10 TV Shows That Were Intended For One Season (But Went On Anyway)



Numerous television shows have been created to tell their story with just one season. But due to their huge popularity and fan base, producers and networks may decide to keep the shows longer than originally intended.




Extending a TV show past its intended lifespan can be both a blessing and a curse. While it may further explore characters and themes, it may also lead to a decline in quality and disappointment among fans. Some, however, continue with the same quality and captivate fans across all seasons. Here are ten TV shows that were meant to last for one season, but went through anyway.







10 Big Little Lies (2017 - 2019)



Big little lies
HBO



Big little lies is a dramatic television series that premiered on HBO in 2017 and concluded in 2019 after two seasons. Based on a novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty, the show follows a group of wealthy moms living in Monterey, California, whose seemingly perfect lives unravel as secrets and lies are exposed. The show has been critically acclaimed and has been awarded numerous accolades, including eight Primetime Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. Big little lies was initially intended as a limited series with a self-contained plot. However, after seeing the popularity, HBO decided to give the program a second season.


The decision to keep the show longer than initially planned was met with mixed reactions from viewers and critics. While some thought the second season fell short of the first in terms of quality, others welcomed the chance to learn more about the characters' backstories.



9 The White Lotus (2021 - present)



Haley Lu Richardson in The White Lotus.
Home Box Office (HBO)



The White Lotus is a satirical drama series that debuted on HBO in 2021. The show takes place at a lavish Hawaiian resort where an all-star cast from diverse backgrounds interact and clash for a week, unleashing their worst and most privileged impulses. The show explores themes of privilege, power and human nature, using humor and sharp humor to comment on social issues. Upon its release, the show was well received by audiences and critics alike. It received critical acclaim for its direction, writing and acting, with particular praise for the performance of its cast.


The show was intended to be a six-part limited series. However, its success led to the announcement of a second season, which will take place at a different resort on October 30, 2022 with a new cast of characters. The White Lotus is a must-watch for fans of dark comedies and sharp social commentary.




8 Fargo (2014 - present)



Watch the first 7 minutes of the Fargo series premiere



Fargo is an acclaimed television series created by Noah Hawley. The show is an anthology series, with each season featuring a new story, time period, and new cast, set in the same universe as the original. Fargo feature film by the Coen brothers. Fargo is known for its unique blend of dark humor, crime and drama and its standout performances by actors such as Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman and Kirsten Dunst. The first season received critical acclaim and multiple awards, leaving many wondering why the show would continue after such a prolific debut.


However, creator Noah Hawley was able to craft unique and compelling stories for each subsequent season, engaging audiences with new characters, themes and unexpected twists. The show has continued to evolve and captivate audiences with each new season, cementing its place as one of the most innovative and compelling shows on television.



7 The Watchman (2022 - present)



Mia Farrow and Terry Kinney in The Watcher
Netflix



The viewer is a mysterious thriller series centered around creepy letters and messages sent to a couple who had just bought their dream home in Westfield, New Jersey, signed by someone known only as "The Watcher." The series explores the terrifying and disturbing events that followed as the family tried to understand the threatening messages and protect their young children. T


e Watcher has received a lot of attention for its gripping storytelling and in-depth exploration of the case. Upon release, it received a mixed response, with some praising it for its compelling and suspenseful storytelling. The series was initially considered a miniseries, but was renewed for a second season in November 2022. It has sparked renewed interest in the case, which remains unsolved.



6 Top of the Lake (2013 - 2017)



Peter Mullan Top of the Lake
BBC



Top of the lake is a New Zealand-Australian crime drama television series that follows Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss), who investigates the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl in a small New Zealand town. The show was praised for its stunning cinematography, complex characters, and exploration of key themes such as misogyny, patriarchy, and trauma. The first season, acclaimed by critics, was intended to be the only one for the entire series. Nevertheless, a second season was ordered due to popularity and audience demand.


