by elendil71 at 12:59 PM on May 17, 2010
studio 60 and pushing daisies are funny to put next to each other since kristin chenoweth was a supporting actress on pushing daises and the inspiration for harriet hayes on studio 60. i really enjoyed both for the first 2/3.
it just got canceled - but i was really liking Mercy. i feel it could have had a good 3 season run, but it was not to be.
lucky louie
posted by nadawi at 1:02 PM on May 17, 2010
it just got canceled - but i was really liking Mercy. i feel it could have had a good 3 season run, but it was not to be.
lucky louie
posted by nadawi at 1:02 PM on May 17, 2010
Andy Barker P.I. is on Hulu and we all should be watching it right now.
posted by Xalf at 1:04 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Xalf at 1:04 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
Nthing Clone High, I have all of the episodes on a bootleg DVD and they still hold up well today. My personal favorite canceled MTV show is Austin Stories, which only lasted one season and is in my opinion one of the best sitcoms of all time.
Feel free to list miniseries and TV shows that were canceled before their time (even if they lasted more than one season).
MTV and Comedy Central had some good shows in the late 90s that only lasted a few seasons. The State had three seasons on MTV, and some of the members moved to Comedy Central to do Viva Variety for two seasons. Exit 57 ran for one season on Comedy Central, and most of the people involved with the show went on to do Strangers With Candy for three seasons. The Upright Citizens Brigade was on Comedy Central for three seasons, and Sifl and Olly was on MTV for three seasons.
posted by burnmp3s at 1:04 PM on May 17, 2010
Feel free to list miniseries and TV shows that were canceled before their time (even if they lasted more than one season).
MTV and Comedy Central had some good shows in the late 90s that only lasted a few seasons. The State had three seasons on MTV, and some of the members moved to Comedy Central to do Viva Variety for two seasons. Exit 57 ran for one season on Comedy Central, and most of the people involved with the show went on to do Strangers With Candy for three seasons. The Upright Citizens Brigade was on Comedy Central for three seasons, and Sifl and Olly was on MTV for three seasons.
posted by burnmp3s at 1:04 PM on May 17, 2010
You could count Mr. Bean on a technicality, as the episodes were all produced on a one-off basis.
Also, good call on Heroes only having one season. I've never seen a series nosedive so completely and abruptly.
posted by schmod at 1:11 PM on May 17, 2010
Also, good call on Heroes only having one season. I've never seen a series nosedive so completely and abruptly.
posted by schmod at 1:11 PM on May 17, 2010
Are we including miniseries like Generation Kill? If so I'd suggest... Generation Kill and State of Play.
posted by MuffinMan at 1:13 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by MuffinMan at 1:13 PM on May 17, 2010
I really enjoyed Starved although it certainly wasn't everyone's cup of tea since it only made 7 episodes.
posted by mmascolino at 1:16 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by mmascolino at 1:16 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
10 Things I Hate About You was just canceled recently--it had two half seasons, so one real season (ABC Family does strange things with TV seasons), and it was far better than I ever expected. Ethan Peck and Lindsey Shaw make the show.
Also seconding Dollhouse and My So-Called Life.
posted by litnerd at 1:26 PM on May 17, 2010
Also seconding Dollhouse and My So-Called Life.
posted by litnerd at 1:26 PM on May 17, 2010
The Honeymooners. One season, 39 episodes. Jackie Gleason called it off, and after that it was only an occassional skit.
posted by Gungho at 1:34 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by Gungho at 1:34 PM on May 17, 2010
The first season of Veronica Mars. Great as a standalone.
posted by CPAGirl at 1:42 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by CPAGirl at 1:42 PM on May 17, 2010
The wife and I love us some IT Crowd, yes there were three seasons... but each one has only 6 episodes, which is too bad but there you go.
... and wiki says they're airing more this summer! joy!
posted by papafrita at 1:43 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
... and wiki says they're airing more this summer! joy!
posted by papafrita at 1:43 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Nthing My So Called Life, Undeclared, the first season of Twin Peaks, Action, Rome, and American Gothic.
This Life ran for 2 seasons, a total of 32 or so episodes, and according to wiki part of the decision to not renew it for a third season was to "go out on a high." It was brilliant.
