Some people unwind with a good book, while others find relaxation by turning on their favorite television show. When it comes to TV, there are so many genres to choose from. It seems there’s a show for everyone, whether you enjoy laughing along with a short sitcom or becoming invested in a drama. After becoming so rooted in a television show, the character growth, the stories, and the twists along the way, it can be sad when a show goes off the air before its time. Other times, the show may go on for years, like in the case of “Friends,” but fans become so intuned with it they can’t get enough.
We all have our own list of shows we would love to see come back. Whether it is an oldie or something new that got axed far too soon, the list below explores popular TV shows we wish would come back, or at least many people.
To compile a list of TV shows we wish would come back, 24/7 Tempo consulted several entertainment sites, including IMDb. Though these lists are subjective, and many more could be added, the shows on this list were the most popular picks among watchers. Now, let’s look at the top TV shows we all wish would return. (Read our list of the best TV episodes of the 21st century.)
“Santa Clarita Diet”
- Full series rating: 7.8/10
- Ran from: 2017-2019
This popular Netflix show only ran for three seasons, but dedicated fans have been begging for more. Following the family life of a woman turning into a zombie, Santa Clarita Diet gave audiences a rare dark comedy.
“Heroes”
- Full series rating: 7.5/10
- Ran from: 2006-2010
If you grew up during the early 2000s and weren’t a toddler, you may remember the catchphrase “Save the cheerleader, save the world.” “Heroes” was a show riddled with action, drama, and suspense. Although its viewership began to fall, and NBC decided to cancel, the show had so much potential.
Bringing back “Heroes” would mean seeing more ordinary people gain superhuman powers again and fight off evil. Who doesn’t love to see that?
“Firefly”
- Full series rating: 9.0/10
- Ran from: 2002-2003
“Firefly” only ran for one season in 2002-2003, and 20 years later, fans still want more. After all, the show was gone way too soon.
Fans would love to know what happened to their favorite characters, see more of their space travels, and explore the alternative world the show was building.
“1883”
- Full series rating: 8.7/10
- Ran from: 2021-2022
Fans immediately fell in love with Elsa and her golden hair, and no, we’re not talking about the “Frozen” Elsa. “1883” was the brainchild of Taylor Sheridan and was a way to give fans a glimpse into Dutton’s world before the time of “Yellowstone.”
Although it was always meant to be a one-season deal, fans want more. Seeing what the Dutton family endured and how they ended up in Montana had viewers on the edge of their seats.
Thankfully, Sheridan rolled out “1923” as a continuum of the Dutton family, and hopefully, fans will receive a second season of “1923” soon.
“Everything Sucks!”
- Full series rating: 7.5/10
- Ran in: 2018
Who doesn’t love coming-of-age shows? Especially if they are full of nostalgia. You may be able to relate if you remember being a teen in the 1990s. “Everything Sucks!” was canceled by Netflix because of its low viewership after dropping all ten episodes in one day.
However, the show did build a following of loyal viewers who would love to see the kids of Boring, Oregon, again.
“One Tree Hill”
- Full series rating: 7.8/10
- Ran from: 2003-2012
“One Tree Hill” ran for ten seasons, but to loyal fans, that wasn’t enough time to spend with the crew from Tree Hill. We watched the Scott brothers and friends grow and mature from sometimes angsty teenagers to mature adults.
So many would love to see precisely what the kids-turned-adults from Tree Hill are up to now. If we can’t see the Scott brothers and crew, perhaps a spinoff with their children would satisfy “One Tree Hill” Fans.
“Pushing Daisies”
- Full series rating: 8.4/10
- Ran from: 2007-2009
Ned is a pie maker who can bring dead people back to life with one simple touch. However, once he touches them a second time, they are dead forever. So, naturally, he starts using his gift to solve murders.
“Pushing Daisies” was axed way too soon, and fans are still hoping that one day they will see more of the unique pie maker and company.
“Hannibal”
- Full series rating: 8.5/10
- Ran from: 2013-2015
“Hannibal” is a psychological thriller with Special Agent Will Graham at the center. He can see and relive the crimes his victims go through. Of course, his psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lector, is an actual serial killer who can infect Will’s mind.
Being akin to “Criminal Minds” and “Dexter,” many viewers were immediately drawn into this crime show and were sorely disappointed when it was canceled far too soon.
“Freaks and Geeks”
- Full series rating: 8.8/10
- Ran from: 1999-2000
What do you get when creating a show about ordinary people who do not fit in with the “popular” trope many shows display? “Freaks and Geeks,” of course. Viewers follow ordinary teens living the high school experience in the 80s. You have mathletes, angsty teens, and people who do not seemingly fit in.
Fans have been asking for a spinoff of this show for years. However, Rogen nixed the hopes in 2023, stating he wouldn’t want to ruin something so good by trying to make more of it.
“Anne, With An E”
- Full series rating: 8.6/10
- Ran from: 2017-2019
This Netflix show follows the life of the orphan Anne, who comes to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. The book was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in 1907 and has many adaptations.
“Anne with an E” was edgier than the original takes on the book, partly because it wasn’t afraid to tackle important issues such as social injustice. With superb acting, interesting storylines, and complex character development, there was much more potential to be seen.
“Arrested Development”
- Full series rating: 8.7/10
- Ran from: 2003-2019
“Arrested Development” was canceled by its first network and then picked back up by Netflix. The fourth season aired in 2013; five years later, the fifth aired in 2018.
While many people would love to see the Bluth family again, along with its many running gags, others believe the show ran its course, and trying to revive it yet again may not be such a great idea.
