TV shows get people through downtime in their lives. Some shows are too entertaining to avoid getting hooked on, with audiences following their narratives season after season. Nevertheless, some shows, regardless of their entertainment value, get canceled unexpectedly, leaving fans wondering what happened to their favorite weekend binge material. Here are ten TV shows that were canceled on a cliffhanger.
Marking Drew Barrymore's triumphant return to acting, Santa Clarita Diet was one of Netflix's more racy shows during its time of release. This show had everything going for it; comedic performances by Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant; an interesting story, and gore through and through. While Santa Clarita Diet had a decent, three-season run, it ended on a lackluster note, with season three's final episode failing to close any of the show's loose ends.
This Debby Ryan series had her stepping out of her Disney Channel image to portray a more mature character (ironically, also a younger one). Ryan's Patty Bladell is a teenager who finds herself immersed in the notorious world of beauty pageants, and she'll do anything to rise to the top. From scheming and lying, to killing, Patty goes from hero to monster during Insatiable's two-season run.
While the show ends abruptly during a cliffhanger season finale, it's a satisfying conclusion to Patty's journey as she admits that she likes killing after finally winning a beauty pageant crown.
Based on the 2011 film of the same name, Limitless follows the story of Brian Finch, an aspiring musician down on his luck. When Brian takes the NZT-48 substance, he is able to fully access every part of his brain, drastically improving every area of his life. The show quickly takes an action-packed direction when Brian starts working with the FBI to track down dangerous criminals, meanwhile trying to keep the source of enhanced intelligence a secret.
Jack McDorman and Jennifer Carpenter gave nuanced performances as the FBI duo leading the show, but not even their star power ensured its longevity, with Limitless getting canceled after season one.
The show that put Hilary Duff on the map as a Disney star, Lizzie McGuire had everything synonymous with teenagers of the early 2000s; dating, popularity, and cameos from icons such as Aaron Carter, Kyla Pratt, and Frankie Muniz. Unlike many shows on this list, Lizzie McGuire did have a definite conclusion, with Lizzie and Gordo graduating from middle school to start high school. Of course, who can forget the highly successful The Lizzie McGuire Movie released the same year the show ended.
Related: Hilary Duff Comments on Possible Lizzie McGuire Reboot
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, I Am Not Okay With This was one of the few shows that released shortly before the pandemic. This coming-of-age show has everything to keep audiences entertained; a strong lead, Sophia Lillis, a captivating narrative, and witty dialogue. Unfortunately, this show had a premature ending, with fans wondering if it will ever pick up where it left off in 2020.
Starring Dexter's Jennifer Carpenter, The Enemy Within had a promising premise that made for a riveting first season. The show followed former CIA operative Erica Shepherd, who is unjustly incarcerated after she is forced to partake in the assassination of four of her agents. When the criminal that blackmailed comes back into the picture, Erika is asked to help take him down in exchange for an improved prison life. The Enemy Within had noteworthy performances by Carpenter and her fellow cast members--it's a shame that it was canceled after only one season.
The show that launched Shia Labeouf's career, Even Stevens lasted for three seasons and even spawned a Disney Channel original movie, The Even Stevens Movie. While it could be argued that the movie was the closing chapter to the series, the final episode simply covered another one of Louis Stevens' adventures and could have easily been placed midway through the season, opposed to the finale.
Hannibal expanded on the origin story of Hannibal Lecter and how he came to be the notorious cannibal in The Silence of the Lambs. Dark from beginning to end, Hannibal explores the thin line between good and evil as Hannibal tries to manipulate FBI profiler William Graham into succumbing to his own murderous urges. One of NBC's most acclaimed TV shows of the 2000s, Hannibal was canceled abruptly after its third season, leaving audiences to wonder if Graham would ever be released from prison to once again cross paths with Hannibal Lector.
Related: Mads Mikkelsen Still Open to Hannibal Revival, But Gives Warning
Seeing Michael C. Hall back in a leading role since Dexter, this series promised to keep audiences at the edge of their seats through its trailer, nevertheless, it proved somewhat of a disappointment after its pilot episode. Following the life of Dr. Tom Delaney, a widow who is struggling to connect with his daughters after his wife's passing, Tom's life takes yet another unexpected turn when his oldest daughter goes missing.
It sounds like an interesting enough plot on paper, but the show's overall execution is slow, with a lackluster season finale. It's not surprising Safe wasn't renewed for a second season, despite Michael C. Hall's effort to thrillingly lead the series.
A show gone too soon, Firefly had everything necessary to be a hit, yet it was canceled after only one season due to overall low ratings. Those who did tune into the show praised it for its catchy plot, nuanced characters (notably Sean Maher and Summer Glau), and the immersive viewing experience through and through. Despite its cancelation, Firefly managed to get a movie produced, Serenity, three years after its cancelation to give fans a much-needed closure.