by Picture this: a show wraps up an incredible first season. Fans and critics agree it was excellent. The show is nominated for awards. People are talking about it. The ending was satisfying. People are pleased. Then, the studio decided that, because it’s so popular, they might as well make more seasons. Fans watch the second season. It doesn’t live up to the hype of the first season. Audiences and critics are let down.
This scenario has played out all too often, especially in recent years. Shows that are meant to have a shelf life are extended solely to keep potential profits up. People appreciate story, and rarely does an additional season that wasn’t planned turn out great. The reason that the first season is so much better is typically because the series was adapted from some form of source material. It covers that in the initial slate of episodes, and the story has finality.
It’s hard to argue against a studio wanting to throw a bunch of money at you to continue making your show if you’re a creator. It’s also flattering that people love the show. But sometimes, for the integrity of the content, it’s better to let it rest. Here are 10 shows that had no business churning out more episodes after a brilliant debut season.
10‘ Squid Game’ (2021 – Present)
9 ‘The Flight Attendant’ (2020 – 2022)
8 ‘Mr. Robot’ (2015 – 2019)
7‘ Russian Doll’ (2019 – 2022)
6 ‘Wayward Pines’ (2015 – 2016)
5 ‘Killing Eve’ (2018 – 2022)
4 ‘The Following’ (2013 – 2015)
3 ‘Scream Queens’ (2015 – 2016)
2 ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017 – 2019)
1 ’13 Reasons Why’ (2017 – 2020)
