Over the past month we’ve lost several of our favorite TV shows as the networks plan their 2017 – 2018 schedules. Now it’s time to say goodbye.
Shows inevitably come to an end, whether it’s because they have crappy ratings or they’ve overstayed their welcome. Still, these shows gained diehard fans who find it hard to accept that their time is over.
We asked our writers to say goodbye to shows that have come to an end. Light a candle and get reading…
‘The Vampire Diaries’ — Kendra Cleary
The Vampire Diaries definitely ran its course over eight seasons, but that doesn’t mean I won’t miss the hell out of it. After Nina Dobrev left the show there was no way they were ever going to return to the glory of their earlier seasons, but they still managed to deliver two seasons of great drama, romance, action and mythology without her. I’ll miss just about everything about Mystic Falls and its inhabitants, but I’m thankful that the show got to give the characters a good send off after eight seasons, leading lady and all.
‘Scream Queens’ — Nate D’Agostino
Regardless of its cancelation, Scream Queens will forever be a cult classic — especially the sorority themed first season that fully delivered the promises of the series.
While the second season was full of guest stars galore (some great performances from ’90s icons John Stamos and Kirstie Alley), its story didn’t quite capture the same essence of the first. However, the hospital themed season did host the gem that is Jamie Lee Curtis’ Carpenter-esque directed episode “Rapunzel, Rapunzel” which served up plenty of Halloween II feels.
Though it looks like the end of the Chanels, I’m eager to see the future projects of these fabulous actresses. Billie Lourd will be joining American Horror Story this season, while Lea Michele will co-star on ABC’s The Mayor. Abigail Breslin will be taking on the iconic role of Baby in ABC’s Dirty Dancing on May 24 and Emma Roberts returned to horror with the chilling The Blackout’s Daughter (on DVD 5/30).
‘The Catch’ — Kendra Cleary
For whatever reason, The Catch just didn’t take off like the rest of the Shondaland roster. Despite the fact that the show rebranded as a romantic comedy in its second season, it couldn’t overcome its shaky start. It’s unfortunate that the show is being taken off the air just as it’s finding its footing, but many shows get far less than two seasons before being axed, so it’s understandable. I’m mostly upset that Margot won’t get her chance to overthrow her brother, once again. Or maybe, she would’ve dropped the whole Kensington thing and lived on a beach with Danny! Alas, we’ll never know.
‘Making History’ — Ariella Blum-Lemberg
Making History followed many time travel conventions yet still somehow felt original. Although the characters were goofy, they were endearing, and it was enjoyable to see historical figures portrayed in an over-the-top manner. One particularly great part about Making History was that the show was not too concerned about keeping the timeline intact. Because of this, characters were able to interact more extremely with the past. Although it made problems for the protagonists, it was also fun to see historical figures try to understand the present. Making History still had plenty of room to grow, as it was able to go more in-depth into the characters and explore countless time periods, even possibly the future.
‘The Real O’Neals’ — Kyle Herzallah
I’m so sad that The Real O’Neals didn’t take off like it could have, and I wish the show was given another chance. I haven’t enjoyed a sitcom that focused heavily on the gay lead character this much since Will & Grace, and I’m going to miss all the gay Christian jokes and well developed characters. I don’t have any hope of the series being picked up by another network, I just hope that soon we’ll find an original new sitcom with a gay lead that isn’t Will & Grace’s return to NBC. C’mon, ABC you’re a Disney company filled with gays! I’m sure someone over there can come up with another good show with a gay lead… right?
‘American Crime’ — Brittany Lovely
American Crime did not have President’s covering up rigged elections. It did not have sensationalized college classrooms where murders became a regular occurrence. Nor did it go off on fairytale adventures. American Crime broke the ABC mold. As an anthology it gave voice to the untold stories of America. Serious accusations — rape, racism, assault — were not one note issues. They took over an entire season. American Crime looked at the ripple effect with the type of detail you don’t see on broadcast television. There are more American stories to be told. Unfortunately, we’ll have to look elsewhere for a show that will likely pale in comparison to American Crime.
‘Conviction’ — Ariella Blum Lemberg
Although Conviction felt like a poor consolation prize for the unforgivable cancellation of Agent Carter, it was still fairly enjoyable. Conviction was a standard procedural but stood out through interesting characters. Hayley Atwell led the cast of morally ambiguous characters, each with a complicated backstory, yet redeemable actions. Conviction occasionally dealt with relevant political issues, but most notably had multiple unique and interesting female characters.
‘Powerless’ — Emily McDonald
Powerless may not have been strong in execution but its potential was no doubt sky high. Its concept was unique, but not too complicated. The talent was there and the DC world was already a fan favorite. Powerless might not become a cult classic, but hopefully its short presence sheds a light on new and similar superhero-comedy mashups for the near future. We all know a success is possible! Just look at Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along blog!
‘Last Man Standing’ — Brandi Delhagen
Last Man Standing’s cancellation came as a shock to most, myself included. It’s been ABC’s second most watched comedy for quite some time — after Modern Family — and the third most watched scripted series — after Grey’s Anatomy and the before mentioned comedy.
With the numbers it’s had there is no reason that ABC should have cancelled Last Man Standing. ABC decided not to renew their license fees, and they didn’t even negotiate the terms with 20th Century Fox TV. The owner had agreed to reductions in the past and were open to do so this time.
This is where the controversy begins. There’s no hiding the fact that Last Man Standing is a conservative show, but Tim Allen’s character is arguably the only fully far-right character portrayed. As this petition states:
Last Man Standing was not just selling conservative ideals though, as some of the characters in the show are clearly of the liberal persuasion, yet the characters on the show all manage to get along and take care of one another, despite their politically opposed views. The show is about more than politics though, it is about family. In fact, politics is only a secondary part of the show, but one in which many Americans can readily identify.
Last Man Standing is one of the only shows on broadcast television, and the only sitcom, that is not constantly shoving liberal ideals down the throats of the viewers. And sadly, that is likely the real reason the show has been cancelled.
Personally, my political views are neither far-left nor far-right, but I thoroughly enjoyed Last Man Standing and it quickly became one of my favorite comedies. Unfortunately I’ll now only be able to watch in syndication.
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