82 Cancelled or Ending Television Shows for the 2010-2011 Season
I will be sad to see Smallville, Brothers & Sisters, Entourage and the Chicago Code go but there are quite a few shows on the rise. Hit the jump below to see the full list of shows either being cancelled or ending.
Has your favorite TV show been cancelled? Here’s a list of television series that won’t be back for the 2011–2012 TV season. If your favorite is on the list, you have our condolences.
This list encompasses shows that have been cancelled so far, covering those that get the ax between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. In some cases, the last episode of a show aired months earlier but the network didn’t get around to canceling the series until later. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, try the 2008–2009 page, the 2009–2010 listings, or maybe you’ve gotten lucky!
Now, let’s bow our heads and remember these fallen series…
18 to Life (The CW)
A comedic series, about a pair of teens who get married on a dare, didn’t register with US viewers. It was renewed in Canada for a second season but has now been cancelled there as well.
100 Questions (NBC)
This sitcom went through a lot of changes before it got to the small screen and was postponed until after the regular season. The ratings were terrible so it was cancelled after six episodes. The last one aired on July 1, 2010. We never saw Charlotte Payne find her match.
All My Children (ABC)
A staple of the ABC daytime schedule since 1970, the network has decided to pull the plug. The last episode will air in September 2011.
America’s Next Great Restaurant (NBC) NEW
This reality series stumbled right out of the gate so it’s no surprise that it won’t be back next season.
As the World Turns (CBS)
This venerable soap opera was incredibly popular in its day but has been struggling for years now. After 54 years on the air, viewers have had to say goodbye to the residents of Oakdale. The last episode aired on September 17, 2010.
At the Movies (syndicated)
Movie critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert began this TV show in 1986 under the title Siskel & Ebert & the Movies. The title changed several times over the years. Siskel died in 1999 and Ebert had to step away during his battle with throat cancer in 2006. Other hosts replaced them but couldn’t recapture the magic of the original sparring critics. It was cancelled and the last episode aired on August 14, 2010. Ebert later announced that he and his wife had plans for their own version of the series. That started airing in early 2011.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Cartoon Network)
This animated series teams the caped crusader with lesser-known heroes and often pays homage to the Adam West TV show from the 1960s.
Better with You (ABC)
Sandwiched between The Middle and Modern Family, this freshman sitcom just didn’t measure up. It’s now been canceled after one season.
Big Love (HBO)
The series about a Utah man and his wives comes to a close after five seasons on the air. The last episode aired on March 20, 2011.
Boston Med (ABC) NEW
A docu-drama medical show that follows the lives and cases of real-life doctors in Beantown. Though the network didn’t describe it as such initially, a representative has confirmed that this is a limited series and there won’t be a second season. The final episode aired on August 12, 2010.
Breaking In (FOX) NEW
After starring in two short-lived dramas on NBC and ABC, Christian Slater decided to try a sitcom on FOX. Though many liked the series, it’s now been cancelled too.
Breakthrough with Tony Robbins (NBC)
A feel-good show in which motivational speaker Tony Robbins works with troubled families on a personal level didn’t connect with viewers. NBC cancelled the summer series after two episodes. The remaining four installments were released online.
The Bridge (CBS)
This is a Canadian TV show that follows a cop who’s elected to head the police union. While it’s popular enough in Canada to be renewed for a second season, CBS buried it on Saturday nights and, not surprisingly, it didn’t find an audience in the US. CBS cancelled it after three episodes.
Brothers & Sisters (ABC) NEW
The family drama was on the bubble last season but was ultimately renewed. The ratings dropped this season so it won’t be coming back for season six.
The Cape (NBC)
This superhero series started out okay but the ratings dropped very quickly. NBC cut the season order to 10 installments and released the final episode online only. The upcoming DVD release confirms what we already know, it’s been canceled.
Caprica (Syfy)
The Battlestar Galactica prequel didn’t bring many viewers so it was cancelled after one season. The final five episodes aired in a marathon in January. On the positive side, another prequel is in the works and will be more similar in tone to BSG.
