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In a recent discussion on Reddit’s r/television forum, enthusiasts of the medium have been sharing instances of television shows they believe were purposefully undermined by their networks. Factors such as poor storyline choices, inappropriate scheduling, lack of promotion, and abrupt time slot changes have led fans to question the intentions behind the cancellations of their favorite series.
One user sparked the conversation with a thought-provoking inquiry: “How many of these situations result from deliberate malice, and how many stem from sheer incompetence? What documented cases exist where a show was intentionally sabotaged to justify its cancellation?” As the discussion unfolded, several notable titles emerged.
The Drew Carey Show
Fans recalled how after securing renewals for its seventh, eighth, and ninth seasons, The Drew Carey Show experienced a dip in ratings during Season 7. In response, ABC moved the show to Monday nights, placing it in direct competition with other established hits. This resulted in plummeting viewership. Commenters noted that ABC used the poor ratings as a rationale for a hiatus, while Warner Bros. contended they had an obligation to finish airing the remaining episodes. Consequently, episodes were aired out of order in the summer months, diminishing the show’s narrative fluidity.
Moreover, the preemption of the series due to Monday Night Football was cited as a significant factor in its decline, further complicating its trajectory.
Arrested Development
Recognized for its critical acclaim and awards, Arrested Development was mentioned as a prime example of network neglect. Viewers lamented that Fox treated the show poorly despite its strong creative output. One fan highlighted how the episode order was reduced significantly in later seasons, culminating in a truncated final season that aired alongside the Winter Olympics, effectively burying the show.
The Nanny
Discussion about The Nanny revealed challenges faced during its run. According to a user’s account, the network pressured the creators to resolve key character dynamics prematurely, which altered the show’s original intent. Additionally, as the series neared its conclusion, frequent schedule changes and last-minute decisions led to an erratic airing of remaining episodes, creating a sense of disarray according to the cast and crew’s experiences.
Titus
Another show that drew criticism was Titus. One user reported that after Christopher Titus resisted network changes to a pivotal relationship in the storyline, Fox reportedly abandoned support for the show. This lack of promotion and continuous scheduling shifts contributed to its downfall.
Happy Endings
Happy Endings was also flagged as a victim of poor network handling. Comments indicated that the comedy series was not sufficiently promoted, with fans feeling it deserved a longer run considering its superior content compared to similarly aired sitcoms.
Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23
Unorthodox storytelling tactics extended to Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, where irregular episode scheduling created confusion among viewers. Several commenters noted that the disordered airing made it impossible for audiences to grasp the plot effectively.
Firefly
Firefly has become emblematic of network sabotage in the eyes of many fans. One user pointed out that not only were episodes aired out of sequence, but crucial installments were also skipped entirely. This chaotic handling of the show is often cited as a classic case of how a promising series can be mishandled by network executives.
Married… With Children
An analysis of Married… With Children highlighted that while the series was a significant success for Fox, it lacked a proper series finale. Fans expressed disappointment over being moved to a less favorable time slot to conclude the series without a formal farewell, reflecting how networks often fail to give due respect to long-running shows.
Source
www.tvinsider.com