Fans of the Archive 81 were crushed to hear of the show's cancellation after its debut season. Based on the 2016 podcast of the same name, the series is a mashup of supernatural and horror elements. It had achieved what any series desires, which is impressive and solid numbers, but that did nothing to secure a second season.
Numerous factors can contribute to a show's cancellation. Inconsistent ratings, mixed reviews, or even the networks forcing the decision to make room for bigger names on the primetime lineup. A few shows with a sizable following have been lucky enough to receive a series revival, but some shows canceled after a single season deserve a chance to play the reboot games.
Standing Up
Archive 81 would not be the only single-season Netflix show in 2022. Another surprise cancellation was the French series Standing Up. The dramedy followed four friends living in Paris navigating the trials and tribulations of everyday life while pursuing careers in stand-up comedy. The show did receive positive , but Netflix still canceled the series.
Foreign series can be a hit or miss, but it is a market of untapped potential. Standing Up has an original storyline combined with well-written characters and beautiful scenery. Perhaps a rebooted version of the show could pave the way for longevity.
Good Girls Revolt
Adapted from Lynn Povich's 2012 book The Good Girls Revolt, the eponymous drama series revolves around the mistreatment of a group of women working at a magazine. The show is based on the 1970 discrimination lawsuit filed against Newsweek by its female employees, including writer/director Nora Ephron.
Good Girls Revolt is a show worthy of a second chance. The show could serve as a retrospect in comparison to the #MeToo movement, highlighting how far back a woman's struggles in the workplace have gone, in addition to showing the indomitable spirit of the trailblazers that paved the way for the present day.
Hindsight
Long before her career-defying role as the likable Sally Reed on Barry, Sarah Goldberg played Lolly Lavigne, the coolest best friend around and deuteragonist on VH1's Hindsight. Becca Brady (Laura Ramsey), an almost 40-year-old woman disillusioned with life, time travels back to 1995 via a magic elevator. Hindsight was wrapped in comedy, 90s nostalgia, and heartfelt drama.
Despite being renewed for a second season, the show was abruptly canceled by VH1. Fans were disappointed due to the cliffhanger ending. The show deserves another shot for its unique premise and to establish a satisfying conclusion.
Dietland
Dietland was it beautiful blend of social commentary and murder mystery. Adopted from Sarai Walker's debut novel of the same name, the story revolves around Plum (Joy Nash), a woman struggling with body image insecurities. Having decided to get weight loss surgery, Plum becomes entangled with Jennifer, a murderous group targeting misogynistic men.
While the show received critical acclaim, it wasn't a ratings gold mine, resulting in a cancellation. A show like Dietland should be rebooted to further reflect the struggles women face due to the ever-changing beauty standards within mainstream media.
Vinyl
Starring Bobby Cannavale, Olivia Wilde, James Jagger, and Juno Temple (before herVinyl was an underrated little gem. The drama series is centered around the highs and lows of the 1970s music industry, complete with sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll.
Similar to VH1's Hindsight, the show was renewed for a second season, only to get scrapped by HBO months later due to a network rebranding. Vinyl needs a reboot for its intriguing subject matter and groovy aesthetics, making it a period-piece dream.
Little Britain USA
From Little Britain. The series had wacky characters, from British originals Carol Beers (Walliams) to US additions like the sweet yet foul-minded Ellie Grace (Lucas).
In 2008, HBO decided not to move forward with second-season plans. Little Britain USA would benefit tremendously from a second chance. American audiences have been deprived of genius comedy, and with a little care toward sensitive topics, this series would be a standout.
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip
2006 was NBC's year of workplace sitcom set in the entertainment industry. The first would be Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, headlined by SNL veteran Tina Fey. To the network's surprise, the latter lasted for seven seasons while the former was canceled after one season.
Studio 60 was a refreshing balance of comedy and drama without getting lost in its own material. A reboot set in the present day would serve well. Regardless of the cancellation, the show is still regarded as one of creator Aaron Sorkin's best works.
The Baker and The Beauty
Inspired by the 1997 rom-com Notting Hill, Israeli romantic dramedy Beauty and the Baker is a pure diamond, but its American adaptation pales in comparison. Despite a surprising 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the show's lackluster writing, flat chemistry, and low ratings lead to its cancellation.
The Baker and The Beauty deserves a chance to shine for American audiences, but missed the mark. A revamp sincere in originality while remaining faithful to its source material would expand viewership and popularity.
Marvel's Inhumans
Originally planned to be a film adaptation, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..
The show's impressive cast wasn't enough to secure a second season, being canceled by ABC in May 2018. Renewed interest in the characters came about when Anson Mount reprised his protagonist role of Black Bolt in important Marvel Disney+ show in the MCU.
Flashforward
Based on Robert J. Sawyer's 1999 novel of the same name, Flashforward had a truly special concept, as the 2009 series centered on a group of Angelenos that experience a "flashforward" of future events. Alas, a great cast and a desirable timeslot we're not enough to save the show from being a one-season wonder.
The cancellation prompted dramatic protest from fans in front of ABC's headquarters, but the overzealousness did nothing to sway a renewal. Rebooting a show to fit a 2020s landscape would be preferable, as the genre has garnered a newfound appreciation in recent years.