Chase (NBC) NEW
This action series didn’t catch on on Monday nights and did worse on Wednesdays. Thankfully, NBC decided to air the remaining episodes on Saturday nights so fans could see the whole season.
The Chicago Code (FOX) NEW
A cop drama from Shawn Ryan, this series just never caught on with a big audience. The network decided to can it after one season and 13 episodes.
Countdown with Keith Olbermann (MSNBC)
The news commentator announced on-air in January that the show was ending and he was leaving the cable channel. It’s believed that this came about as a result of Olbermann being suspended a couple months earlier for making contributions to three Democrat campaigns, a violation of company policy. He later became the Chief News Officer for Current TV.
Dark Blue (TNT)
A cop drama, which stars Dylan McDermott as the leader of an undercover unit, wasn’t much of a success in season one but the cable channel still renewed it. The ratings got lower in season two so TNT cancelled it. The last two episodes aired on September 15, 2010.
Dating in the Dark (ABC) NEW
This reality series ran for two seasons and tried to answer the age-old question “is love blind?” by letting some men and women get to know each other in the dark. Once the lights are turned on, will they feel the same way about one another? There are 12 episodes and the last ran on September 13, 2010.
Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC) NEW
This gritty cop show just never caught on though many felt it was the best new series of the season. It won’t be coming back.
Downfall (ABC) NEW
Hosted by Chris Jericho, this game show takes place on top of a building and puts a contestant’s potential earnings on a conveyer belt. If they don’t answer correctly or fast enough, they and their prizes are sent hurling off the building to the streets below. All five produced episodes aired.
Entourage (HBO)
A comedy-drama that follows the acting career of Vincent Chase and his boyhood friends from Queens, NY. The pay-for-view cable channel has announced that season eight will be the TV show’s last. The final batch of episodes are expected to air in Summer 2011.
The Event (NBC)
A part of NBC’s troubled Monday night line-up, this serial drama began decently but kept losing viewers nearly every week.
Friday Night Lights (DirecTV’s Channel 101, NBC)
Centered around high school football in Dillon, Texas, it’s been announced that the critically-acclaimed (but ratings-challenged) television series is ending after five seasons on the air.
The Gates (ABC)
The summer serial revolves around a gated community that’s populated by people with supernatural secrets. Though vampires and magic are very popular with viewers, this one didn’t catch on. It won’t be back for a second season.
Glory Daze (TBS)
A sitcom about a bunch of college guys in the 1980s didn’t catch on with audiences. The show’s life has been cut short after one season and 10 episodes.
The Good Guys (FOX)
Though it has some passionate fans, this FOX series could never attract a very big audience. The network has decided to discontinue it and all 20 episodes have aired.
Gravity (Starz)
A comedic and dramatic look at an out-patient program for suicide survivors, this television program never found a large audience. It was cancelled after 10 episodes with the last one airing on June 25, 2010.
Greek (ABC Family)
This college-based series was barely renewed for season four because of a decline in ratings. Season four gave the producers enough time to create a true series finale which aired in March.
Hannah Montana (Disney Channel)
Miley Cyrus decided to call it quits and to move on after four seasons. The final episode aired January 16, 2011.
Huge (ABC Family)
Nikki Blonsky stars in this drama about a summer weight-loss camp called Camp Victory. The series didn’t get enough viewers for the cable channel so it was dropped after just 10 episodes. The series finale ran on August 30, 2010.
Human Target (FOX) NEW
Christopher Chance has survived all kinds of dangerous situations but couldn’t survive the ratings game. The action TV series has been cancelled after two seasons.
I’m in the Band (Disney XD)
This sitcom about a boy band won’t be back for a third season. The remaining season two episodes will air throughout the rest of this year.
In Treatment (HBO)
The Gabriel Byrne series has come to a close after three seasons but HBO has indicated that they’re interested in continuing it in another form.
