Popular TV Shows Given a Second Chance and Their Journey to Success

Introduction

Every so often, a TV show that was initially met with struggle, skepticism, or even a near-certain cancellation finds its audience and becomes a cultural phenomenon. These shows, despite poor initial ratings or mixed reviews, have gone on to delight millions of viewers across multiple seasons. From classic series like MASH to streaming successes like Seinfeld, the road to popularity is often anything but straightforward.

MASH - From Near Cancellation to Cult Classic

MASH, the iconic TV show based on the eponymous film, began its journey on CBS with little fanfare. Set in a US Army surgical hospital during the Korean War, the show blended humor and social commentary in a unique way. Despite its promising premise, the first season struggled to find an audience, leading to rumors of cancellation. However, the show's blend of tongue-in-cheek humor and scathing critiques of war earned it critical acclaim and a loyal following. Its enduring popularity and influence in television history have solidified its place as one of the most iconic and groundbreaking series of the 1970s and 1980s.

WKRP in Cincinnati - The Syndication Surge

WKRP in Cincinnati started out as a critically acclaimed show that failed to attract a large viewership during its original run in the late 1970s and early 1980s on CBS. The unpredictability of its broadcast schedule, often changing time-slots and days of the week, made it difficult for the show to gain consistent viewership. However, its re-broadcast in syndication in the 1980s and 1990s breathed new life into the series, boosting its popularity significantly. The show's charm and the comedic talents of its cast, especially Jerry Stiller and Mike Farrell, resonated with audiences, leading to a successful syndication run that lasted into the 1990s. The success of the show even led to a reboot in the late 1980s, which included some of the original actors, keeping the show relevant for a new generation of viewers.

Hill Street Blues - Critical Acclaim vs. Ratings

Hill Street Blues, another critically acclaimed series, faced significant challenges during its initial run. Ironically, the show's critical success and its focus on quality storytelling often clashed with network priorities based on ratings. Despite earning critical acclaim and winning several Emmy Awards, the ratings were consistently poor for the first three seasons. However, the show eventually found its footing and became part of NBC's popular Thursday evening lineup in the 1980s, cementing its place in television history. The series is cited as an influence on later police dramas like NYPD Blue, Law Order, and ER. However, by the end of its run, the series had lost much of its original charm and predictability, leading to its eventual cancellation due to declining ratings and the departure of a key actor, Daniel J. Travanti.

Cheers - From Hard Landing to Home Run

Cheers, a hugely successful and beloved show, almost met an unfortunate fate in its first season. NBC, showing its commitment to quality over numbers, kept the show afloat despite its initial poor ratings. By the third season, the show found its footing, moved to a prestigious time-slot on NBC's Thursday night lineup, and became one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1980s and 1990s. The show's success was a testament to its well-crafted storylines and the chemistry of its ensemble cast. Its enduring popularity in syndication and its ability to connect with viewers across generations make it a prime example of a show that was given a second chance and went on to become a cultural staple.

Seinfeld - From No Audience to TV Legend

Seinfeld, the iconic show that paved the way for modern sitcoms, almost vanished into obscurity during its first season. The show had to bounce around different time-slots and nights in prime-time, struggling to find an audience. However, the show's unique approach to humor and the chemistry of the ensemble cast eventually led to its success. The 1990s saw the show become a phenomenon, cementing its place in pop culture. Despite its massive success, Seinfeld failed to connect with a younger generation, such as millennials, who preferred different types of content. Nonetheless, the show's impact on television cannot be overstated, having influenced countless later sitcoms and continue to be a beloved classic.

Friends - Another One Nearly Writes Off

Similar to Seinfeld, Friends struggled in its first season, bouncing around time-slots and nights in an attempt to find its footing. The show's initial ratings struggles were a far cry from the sitcom that would go on to define a generation. However, by the third season, the show found its stride, moved to a solid time-slot, and became the epitome of 1990s network television. The success of Friends and its economic impact on the television industry are well-documented, making it a quintessential example of a series that was nearly cancelled but found renewed energy and popularity.

The Office - Network Television's Last Stand?

The Office, created by the same team behind Parks and Recreation, was a quirky and insightful show that gave Steve Carell and John Krasinski their breakthrough roles. However, the show suffered from poor initial ratings, with many questioning whether network television was viable in an age of streaming. Despite its initial struggles, The Office eventually found its legs, thanks to good writing and the remarkable ensemble cast. The show's success in syndication and on streaming platforms, particularly its popularity in the UK, continues to prove the enduring appeal of classic network television.

The Big Bang Theory - The Spin-Off Success

The Big Bang Theory had a modest start, initially struggling to find an audience before evolving into one of the most successful and beloved sitcoms of the 2000s. The show's success was particularly noteworthy because its spin-offs, such as The Big Bang Theory: The Return of Sheldon, also found success. This rarity in the world of TV shows is often attributed to the show's unique premise and the chemistry of its characters. The Big Bang Theory's enduring popularity in syndication and its success in streaming platforms, such as HBO Max, highlight the changing landscape of television and the enduring power of well-crafted content.

Conclusion

The stories of these shows are a testament to the power of persistence, quality storytelling, and the enduring impact of good writing and casting. Each of these series faced challenges that could have ended their journey, yet each found its audience and became beloved television phenomena. The journey from near-cancellation to success serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best television is born out of adversity.