The best prematurely cancelled TV shows from Deadwood to Ripper Street

The top ten British and US productions to get the axe

John Rentoul
Saturday 17 January 2015 20:00 EST
Comments
'Deadwood' won eight Emmys, but HBO canned it after three seasons
'Deadwood' won eight Emmys, but HBO canned it after three seasons (Rex Features)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Channel 4 axed 'Utopia' in October last year and then it was nominated for an International Emmy, which prompted Martyn P Jackson (to whom thanks) to compile this list, featuring five British and five American productions.

1. 'Utopia'

Critical acclaim didn't stop Channel 4 axing this stylish conspiracy theory thriller after two series and with the main storyline unresolved. At least four series had been planned.

2. 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip'

Aaron Sorkin's follow-up to The West Wing, starring Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford, was well received, but was cancelled by NBC after just one season.

3. 'Ultraviolet'

Intelligent British vampire drama, featuring a young Idris Elba, lasted just one series before Channel 4's axeman struck again.

4. 'Star Cops'

A terrible title hid BBC2's best attempt at producing a believable hard science-fiction show, but it lasted just one series. Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter praised its writing.

5. 'Carnivale'

Ten Emmy nominations couldn't save this Depression-era dark fantasy series from HBO's axe. Intended to run for six seasons; only two were made.

6. 'Deadwood'

This foul-mouthed, revisionist Western series won eight Emmys, but HBO canned it after three seasons. Plans to tie up loose ends with two TV movies came to nought.

7. 'Ripper Street'

Its mix of coppers, violence and Victoriana was a hit with mainstream BBC1 viewers, but that didn't stop the Beeb's axe. Amazon Prime has now stepped in to rescue the show.

8. 'Dirk Gently'

BBC4 failed to give this comedy detective show, based on the novels by Douglas Adams, a second series. Lead actor Stephen Mangan was not happy.

9. 'Firefly'

Joss Whedon's sci-fi Western was adored by fans and critics, but Fox cancelled it partway through its first season. Strong DVD sales prompted a coda, the movie Serenity.

10. 'Space: Above and Beyond'

Gritty, militaristic humans vs aliens sci-fi series axed after one season by Fox. Years later, a re-imagined Battlestar Galactica borrowed its template, with much success.

Next week: Misleading translations (Jeux Sans Frontières – orange juice without bits)

Coming soon: Authors in films of their books. Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in