JONAS LA (Disney Channel)
The trio of Jonas brothers may still be popular with the pre-teens but their TV show never caught on. It began as JONAS with the boys attending school on the East coast. The moved west and the show’s title changed but the ratings didn’t get better. No season three.
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo)
The reality show’s been a part of Bravo’s schedule since 2005. Griffin will continue doing specials for the cable channel.
Larry King Live (CNN)
In June 2010, venerable interviewer Larry King announced that he would be leaving the grind of hosting his own nightly show after more than 25 years. His program was replaced by one hosted by British television personality and journalist Piers Morgan.
Last Comic Standing (NBC)
This reality series was cancelled by NBC in 2008 and then revived for 2010. It may rise again someday but not for next season.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (USA)
Vincent D’Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe return for this venerable crime drama’s final season of eight episodes.
Law & Order: Los Angeles (NBC) NEW
Dick Wolf has had a long and successful relationship with NBC but that wasn’t enough to save this latest series in the Law & Order franchise.
Lie to Me (FOX) NEW
The series about the ultra-observant Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) and his team has come to a close after three seasons on the air.
Losing It with Jillian (NBC) NEW
Starring one of the trainers from The Biggest Loser, this weight-loss series ran for one season of eight episodes. The finale aired on July 20, 2010.
Life Unexpected (The CW)
The network renewed the show after one season of mediocre ratings and they got worse in season two. The CW later opted not to order a full season of episodes. While the network hasn’t officially called it cancelled, the series creator has confirmed that the show’s indeed over.
Lights Out (FX)
This drama about a former boxer going through tough times didn’t catch on with many viewers. After a poor premiere, the ratings dropped even lower. It was cancelled after just one season.
Live to Dance (CBS)
Paula Abdul may have been an integral part of the early days of American Idol but her name value couldn’t help this reality series. It won’t be back for season two.
Lone Star (FOX)
The critics and some viewers loved it but Lone Star never found an audience. Revolving around a con man who has a conscience, FOX pulled it after two nights of disastrously bad ratings. There are four episodes left unaired.
Medium (CBS)
The network saved the show when NBC cancelled it after five seasons. It performed decently on Friday nights last season but, this year, the ratings have taken a serious hit. CBS cut the season order to 13 installments and that was the end of it.
Mr. Sunshine (ABC) NEW
Despite a great cast, this sitcom wasn’t nearly as popular as the show it replaced, Cougar Town. ABC decided they had had enough and have cancelled it.
My Boys (TBS)
Revolving around a female sports writer in Chicago, this sitcom ran for 49 episodes and four seasons. TBS cancelled it so we’ll likely never find out how the story of PJ and her friends comes to a close.
My Generation (ABC)
A new drama that follows a group of high school students some 10 years after they graduated. The series stumbled out of the gate and ABC pulled it after two episodes had aired. The remaining six have been released online.
No Ordinary Family (ABC) NEW
This series about a family that gains super powers had an interesting concept but many felt it just never took flight. Despite a cliffhanger ending, there won’t be a second season.
No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (HBO)
Produced in conjunction with the BBC, this series follows a small detective agency in Botswana, run by Mma Ramotswe. The show is finished as a TV series after seven installments but may return as a pair of movies.
Off the Map (ABC) NEW
A medical drama about young doctors in the jungle just got lost and and never established a large audience.
One Life to Live (ABC)
The network has decided to cancel the venerable soap opera after nearly 44 years on the air. The last episode will air in January 2012.
The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated)
The queen of daytime talk is stepping down and will launch new programming on the new OWN cable channel in Fall 2011. The final episode of Winfrey’s syndicated show will air on May 25, 2011 but the series will continue to air in repeats until September.
Outlaw (NBC)
Jimmy Smits has had some good luck and some bad luck on TV. Unfortunately, this drama about a former Supreme Court Justice was ignored by most viewers. NBC cancelled it after four episodes had aired. The remaining four installments were shifted to Saturday nights.
