Nobody likes that feeling of falling in love with a new show, only to watch it get canceled before it ever had the chance to hit its stride. It's frustrating, heartbreaking, and leaves you wondering what could’ve been if the network had just given it one more season to develop its characters, deepen its storylines, and find its audience.
So many promising series get cut short too soon, often for reasons beyond their control. Whether it’s poor time slots, low initial ratings, or network reshuffling, these early cancellations rob us of the chance to fully experience their potential. Unfortunately, in the cutthroat world of television, shows are often given only a brief window to prove themselves, making it nearly impossible for many great stories to find their footing and flourish.
CBS, despite being home to numerous long-running hits, has also been responsible for pulling the plug on several gems that never got the chance to shine. In this list, we’re taking a look back at five of the best CBS shows that were axed too soon, leaving fans wondering what could’ve been if they’d just been given a fair shot.
Happy Together (2018-2019)
Sitcoms can be hit or miss, but Happy Together had all the ingredients for a long-running success. We're talking charming leads, lighthearted humor, and a unique premise that would've kept viewers hooked. Unfortunately, CBS canceled the show after just one season, leaving many wondering what stories and laughs were left untapped.
Jake and Claire are a relatable married couple whose predictable suburban life takes an unexpected turn when a famous pop star moves in with them, turning their world upside down. As they navigate the chaos and excitement of hosting a celebrity, they rediscover parts of themselves they’d forgotten.
The Crazy Ones (2013-2014)
The late Robin Williams might've been known more for his acting work in films, but most people forget about his memorable return to television with The Crazy Ones. This CBS sitcom showcased his incredible comedic timing and reminded audiences why he was such a unique and beloved talent.
What's even better is that you had Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress Sarah Michelle Gellar starring alongside him, creating a charming on-screen partnership that made the show a delight to watch. That's why it's so unfortunate that CBS dropped the comedy sitcom after only one season.
Simon Roberts is a very talented and creative advertising executive, but he’s a bit unconventional and has a larger-than-life personality. He runs a top advertising agency in Chicago, serving major clients. His daughter Sydney is his business partner. She’s serious, driven, and ambitious, but she often ends up taking care of her dad’s unpredictable behavior. Together, they work with a skilled team to try to stay ahead in the competitive world of advertising.
Battle Creek (2015)
Battle Creek is a CBS show that feels like it's been completely erased from the collective memory of TV fans, which is a shame considering its pedigree. With Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan and House creator David Shore behind it, Battle Creek should have been a breakout hit. Instead, it quietly came and went after just one season.
Dean Winters and Josh Duhamel star as unlikely partners in Battle Creek, a crime drama that pairs a rough-around-the-edges local detective with a charming and well-equipped FBI agent. Together, they tackle a series of cases in the Michigan town.
Doubt (2017)
As a huge fan of Katherine Heigl, I was really looking forward to seeing her playing a completely different role than what we were used to in Grey's Anatomy. In Doubt, she took on the part of Sadie Ellis, a tough and ambitious defense attorney who finds herself in a tricky situation when she takes on a high-profile case involving a client accused of a serious crime, only to end up falling for him, complicating both her personal and professional life.
Ultimately, the legal drama was axed after just one season due to poor ratings. I feel like Doubt would work much better today, especially on a streaming service such as Netflix, where fellow legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer is thriving.
Jericho (2006-2008)
Unlike the other CBS shows on this list, Jericho actually made it past the one-season mark, thanks largely to an intense fan campaign that brought it back from cancellation. Unfortunately, the revival was short-lived. CBS only ordered a shortened second season, and despite continued fan support, the show was ultimately canceled for good after just seven new episodes.
Set in a small Kansas town, Jericho revolves around the lives of its residents as they struggle to survive and rebuild after a series of nuclear attacks devastate major U.S. cities. Cut off from the outside world, the town must face dwindling resources, rising tensions, and the mystery of who was behind the attacks.