The original Queer as Folk also technically 2 seasons but a total of 10 episodes.
Black Books, technically 3 seasons but only 18 episodes.
Millennium ran for 3 (we're really pushing it now, eh?) but I don't think went downhill. But I don't think it's must-see-TV. More like good can't-sleep-TV. Or hangover-TV.
posted by K.P. at 2:06 PM on May 17, 2010
This Life ran for 2 seasons, a total of 32 or so episodes, and according to wiki part of the decision to not renew it for a third season was to "go out on a high." It was brilliant.
The original Queer as Folk also technically 2 seasons but a total of 10 episodes.
Black Books, technically 3 seasons but only 18 episodes.
Millennium ran for 3 (we're really pushing it now, eh?) but I don't think went downhill. But I don't think it's must-see-TV. More like good can't-sleep-TV. Or hangover-TV.
posted by K.P. at 2:06 PM on May 17, 2010
Maybe I'm the only one, but I actually enjoyed Day Break:
"Los Angeles Detective Brett Hopper is stuck repeating the same day, in which he is framed for the murder of the Assistant District Attorney, Alberto Garza. Each day, he attempts to uncover clues to the homicide that has him on the run for his freedom. Hopper must clear his name, but those close to him get caught in the web of conspiracy that will put their lives in danger."
posted by inigo2 at 2:12 PM on May 17, 2010
"Los Angeles Detective Brett Hopper is stuck repeating the same day, in which he is framed for the murder of the Assistant District Attorney, Alberto Garza. Each day, he attempts to uncover clues to the homicide that has him on the run for his freedom. Hopper must clear his name, but those close to him get caught in the web of conspiracy that will put their lives in danger."
posted by inigo2 at 2:12 PM on May 17, 2010
I actually had originally come in here to suggest a different show, but I was watching Clone High and well y'know. That being said:
If The West Wing was a standard American sitcom1 you would end up with That's My Bush.
1. Except funny.
posted by Lemurrhea at 2:14 PM on May 17, 2010
If The West Wing was a standard American sitcom1 you would end up with That's My Bush.
1. Except funny.
posted by Lemurrhea at 2:14 PM on May 17, 2010
You should definitely check out Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
posted by anoirmarie at 2:17 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by anoirmarie at 2:17 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Keen Eddie.
Mr. Shoes and I loved that show.
posted by TooFewShoes at 2:23 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
Mr. Shoes and I loved that show.
posted by TooFewShoes at 2:23 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
I loved David Lynch's On the Air -- if you're into surreal comedy it's really awesome. Or at least it was when I was 18 years old.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 2:26 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 2:26 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Babylon 5 was five seasons, but I think will still meet your criteria, for the following reason - it was always envisioned to be 5 seasons long, from before it aired, and the writer (JMS) knew how he wanted it to end before he even pitched it.
There's two minor caveats to this - Season 1 is bad. The show was finding its feet, and it's almost painful to watch. I had to come in at Season 2 before I liked it. The other is that they thought they were going to be canceled at the end of 4, so JMS wrapped up the whole arc by the end, rushing things a bit. They then renewed, resulting in a Season 5 that needed filling, and feeling a bit awkward. Still, they did a good job with what they had, and the series as a whole is good - seasons 2-4 are excellent.
posted by GJSchaller at 2:29 PM on May 17, 2010
There's two minor caveats to this - Season 1 is bad. The show was finding its feet, and it's almost painful to watch. I had to come in at Season 2 before I liked it. The other is that they thought they were going to be canceled at the end of 4, so JMS wrapped up the whole arc by the end, rushing things a bit. They then renewed, resulting in a Season 5 that needed filling, and feeling a bit awkward. Still, they did a good job with what they had, and the series as a whole is good - seasons 2-4 are excellent.
posted by GJSchaller at 2:29 PM on May 17, 2010
By American standards, British shows usually run only a few seasons, with usually just 6-8 episodes each.
The Last Train. One season in a typical British post-apocalyptic setting. Once you get over the slightly silly premise, it's quite good.
Edge of Darkness. Dark police detective set from the 80s, dealing with nuclear threats, sprinkled with sci-fi elements. And an awesome soundtrack.
