3 more short-lived shows you should track down and binge
Unfortunately, the list of shows that never got the time to reach their full potential is longer than our first list could handle. But, unlike some television networks, we’re happy to explore possibilities. So here, for your enjoyment, are more shows you really should find and watch on the next rainy day.
SMASH – 2 seasons
This one is for those of you who love Broadway musicals. SMASH was a show about the creation of a new Broadway show from concept to stage. From the process of writing the songs, staging the numbers, casting the role, and finding a theatre, the whole thing highlights just how much work it takes to get a show off the ground. Where SMASH really shines is its musical numbers. The cast is lousy with talent, and had certified Broadway legends writing new music for it each week. Season one’s original musical about Marilyn Monroe is chock-full of showstoppers you’ll be singing for years to come. With Steven Spielberg as Executive Producer, it’s difficult to see how this show went wrong. Unfortunately, after its stellar pilot, the quality of the writing dipped somewhat, and the show never recovered. A new showrunner attempted a course correction for season 2, but the damage had been done. RIP SMASH, we hardly knew ye.
Availability – Easy to find on DVD
Bunheads – 1 season
From the creator of Gilmore Girls, Bunheads takes place in another fictional town – this time in California. When a bored Las Vegas showgirl impulsively marries a persistent admirer, she finds herself teaching ballet alongside her new mother-in-law. With Tony-winner Sutton Foster and Gilmore Girls favourite Kelly Bishop in the lead roles, Bunheads soars from its first episode. The pace is brisk, the writing sharp (creator Amy Sherman-Palladino’s trademark), and the tone strikes a great balance between comedy and drama. TIME dubbed Bunheads a show that the television landscape “needs”. Unfortunately, after just one season, Bunheads’ less than stellar ratings meant it never got an encore.
Availability – Try Amazon or similar
Deadwood – 3 seasons
Deadwood aired on HBO from 2004 to 2006, and came from the mind of NYPD Blue co-creator David Milch. The show is set in the 1870s in Deadwood, South Dakota as it goes from camp to town. Milch drew inspiration from real Deadwood residents, along with their diaries and newspapers when writing the episodes (a task for which he had much of the responsibility), resulting in a truly authentic-feeling Western. The show won eight Emmy Awards in its run, but was abruptly cancelled after just 3 seasons. A long-promised film to conclude the series appears to be in the works, however, so don’t lose hope once you reach the final episode of this one.
Availability – Easy to find on DVD
What do you think of this list? Did we miss your favourite?