3 short-lived shows you should track down and watch
Sometimes, television shows get a long span of years in which to tell their stories. They grab a large audience almost straight away, and manage to keep a hold of it until, for whatever reason, the show ends – hopefully in a satisfying way. Then there are those shows that are with us for only a brief period before being yanked away by thoughtless executives who don’t appreciate their true potential. The stars that burn brightest never last long.
However, with DVDs and streaming services both plentiful in supply, these gems are not lost to the ages. Here are three shows that didn’t get as much time as they deserve, that you should track down and binge right now.
The Newsroom – 3 seasons
“Three seasons? That’s a good little run”, you might be thinking. Unfortunately, The Newsroom had progressively shorter seasons, meaning it finished its run with fewer than 30 episodes. The HBO drama from Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, The Social Network) was set in a cable newsroom after the network’s lead anchor suffered a minor breakdown in public. Thereafter, he and his team of eager producers set out to make the news worthy of an intelligent audience. Episodes revolve around actual world events, giving you a glimpse into how the media reacts behind closed doors.
Availability – Easy to find on DVD
Pushing Daisies – 2 seasons
This show was an unfortunate victim of the American Writers Guild strike of 2007, which saw writers down tools over contract disputes halfway through Pushing Daisies’ first season. With the colours dialled up to 11, a quirky narrator, and an ensemble cast that define screen chemistry, Pushing Daisies told the story of a young piemaker with the unusual ability to bring the dead back to life – for one minute only. Any longer than that, and someone else must die in their place. In his spare time, the piemaker works with a private detective to solve murder mysteries and claim rewards. Things get shaken up, however, when they set out to solve the murder of the piemaker’s childhood sweetheart – and he can’t bring himself to let her die again. Pushing Daisies is part detective show, part comedy, occasional musical, sometime storybook, and always romantic. Try it, it’s sweet as pie.
Availability – Usually available to order from Australian DVD suppliers
Firefly – 1 season
Widely regarded as one of the best science fiction shows to ever grace the airwaves, Firefly follows the ragtag crew of a space ship as they move cargo across the galaxy. The cargo isn’t always technically legal, so there are occasionally pesky authority types to be evaded, as well as the terrifying threat of the zombie-like Reavers. Even if you’re not a fan of sci-fi, you should give this one a go. From the mind of Joss Whedon (Buffy, Angel, The Avengers), this is a show about a created family who will do anything for each other. It may have only lasted 15 episodes, but its huge fan base convinced executives to greenlight a cinematic sequel in the form of Serenity – also essential viewing.
Availability – Easy to find on DVD
What’s your favourite show that was cancelled too soon?