Green Wing. Fantastic slap-stick comedy. Mark Heap and Michelle Gomez steal the show, but with such a large and talented cast, there's a lot of goodness. Two seasons and a few specials.
Fawlty Towers. Just 12 episodes!
Man to Man with Dean Learner. Fictional talk show with 'Dean Learner' (a character from aforementioned Garth Marenghi's Darkplace). Six episodes.
Nathan Barley. Comedy series written by Chris Morris and Charlie Brooker.
The Day After Tomorrow. A campy one off British scifi pilot. Just one episode, starring Brian Blessed.
Sapphire & Steel. Still on my to-watch list, a 6-serial (34 half-hour episodes in total, sounds like the same format as classic Doctor Who) scifi show with Joanna Lumley.
Jam by Chris Morris. Very strange border-line comedy sketches.
The Day Today and Brass Eye. More controversial Chris Morris material (Brass Eye much moreso than Day Today).
posted by Harry at 2:32 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
The Last Train. One season in a typical British post-apocalyptic setting. Once you get over the slightly silly premise, it's quite good.
Edge of Darkness. Dark police detective set from the 80s, dealing with nuclear threats, sprinkled with sci-fi elements. And an awesome soundtrack.
Green Wing. Fantastic slap-stick comedy. Mark Heap and Michelle Gomez steal the show, but with such a large and talented cast, there's a lot of goodness. Two seasons and a few specials.
Fawlty Towers. Just 12 episodes!
Man to Man with Dean Learner. Fictional talk show with 'Dean Learner' (a character from aforementioned Garth Marenghi's Darkplace). Six episodes.
Nathan Barley. Comedy series written by Chris Morris and Charlie Brooker.
The Day After Tomorrow. A campy one off British scifi pilot. Just one episode, starring Brian Blessed.
Sapphire & Steel. Still on my to-watch list, a 6-serial (34 half-hour episodes in total, sounds like the same format as classic Doctor Who) scifi show with Joanna Lumley.
Jam by Chris Morris. Very strange border-line comedy sketches.
The Day Today and Brass Eye. More controversial Chris Morris material (Brass Eye much moreso than Day Today).
posted by Harry at 2:32 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Nthing The Unusuals, My So-Called Life, The Middleman, and Better Off Ted.
Clone High getting cancelled by MTV in favor of a show called Punk'd is why I hate Ashton Kutcher with a fierce passion.
Here are my additional rec's: Grosse Pointe, a WB Darren Star spoof on 90210.
Life, about a recently released cop who was falsely imprisioned for murder with a taste for fruit and zen.
Joan of Arcadia has an awesome first season and an okay second season but there's a school musical about zombies...
Slings & Arrows has 3 seasons of 6 episodes each. Based on a Shakespeare festival, each season is based on a different Shakespeare play.
posted by zix at 3:26 PM on May 17, 2010
Clone High getting cancelled by MTV in favor of a show called Punk'd is why I hate Ashton Kutcher with a fierce passion.
Here are my additional rec's: Grosse Pointe, a WB Darren Star spoof on 90210.
Life, about a recently released cop who was falsely imprisioned for murder with a taste for fruit and zen.
Joan of Arcadia has an awesome first season and an okay second season but there's a school musical about zombies...
Slings & Arrows has 3 seasons of 6 episodes each. Based on a Shakespeare festival, each season is based on a different Shakespeare play.
posted by zix at 3:26 PM on May 17, 2010
nthing Firefly
If you love Arrested Development, try The Fall And Rise of Reginald Perrin. Fewer than 20 episodes, satire that stays with you.
Jeeves & Wooster TV adaptations with Hugh Laurie & Stephen Fry
nthing Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Uncle Morty's Dub Shack
nthing Cosmos
nthing The IT Crowd
Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog
The Whitest Kids U'Know: strange sketch comedy
all the Prime Suspect miniseries
Yes, Minister & Yes, Prime Minister: British political satire. Who controls government, the politicians or the civil servants?
The Thick of It: The Office meets The West Wing. Adapted into the movie In The Loop, which was also great.
Just season 1 of Project Runway
Before Simon Pegg did Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, he did a reference-a-minute 14-episode Britcom called Spaced.
posted by brainwane at 3:28 PM on May 17, 2010
If you love Arrested Development, try The Fall And Rise of Reginald Perrin. Fewer than 20 episodes, satire that stays with you.