“Veronica Mars”
- Full series rating: 8.4/10
- Ran fr0m: 2004-2007 and revived in 2019
Fans were thrilled when Hulu brought “Veronica Mars” back for a revival. Who didn’t love to see a teenager as a detective during the first run? Seeing Veronica Mars now delighted the audience. However, the thrill was short-lived because the show was canceled after one season.
During the first run, fans loved the high school drama, the quality of the show, and the writing the show offered.
“Twin Peaks”
- Full series rating: 8.8/10
- Ran from: 1990-1991 and 2017
“Twin Peaks” originally aired in 1990 and followed the investigation of a young girl who was murdered. In 2017, “Twin Peaks: The Return” aired and picked up 25 years later in the same town.
Although the shows do not have long run times, they have built quite a cult following.
“Life In Pieces”
- Full series rating: 8.0/10
- Ran from: 2015-2019
“Life in Pieces” is a comedy that follows three generations of the extended Short Family. As the family navigates differences, life events, and familial relationships, they do so in a relatable yet quirky and hilarious way.
“Life in Pieces” ended far too soon, with fans agreeing that they could use more of the Short family in their lives.
“Single Parents”
- Full series rating: 7.1/10
- Ran from: 2018-2020
“Single Parents” follows the lives of a handful of friends who help a dad adapt to being single. With actors like Leighton Meester and Brad Garrett, viewers quickly fall in love with the wit and lovability of these characters.
“Single Parents” was canceled right after Angie realized she was the one who climbed into bed with Will when he admitted his feelings for her. The ending left fans reeling from a relationship drama and with no hope for any conclusion.
“Single Parents” should be brought back, if only to tie up loose ends surrounding Angie and Wills’s relationship.
“Jericho”
- Full series rating: 7.9/10
- Ran from: 2006-2009
This show was cloaked in mystery, which was part of its appeal. However, after a long hiatus during the first season, the audience was frustrated that so many questions weren’t answered and was not satisfied with the ending. Fans convinced CBS to bring it back. Nevertheless, it was canceled again after the second season.
Viewers still hope another network will make a third season, this time with more support than CBS gave the original show.
“Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles”
- Full series rating: 7.6/10
- Ran from: 2008-2009
“Terminator” fans anticipated the television show that would show more of the movie’s heroine, Sarah Conner. Yet, many factors led to the “Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles” not doing well.
There were high expectations from the movie franchise to live up to, the lower budget, and the fact that television and movies can vary quite different from one. Nevertheless, this television show did have some potential, and many fans of the series would love to see more.
“The Sopranos”
- Full series rating: 9.2/10
- Ran from: 1999-2007
Imagine a world where Tony Soprano was not shot at the end of the series. Audiences didn’t see it, right? That means it’s possible it didn’t happen.
They could revive the Sopranos and give the audience yet another glimpse into the lives of these mobsters, bringing joy into so many fans’ hearts once again.
“The Last Man on Earth”
- Full series rating: 7.4/10
- Ran from: 2015-2018
“Last Man on Earth” was canceled after season four, leaving fans wanting more. The series followed Phil Miller and Carol Pilbasian after a virus killed most of the people on Earth. Their first thought is that they must repopulate the Earth, although they ultimately annoy one another.
Throughout the four seasons, a group of survivors join together and find themselves at a farm in Tapachula, Mexico. They decide this is where they will set up their future home. However, in the last moments, the group is surrounded by underground colonists, all wearing face masks. With such a cliffhanger, many want to know what happens next.
“The West Wing”
- Full series rating: 8.9/10
- Ran from: 1999-2006
“The West Wing” was once popular for seven seasons. It developed its storylines based around the Executive Branch of the Federal Government.
Many fans have been calling for a reboot for years, and while it doesn’t look likely any time soon, we can only hope to be given more of this political drama.
“Forever”
- Full series rating: 7.1/10
- Ran from: 2018
“Forever” only ran on Amazon for one season. Oscar and June are married, although maybe not happily. However, they die within one year of each other, and both end up in the afterlife together. In the afterlife, they have no goals or activities in which to participate.
The show raises questions of spirituality, the afterlife, and more. Yet, the ending still left viewers with questions like what’s next for June and Oscar.
“Lost”
- Full series rating: 8.3/10
- Ran from: 2004-2010
Yes, “Lost” ended on a confusing and disappointing note. Yet, reviving the series could change the outcome. The show was riddled with mystery and left many questions unanswered.
A revival could mean a more satisfying end to the once-beloved show, the resolution of unanswered questions, and the chance to see a few more of our beloved characters again.
“Hart of Dixie”
- Full series rating: 7.7/10
- Ran from: 2011-2015
“Hart of Dixie” was a sweet and funny show that followed Zoe Hart as she transitioned into a doctor in the small town of Bluebell, Alabama. The ending felt rushed, even though we did see Zoe have a baby and marry Wade.
It would be endearing and entertaining to see what the families in small-town Bluebell are up to now.
“Bless This Mess”
- Full series rating: 6.9/10
- Ran from: 2019-2020
“Bless This Mess” followed New Yorkers turned ranchers Rio and Mike. This comedic show made viewers laugh and wonder, “Will they ever get that ranch up and running?” While many looked forward to Rio and Mike succeeding as ranchers and starting a family, we never got the chance to actually see it.
The show got axed primarily due to lousy timing. During the pandemic, many studios had to cancel shows, and “Bless This Mess” was one of them. Now that it has been a few years, fans would love to see exactly what the Young family is up to now, especially since the season finale ended with Rio finding out she’s pregnant. (Now, take a look at top classic TV shows that no one remembers anymore.)