The television gods give and they take away. Every year around this time, I have to comfort a friend who unfortunately was a fan of a piss poor show. Or, I, myself, grieve usually for a show that was legitimately good. Shows tend to get canceled because of old age, celebrity conflict, low viewership or budget problems (I am still in mourning the cancellation of ROME).
So here’s a list of what I believe to be the best and worst shows to get canceled this year. Some of these shows have not officially been confirmed that they’re “getting the axe.” However, word on the street is usually pretty accurate.
SHOWS I’M SAD TO SEE GO (No Particular Order)
1) PUSHING DAISES
Am I surprised to see this one go? No. Am I sad? Yes. This forensic fantasy drama was probably one of the most colorful and straight up weird show on television. The show did well amongst artsy, imaginative college women who enjoyed watching the eerily attractive Lee Pace play a dead raising pie maker.
2) BOSTON LEGAL
Oh, BL. It was like ALLY MCBEAL with less attractive people. It sounds like I’mragging on it but it truly is an entertaining show. Nothing like womanizing lawyers. It’s one of the last neurotic lawyer shows on air. It may be canceled for the simple fact that generation Y or Z (or whatever you call us) is tired of seeing William Shatner’s puzzling face everywhere. Choose one: priceline commercials or a successful television show. Guess his choice is made now.
3) ER
ER got eaten up by younger more popular medical shows like GREY’S ANATOMY and HOUSE. But what was great about ER was that it showed what it’s like for doctor’s trying to help underprivileged patients. No, the show did not have McDreamy or McSteamy or the super complicated cases that House has but the show was (as my father would say) an “Ol’ G.” 15 years on air!
3) THE L WORD
Another not so surprising cancellation. It had an odd viewership. Men watched it with the sound off and most straight women are terrified of lesbians. But the show was honestly amazing. THE L WORD probably had some of the most complicated and developed character relationships of any show I’ve seen. And the Bette and Tina on and off again partnership was crazy!
WE’RE KIND OF SAD TO SEE GO
1) LIPSTICK JUNGLE
It seems that any show that looks remotely like SEX AND THE CITY is doomed to fail. Yes, this show featured a lot of “girl talk” over trendy brunches or expensive shoe shopping. However, LIPSTICK JUNGLE had character of it’s own by showing how difficult it is for powerful and successful women to balance their work and personal lives.
SHOWS WE’RE GLAD TO SEE GO
1) MIND OF MENCIA
I am oh so glad to see this one go. MIND OF MENCIA is the epitome of bad racial humor. He just didn’t do it well. Not to mention his best jokes were other people’s jokes.
2) TRL
TRL is absolutely to blame for your teenagers horrible taste in music. Fanatic teens voted for their favorite video billions of times to get it to stay on the top of the list.
3) ELI STONE
Wait…what’s this show about again?
4) SURVIVOR MAN
It’s official. Bear Grylls won. People seem to watch MAN VS. WILD more than Survivor Man.
Survivor Man just didn’t have the same rugged attractiveness as Mr. Bear…so sad.