Jeeves & Wooster TV adaptations with Hugh Laurie & Stephen Fry
nthing Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Uncle Morty's Dub Shack
nthing Cosmos
nthing The IT Crowd
Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog
The Whitest Kids U'Know: strange sketch comedy
all the Prime Suspect miniseries
Yes, Minister & Yes, Prime Minister: British political satire. Who controls government, the politicians or the civil servants?
The Thick of It: The Office meets The West Wing. Adapted into the movie In The Loop, which was also great.
Just season 1 of Project Runway
Before Simon Pegg did Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, he did a reference-a-minute 14-episode Britcom called Spaced.
posted by brainwane at 3:28 PM on May 17, 2010
SciFi
Odyssey 5 Seriously one of the tightest best SF series I've ever seen.
Threshold Another good one
posted by gryftir at 3:41 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Odyssey 5 Seriously one of the tightest best SF series I've ever seen.
Threshold Another good one
posted by gryftir at 3:41 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
I really enjoyed Going to California very much.
and if anyone knows where I can get my hands on a copy ...
And, to echo everyone else, Clone High!
posted by the.carol.baxter.experience at 3:45 PM on May 17, 2010
and if anyone knows where I can get my hands on a copy ...
And, to echo everyone else, Clone High!
posted by the.carol.baxter.experience at 3:45 PM on May 17, 2010
Invasion
The Tick
The Dune miniseries was better than the movie, IMO.
posted by buzzv at 3:56 PM on May 17, 2010
The Tick
The Dune miniseries was better than the movie, IMO.
posted by buzzv at 3:56 PM on May 17, 2010
*Loved* Spaced.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 4:05 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 4:05 PM on May 17, 2010
Stark Raving Mad (8.1 imdb score) only ran for 1 season but won a People's Choice award. It starred Tony Shalhoub, before he descended into the insipid muck of Monk.
posted by spasm at 4:07 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by spasm at 4:07 PM on May 17, 2010
Also, it was 2 seasons, but Sledge Hammer!
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 4:09 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 4:09 PM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
I really liked The Riches, which ran on FX for two seasons. It was very interesting, and Minnie Driver and Eddie Izzard were amazing.
Nthing Journeyman. I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who loved that show!
posted by gemmy at 4:14 PM on May 17, 2010
Nthing Journeyman. I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who loved that show!
posted by gemmy at 4:14 PM on May 17, 2010
Pretty much everything I would've said has been mentioned, but I'll throw in one more: Roar aka doomed FOX summer filler no one ever remembers. It starred a young Heath Ledger and Vera Farmiga. Admittedly, I haven't seen it since then, but I recall being sorely disappointed when it suddenly disappeared. Of course, I was also 13 and really liked Xena at the time, so feel free to question my taste on that one.
Going in a completely different direction, and I'm probably only thinking about it because of my recent AskMe where I got a ton of great suggestions, but one of the reasons I love Japanese TV is because they're generally designed to only give you the 1 (occasionally 2) season punch, and that's it. They're a much different beast than anime, and you can usually find fan subbed versions of the more popular ones. Mysoju, streams tons of them (albeit with somewhat erratic quality), in addition to a bunch of Korean and Taiwanese shows.
posted by Diagonalize at 4:16 PM on May 17, 2010
Going in a completely different direction, and I'm probably only thinking about it because of my recent AskMe where I got a ton of great suggestions, but one of the reasons I love Japanese TV is because they're generally designed to only give you the 1 (occasionally 2) season punch, and that's it. They're a much different beast than anime, and you can usually find fan subbed versions of the more popular ones. Mysoju, streams tons of them (albeit with somewhat erratic quality), in addition to a bunch of Korean and Taiwanese shows.
posted by Diagonalize at 4:16 PM on May 17, 2010
Red Riding (a three part trilogy), American Gothic and, The Kingdom by Lars von Trier. Steven Kings remake of The Kingdom which is also a miniseries isn't nearly as good imho.
posted by squeak at 4:31 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by squeak at 4:31 PM on May 17, 2010
No love for Life?
Two seasons long, but really good. Damian Lewis (of Band of Brothers) is awesome (and it's generally well-acted), it's got great music, is pretty well written (produced by a former Wire writer), and did I mention that Damian Lewis is awesome?
