A Farewell to TV

Over the last year or two, a large number of good TV shows have been canceled or have just ended. Shows that have run for 10 years, shows that are spin-offs but are better than the original series, and brand new shows, all gone in one way or another. Let's take a look and say goodbye to some of the better shows on TV that are no longer with us, starting with shows that have just ended (run their course):

• Stargate SG-1 (10 seasons, 2 made-for-TV-movies)
• Lost (6 seasons)
• Smallville (10 seasons, JUST ended)

And now, a look at shows that have been canceled, with an asterisk (*) next to shows that were canceled this year:

• Battlestar Galactica (2.5 seasons, plus a few special episodes)
• Firefly (13 episodes)
• Heroes (4 seasons)
• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2 seasons)
• Stargate Atlantis (5 seasons)
• Stargate Universe* (1 season)
• Caprica* (2 seasons)
• Chicago Code* (1 season)

Okay, now most of these are Sci-Fi-ish shows, but honestly they were some of the only things I watched because I really enjoyed the acting and plots. All that's left as far as programming that I enjoy (mostly on regular cable with a few exceptions) are:

• Game of Thrones
• Supernatural
• Kitchen Nightmares
• Hell's Kitchen
• Bones
• Hawaii Five-0
• House
• Mythbusters

And on a side note, FOX has also canceled Human Target, Lie to Me, and two other shows (aside from Chicago Code). They canceled 5 prime-time shows on their own network that had solid followings. However, after the Firefly incident, we know that this is FOX at their finest.

With 4 good shows gone this year, and 7 more gone over the last two or three, I'm starting to get frustrated with certain networks. I'm now beginning to understand why people don't bother watching TV and just buy the series on DVD/Blu-Ray when they come out. It's a way to support the show and people involved without necessarily endorsing the network they're on.

Here's to hoping that the 2011 fall lineup (which DOES include a new Battlestar Galactica show called "Blood and Chrome") can add a few interesting shows back into the mix. If not, there's always the first half of 2012's season before the world explodes...