Numerous television shows have been created to tell their story with only one season. But, because of their enormous popularity and fan bases, producers and networks can decide to keep the shows longer than they were initially supposed to.
Extending a TV show beyond its intended lifespan can be both a blessing and a curse. While it can further explore characters and themes, it can also lead to a decline in quality and disappointment from fans. However, some continue with the same quality and captivate fans in all seasons. Here are ten TV shows that were meant for one season but kept going anyway.
10 Big Little Lies (2017 - 2019)
Big Little Lies is a dramatic television series that premiered on HBO in 2017 and concluded in 2019 after two seasons. The show, based on a novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty, follows a group of wealthy mothers living in Monterey, California, whose seemingly perfect lives unravel as secrets and lies are exposed. The show is critically acclaimed and was awarded numerous accolades, including eight Primetime Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. Big Little Lies was initially intended to be a limited series with a stand-alone plot. However, after seeing its 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 believed the second season fell short of the first in quality, others welcomed the chance to learn more about the characters' backstories.
9 The White Lotus (2021 - Present)
The White Lotus is a satirical drama series that debuted on HBO in 2021. The show takes place at an opulent Hawaiian resort where an all-star cast from varied 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 wit to comment on societal issues. Upon release, the show was well-received by audiences and critics. It received critical acclaim for its direction, writing, and acting, with particular praise for the performances of its cast.
The show was meant to be a six-part limited series. However, its success led to the announcement of a second season, set to take place at a different resort with a new cast of characters, which debuted on October 30, 2022. The White Lotus is a must-watch for fans of dark comedies and sharp social commentary.
8 Fargo (2014 - Present)
Fargo is a critically acclaimed television series created by Noah Hawley. The show is an anthology series, with each season featuring a new story, time period, and cast, taking place in the same universe as the original the original Fargo 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, leading many to question why the show would continue after such a fruitful debut.
However, creator Noah Hawley was able to craft unique and compelling stories for each subsequent season, drawing in 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 Watcher (2022 - Present)
The Watcher is a mystery thriller series that revolves around eerie letters and messages sent to a couple who had just purchased their dream home in Westfield, New Jersey, signed by someone known only as "The Watcher." The series explores the terrifying and unsettling events that followed as the family tried to make sense of the threatening messages and protect their young children. T
he Watcher has garnered significant attention for its gripping storytelling and its in-depth exploration of the case. Upon release, it received mixed reactions, with some praising it for its compelling and suspenseful storytelling. The series was initially considered a miniseries but was renewed in November 2022 for a second season. It has sparked renewed interest in the case, which remains unsolved.
6 Top of the Lake (2013 - 2017)
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 received plaudits for its stunning cinematography, complex characters, and exploration of important themes such as misogyny, patriarchy, and trauma. The first season, which won praise from critics, was intended to be the only one for the entire series. Nevertheless, a second season was commissioned due to its popularity and audience demand.
Although the second season, titled Top of the Lake: Chinese Girl, had a different plot, Moss was still the main character. Undoubtedly, the first season had a satisfying conclusion; nonetheless, the show's creators were able to craft 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 is an American crime drama television series that premiered in 2020. The show revolves around Michael Desiato (Bryan Cranston), a respected New Orleans judge who finds himself in a moral dilemma when his son is involved in a hit-and-run accident that leads to the death of a powerful mobster's son. The show was meant to be a limited series with a single season, 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 enthralling storytelling, tense pacing, and standout performances, particularly by Cranston.
The decision to continue the show beyond its intended season demonstrates the power 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 fans of crime dramas and anyone seeking an intense and intriguing viewing experience.
4 The Flight Attendant (2020 - Present)
The Flight Attendant 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 attempts to piece together 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 was critically acclaimed, receiving praise for its unique blend of humor and suspense, memorable characters, stylish visual presentation, and creative storytelling. Initially, The Flight Attendant was intended to be a limited TV show. However, due to its success, the show was renewed for a second season with new storyline and character arcs. The Flight Attendant has become a beloved and highly recommended series for anyone looking for a thrilling and entertaining viewing experience.
3 Good Omens (2019 - Present)
Good Omens is a British-American fantasy television series that premiered in 2019. The show is founded 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 accolades.
The show was initially meant to be a stand-alone limited series with six episodes, but its success and popularity led to its renewal in June 2021. The show's creators, Gaiman and Douglas Mackinnon were able to craft new storylines and character arcs that expanded on the original source material, leading to a renewed interest in the show and its beloved characters.
2 Bad Sisters (2022 - Present)
Bad Sisters is an Irish black comedy television series that premiered in 2022. The show was developed by Brett Baer, Sharon Horgan, and Dave Finkel and follows the lives of the Garvey sisters, who are forced to reunite after their estranged father dies and leaves them a failing hotel on the west coast of Ireland. 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 humor, quirky characters, and strong performance. 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 strength of Irish television and continues to be a delightful watch for fans of black comedy.
1 13 Reasons Why (2017 - 2020)
13 Reasons Why is a teen drama TV series that premiered in 2017 on Netflix. The show is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Jay Asher and follows the narrative of a high school student named Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette), who receives a series of cassette tapes from his former classmate and crush, who died by suicide. The tapes contain thirteen reasons why she took her own life, 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 reactions, with some praising it for its honest portrayal of social issues such as suicide, sexual assault, and mental health. However, it has also been castigated for its graphic depiction of suicide. Despite its controversies, 13 Reasons Why garnered a devoted fanbase and was renewed for multiple seasons, each exploring different characters and their experiences in the aftermath of Hannah's death.