I was really sad when this show got cancelled.
posted by joshuaconner at 5:02 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
Two seasons long, but really good. Damian Lewis (of Band of Brothers) is awesome (and it's generally well-acted), it's got great music, is pretty well written (produced by a former Wire writer), and did I mention that Damian Lewis is awesome?
I was really sad when this show got cancelled.
posted by joshuaconner at 5:02 PM on May 17, 2010 [2 favorites]
Even though the 2nd season just finished, I have to recommend Australia's Wilfred. It's unlikely there will be any more episodes after this, although an American version is going to be filmed next year.
This is, no hyperbole, the greatest tv show ever made. It's based on the relationship between a man and his girlfriend's rude, horny and bong smoking dog (played by a man in a dog suit).
I've larfed so hard watching this show that I've actually made myself retch.
posted by Wantok at 5:51 PM on May 17, 2010
This is, no hyperbole, the greatest tv show ever made. It's based on the relationship between a man and his girlfriend's rude, horny and bong smoking dog (played by a man in a dog suit).
I've larfed so hard watching this show that I've actually made myself retch.
posted by Wantok at 5:51 PM on May 17, 2010
"My World, and Welcome to It" was absolutely brilliant. But it got scheduled opposite "Laugh In" and was ground into dust.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:31 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:31 PM on May 17, 2010
Cupid, which is sadly, not available on DVD, but can be found using other methods. Jeremy Piven, before the Entourage hype, playing a man who believes himself to be Cupid, sent to earth to make 100 matches.
Also, Kitchen Confidential, Fox's cleaned up, but still funny, version of Anthony Bourdain's book, starring Bradley Cooper.
posted by lemonwheel at 8:31 PM on May 17, 2010
Also, Kitchen Confidential, Fox's cleaned up, but still funny, version of Anthony Bourdain's book, starring Bradley Cooper.
posted by lemonwheel at 8:31 PM on May 17, 2010
Seconding Keen Eddie.
I'd also suggest Black Books (18 episodes, 3 seasons) and Ultraviolet (6 episodes, cut tragically short).
My So-Called Life was also wonderful.
posted by MeghanC at 9:53 PM on May 17, 2010
I'd also suggest Black Books (18 episodes, 3 seasons) and Ultraviolet (6 episodes, cut tragically short).
My So-Called Life was also wonderful.
posted by MeghanC at 9:53 PM on May 17, 2010
Seconding Profit. I'm surprised that I can even second it, no one seems to know what the hell I'm talking about when I mention it.
posted by deborah at 9:56 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by deborah at 9:56 PM on May 17, 2010
Lots of good suggestions here already...I have to nth Sports Night, one of my all-time favorite shows. Excellent writing and performances that covered the drama/comedy span really well. For a number of years, the original DVD release was out of print and it was sort of tough recommending the show to people because it was so hard to find. Thankfully it finally got re-released on DVD and is available again.
Your question also reminded me of this similar thread from a few months ago:
"Premature Demise Filter: What TV shows, similar to Arrested Development, are excellent -- brilliant, even -- but were terminated seasons short of fruition? And, more importantly, why should I watch them?"
It has many of the same suggestions as here, but a few different ones as well.
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 10:01 PM on May 17, 2010
Your question also reminded me of this similar thread from a few months ago:
"Premature Demise Filter: What TV shows, similar to Arrested Development, are excellent -- brilliant, even -- but were terminated seasons short of fruition? And, more importantly, why should I watch them?"
It has many of the same suggestions as here, but a few different ones as well.
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 10:01 PM on May 17, 2010
I'm not sure that I could watch My So-Called Life at this point in my life, but it definitely captured 90's teen angst!
posted by radioamy at 10:09 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by radioamy at 10:09 PM on May 17, 2010
John From Cincinnati . . .John From Cincinnati . . . JOHN FROM CINCINNATI
posted by Neiltupper at 10:24 PM on May 17, 2010
posted by Neiltupper at 10:24 PM on May 17, 2010
Seconding "The Riches." Either I've become so old and jaded, or TV has become so abysmal, that I can barely stand to watch most of it, but I really enjoyed that show and was sad to see it cut out in medias res after 1.5 seasons and 20 episodes.