Although the second season, titled Top of the Lake: ChineseGirl, had a different plot, Moss was still the main character. No doubt the first season had a satisfying ending; nevertheless, the show's creators were able to come up with compelling new storylines and characters for subsequent seasons, leading to the show's continued success and critical acclaim.



5 Your Honor (2020 - present)



Your honor
Showtime Networks



Your honor is an American crime drama television series that premiered in 2020. The show centers on Michael Desiato (Bryan Cranston), a respected New Orleans judge who finds himself in a moral quandary when his son is involved in an accident that leads to the death of a powerful mobster's son. The show was intended to be a one-season limited series, but its popularity and critical acclaim led to a second season being commissioned, which premiered on January 15, 2023. Your honor was praised for its compelling storytelling, tense pace and standout performances, especially by Cranston.


The decision to continue the show beyond its planned season demonstrates the strength of audience demand and the ability of a robust creative team to craft compelling and original stories that keep viewers engaged. Your honor is a must-watch for crime drama fans and anyone looking for an intense and intriguing viewing experience.



4 The Stewardess (2020 - present)



the-stewardess-megan-cassie
Warner Bros. Television



The stewardess is an American comedy-drama television series that follows Cassie Bowden (Kaley Cuoco), a flight attendant, who becomes entangled in a murder investigation after having a one-night stand with a passenger who is later found dead. As Cassie tries to unravel the events of that fateful night, she becomes the target of dangerous and powerful individuals who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.


Upon release, the show received critical acclaim and was praised for its unique blend of humor and suspense, memorable characters, stylish visual presentation, and creative storytelling. Initial, The stewardess was meant to be a limited TV show. However, due to its success, the show was renewed for a second season with a new storyline and character arcs. The stewardess has become a beloved and highly recommended series for anyone looking for an exciting and entertaining viewing experience.



3 Good Omens (2019 - present)



Michael Sheen as Aziraphale and David Tennant as Crowley for a Good Omens promo image
Prime video



Good omens is a British-American fantasy television series that premiered in 2019. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It follows the unlikely friendship between an angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and a demon Crowley (David Tennant), as they work together to prevent Armageddon. Upon release, the show received generally positive reviews with an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In addition, Good omens received several nominations and awards.


The show was initially intended to be a standalone six-episode limited series, but its success and popularity led to its renewal in June 2021. The show's creators, Gaiman and Douglas Mackinnon, were able to create new storylines and character arcs to think of expanding further. the original source material, leading to a renewed interest in the show and its beloved characters.




2 Bad Sisters (2022 - present)



BadSisters-1
Apple TV+



Bad sisters is an Irish black comedy television series that premiered in 2022. Developed by Brett Baer, ​​Sharon Horgan and Dave Finkel, the show follows the lives of the Garvey sisters, who are forced to reunite after their estranged father dies and leaves them a failing hotel on Ireland's west coast. Upon release, the show received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.


The show was praised for its use of dark humour, quirky characters and strong performances. The show was intended to be a limited series, but due to its popularity and success, it was renewed for a second season. Bad sisters showcases the talent of its creators and the power of Irish television and remains a delightful watch for fans of black comedy.



1 13 Reasons Why (2017 - 2020)



13 reasons why
Netflix



13 reasons why is a teen drama TV series that premiered in 2017 on Netflix. Based on Jay Asher's 2007 novel of the same name, the show follows the story of a high school student named Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette), who receives a set of cassette tapes from his former classmate and crush, who committed suicide. . The tapes contain thirteen reasons why she killed herself, and as Clay listens to them, he becomes entangled in a mystery that reveals the dark secrets and traumas that affected Hannah's (Katherine Langford) life.


Upon release, the show received mixed reception, with some praising it for its honest depiction of social issues such as suicide, sexual assault, and mental health. However, it has also been satirized for its graphic depiction of suicide. Despite its controversies, 13 reasons why garnered a devoted fanbase and was renewed for multiple seasons, each featuring different characters and their experiences in the aftermath of Hannah's death.


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