Shows That Deserved A Second Season
By Sioph LealWe've picked the best four shows that, in our opinion, merited at least a second season below. The list of shows where the plot should have continued includes those with cliffhangers as well as those with the possibility for character and plot development.
4. Political Animals
(2012)
Political Animals was a series that centered around the dysfunctional and cutthroat world of politics. Set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., this drama explored the personal and professional lives of a prominent political family. Led by the fierce and formidable Elaine Barrish (Sigourney Weaver), Political Animals delved into the complexities and compromises of power. Political Animals Season 1 offered a nuanced exploration of the sacrifices, scandals, and triumphs that come with being a political animal with a thrilling blend of family drama and political intrigue, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what twists and turns lay ahead.
Why it deserved a second season: Not only does the series end on a cliff-hanger that could change everything for Elaine and her family, it would have great repercussions on the American presidency. While the series does wrap up everything else, more of the dynamic between Elaine and Susan would have propelled the story forward and given us more of the great chemistry we saw in the first season.
3. Forever
(2015)
Forever took viewers on an intriguing and thought-provoking journey. Set in a world where immortality is a reality, the show delves deep into the complexities and consequences of never-ending life. Following Dr. Henry Morgan (Ioan Gruffudd), a 200-year-old man who grapples with the burden of immortality, his eternal existence becomes both a blessing and a curse. The writing brilliantly explores themes of love, loss, and the meaning of life itself through Henry Morgan.
Why it deserved a second season: With its stellar cast, gripping story line, and stunning cinematography, Forever season 1 stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and provokes viewers to ponder the idea of immortality and the ultimate pursuit of happiness. The pilot series left a lot of unanswered questions, and had it been renewed for a second season, the show could have explored the complexities of immortality in greater detail.
2. Jupiter’s Legacy
(2021)
Jupiter's Legacy explores the complexities of their powers, responsibilities, and the legacy that superheroes leave behind. Each episode unveils a layered history, delving into the past to shed light on the present-day struggles faced by heroes and their offspring. Jupiter’s Legacy was canceled in its infancy for reportedly going over its $9 million per episode budget.
Why it deserved a second season: With the superhero market being oversaturated, Jupiter’s Legacy offered viewers a glimpse of the cost of legacy and how it can echo through generations. While the pilot season wasn’t without its faults, it had that old hollywood feel to the series, with the potential to explore the true burden of a heroic legacy, burdened by those who have to live up to it in years to come. There was some build up with Brandon Smapson that comic readers would have loved to see and the show seemed to be setting up.
1. Y: The Last Man
(2021)
"Y: The Last Man" was based on the popular comic book series by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra. The show takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a cataclysmic event has wiped out every mammal with a Y chromosome, except for one man - Yorick Brown and his monkey. As the last surviving male, Yorick must navigate a dangerous and chaotic landscape while unraveling the mystery behind the catastrophe and protecting his own life. With its strong character development, intense plot twists, and timely exploration of gender dynamics and societal upheaval.
Why it deserved a second season: Y: The Last Man delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. There is no show like this that delivers an intriguing plot, provokes a deeper meaning on what society would be like if we remove one thing and a great cast to deliver the characters journey. It was a fresh take on a tired genre that deserved more. Showrunner Eliza Clark delivered an almost perfect adaptation and given the plot points in the comic, TV audiences have missed out on having an excellent, long running series with Clark at the helm of Yorik’s story.