Like most people, I have a long list of shows and movies to watch on my Netflix account. However, I usually end up re-watching my favorites. With the successful revivals of both Gilmore Girls and Will & Grace recently, Iâve started to wonder what other classic TV shows deserve their own revamp. Below are a few of my favorite shows that were cancelled before they should have been or at least deserve more airtime.
1. My So-Called Life (1994 – 1995)
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This cult classic only lasted for one season and that is a crime. My So-Called Life is â90s gold. Claire Danes plays Angela Chase, a 15-year-old struggling to find herself in high school. Danes did such a great job portraying teenage angst that she won an Emmy for her work. Along with Angela, you have characters like Rayanne (who struggles with alcohol addiction), Ricky (the first openly LGBT+ teen on American television), and Jordan Catalano (Jared Leto in his absolute prime). At only 18 episodes, the season finale left us with cliffhangers galore and it would be great to catch up with the characters and see what theyâve been doing for the past 23 years. If you havenât seen it yet, the series is on Hulu.
2. Freaks and Geeks (1999 – 2000)
This series is again, a cult classic. Set in Michigan during the 1980âs, this gem was cancelled after its thirteenth episode, and the cast and crew were forced to wrap up the plots quickly in the remaining five episodes. What makes this show so great is that it ends on a bittersweet note for the viewers. Yes, the finale is happy, but it also leaves you longing to keep watching. This show helped bring James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segal, and Judd Apatow into the spotlight and is currently on Netflix for those who have not seen it yet.
3. Undeclared (2001 â 2003)
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This is another early Judd Apatow production and itâs just as good as his other work. It follows a group of new freshmen dealing with their first year of college. It perfectly captures the awkwardness that being new can bring, but it also highlights how everyone is in the same boat. If you watch it, youâll notice a ton of familiar faces (Seth Rogen, Ben Stiller, Jason Segal, Amy Poehler, etc.). This show isnât on Netflix or Hulu, but if youâre intrigued enough to see it, you can probably find it somewhere online.
4. Dawsonâs Creek (1998 â 2003)
This show lasted for six seasons, but I still need more of it. Dawsonâs Creek was a huge hit when it first premiered in the late â90s. Sure, some of the plotlines are really out there (Paceyâs entire season is one relationship, for instance) but that doesnât mean you donât fall into their rabbit hole. Joey is the perfect girl-next-door, and her series-long chemistry with both Pacey and Dawson leaves you torn, rooting for both couples to exist. While itâs not available on Netflix, the show is available on Hulu.
5. Friends (1994 â 2004)
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Ten seasons wasnât long enough. I have never met someone who hasnât seen an episode of this New York comedy, and for good reason – Friends is one of the most popular sitcoms to have ever aired. Monica, Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe are the ultimate group of friends and their storylines are on syndication every day. While there were false rumors a few years ago about a reunion, it would be great if one day the rumors turn to truth. You already know all ten seasons are on Netflix because youâve watched them during lecture, havenât you?
These are my top five TV shows I think we deserve to see on our television screens again. Thereâs a reason why they were so popular when they were originally on air, and theyâd be just as entertaining if on air now. As stated, most are available online either on Netflix or Hulu. Feel free to give them a chance the next time youâre bored!