posted by drlith at 6:07 AM on May 18, 2010
posted by drlith at 6:07 AM on May 18, 2010
JPOD
Show that is based on a novel. Lasted 1 season. Free to watch via internet in Canada.
posted by MechEng at 9:22 AM on May 18, 2010
Show that is based on a novel. Lasted 1 season. Free to watch via internet in Canada.
posted by MechEng at 9:22 AM on May 18, 2010
If it sounds like your cup of tea, check out Tanner '88, a late-80s HBO original mini-series written by Gary Trudeau and directed by Robert Altman. It's a really great political mockumentary and was well ahead of its time. There's a Criterion Collection version available on Amazon.
posted by devnall at 9:46 AM on May 18, 2010
posted by devnall at 9:46 AM on May 18, 2010
Oops. I forgot. There actually was a season two of Boomtown, but the show was canceled after a few episodes into that second season.
posted by NemesisVex at 10:56 AM on May 18, 2010
posted by NemesisVex at 10:56 AM on May 18, 2010
Spencer (one season)
Get a Life (two seasons)
Both really funny shows, although somewhat dated
posted by rottytooth at 1:59 PM on May 18, 2010
Get a Life (two seasons)
Both really funny shows, although somewhat dated
posted by rottytooth at 1:59 PM on May 18, 2010
Nthing The Prisoner, Nathan Barley, Generation Kill, Ultraviolet and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace.
I, Claudius
The Singing Detective
Pennies From Heaven
Queer as Folk (Original UK version - ten episodes over two seasons)
Summer Heights High
We Can Be Heroes: Finding The Australian of the Year
Blue Murder
The Kingdom
Knowing Me, Knowing You... with Alan Partridge
Man to Man with Dean Learner
Prime Suspect (Seven stand-alone episodes, each around 200 minutes long)
posted by hot soup girl at 6:44 PM on May 18, 2010
I, Claudius
The Singing Detective
Pennies From Heaven
Queer as Folk (Original UK version - ten episodes over two seasons)
Summer Heights High
We Can Be Heroes: Finding The Australian of the Year
Blue Murder
The Kingdom
Knowing Me, Knowing You... with Alan Partridge
Man to Man with Dean Learner
Prime Suspect (Seven stand-alone episodes, each around 200 minutes long)
posted by hot soup girl at 6:44 PM on May 18, 2010
K-Ville was a one-season cop drama set in post-Katrina New Orleans. Plot-wise it's second-rate, but the main characters are compelling.
I also have a weird soft spot for Nowhere Man, especially toward the first half of the season. It really has not aged well, though.
posted by sleepingcbw at 7:41 PM on May 18, 2010
I also have a weird soft spot for Nowhere Man, especially toward the first half of the season. It really has not aged well, though.
posted by sleepingcbw at 7:41 PM on May 18, 2010
My brother is a big fan of a show called Kidnapped that I haven't personally seen yet.
The Oblongs is a wonderfully twisted animated show by the Sklar Brothers.
Kings was probably a bit too high-concept for NBC, but man oh man was it good while it lasted.
posted by andrewcilento at 8:52 PM on May 18, 2010
The Oblongs is a wonderfully twisted animated show by the Sklar Brothers.
Kings was probably a bit too high-concept for NBC, but man oh man was it good while it lasted.
posted by andrewcilento at 8:52 PM on May 18, 2010
Metafilter, you disappoint me. All these answers and no BRIMSTONE?!?!!?
posted by lattiboy at 11:13 PM on May 18, 2010
posted by lattiboy at 11:13 PM on May 18, 2010
HBO has a few one-season shows that I really enjoyed:
Unscripted
The Corner (miniseries)
Summer Heights High
Lucky Louie
posted by k1ng at 5:17 PM on May 19, 2010
Unscripted
The Corner (miniseries)
Summer Heights High
Lucky Louie
posted by k1ng at 5:17 PM on May 19, 2010
Flight of the Conchords was hilarious, and only lasted two fairly short seasons (10 and 12 episodes).
posted by anderjen at 8:37 PM on May 24, 2010
posted by anderjen at 8:37 PM on May 24, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Lemurrhea at 12:02 PM on May 17, 2010 [8 favorites]