Outsourced (NBC) NEW
This controversial sitcom started out fairly well but the ratings kept declining over the season. It won’t be back.
Party Down (Starz)
Following a group of aspiring writers, actors and misfits as they work as a catering team, this series ran for two seasons and 20 episodes. The last episode, which was hardly watched, ran on June 25, 2010.
The Paul Reiser Show (NBC) NEW
This Curb Your Enthusiasm-like sitcom had a really bad debut in the ratings — believed to be the worst in NBC’s history. Week two was even worse so the peacock network pulled it off the air.
Perfect Couples (NBC) NEW
A sitcom about relationships, this series attracted a devout group of viewers but ultimately there weren’t enough of them to keep the show on the air.
Persons Unknown (NBC)
A group of strangers find themselves trapped in small town and are under constant scrutiny of security cameras. The show tanked in the ratings on Monday nights and was shuffled off to Saturdays, the TV graveyard. NBC promoted it as a self-contained series but plenty of things were left unresolved by the end. The finale aired on August 28, 2010.
Rubicon (AMC)
A conspiracy thriller that takes place in a government intelligence agency was highly praised but not highly watched. The 13th and final episode aired on October 17th.
Running Wilde (FOX)
Though there was some significant talent behind this sitcom, it just never caught on. FOX didn’t even get around to airing all of the episodes.
School Pride (NBC) NEW
A reality show about communities coming together to improve schools was a noble concept but ultimately not many people wanted to watch.
Scoundrels (ABC)
Airing over the summer, this TV show performed even worse than its sister show, The Gates. All seven episodes have aired and there won’t be any more.
Shaq Vs (ABC) NEW
This reality series pits the star athlete against other stars in their own fields of expertise. It ran for two seasons and 10 episodes but is now done.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl (Showtime) NEW
Star and executive producer Billie Piper signed a deal for the fourth and final season of this UK series. They’ll begin airing on Showtime on April 7th.
Skating with the Stars (ABC)
Essentially an on-ice version of Dancing with the Stars, this reality series was not a hit in the ratings and won’t be back for season two.
Smallville (The CW)
After 10 seasons, it looks like Clark Kent will finally become Superman. Will we get to see the man of steel slip on the familiar blue and red tights before the end? We’ll have to wait and see.
Stargate Universe (Syfy)
The most recent member of the Stargate franchise hasn’t attracted as many fans as the previous series. Syfy has cancelled the show and all of the episodes have now aired. Producers and MGM are looking at possible ways to continue the series in some way.
The Suite Life on Deck (Disney) NEW
After two series, it looks like Mr. Moseby is finally getting a rest. Mr. Tipton sells the ship and Cody, Zack, London, Bailey, and Woody graduate.
Supernanny (ABC)
Nanny Jo Frost announced that she wanted to end the series so that she can start a family of her own. The finale aired on March 18, 2011.
Terriers (FX)
Though many viewers and critics loved it, this series never caught on in a big way. FX aired all 13 episodes but there won’t be any more.
Traffic Light (FOX) NEW
This sitcom got poor ratings right out of the gate and they went lowers as the weeks went on. FOX has cancelled it after 13 episodes and one season.
True Beauty (ABC) NEW
Contestants on this reality show believe that they’re competing in a contest of external appearance and talents but they’re actually being judged on their inner beauty. It lasted 16 episodes and two seasons.
Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (TBS) NEW
This sitcom revolves around the Payne family who live in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. With 222 episodes, it’s the second-longest running US sitcom with an African-American cast (behind The Jeffersons).
Undercovers (NBC)
An action-comedy series that revolves around a husband and wife spy duo never really got off the ground. The peacock network has decided against ordering anymore episodes, effectively cancelling the TV show.
V (ABC) NEW
The alphabet network renewed the serial despite lackluster ratings. Season two did even worse so the cancelled it. Sorry Visitors!
The Whole Truth (ABC)
This legal series starring Rob Morrow and Maura Tierney had lousy premiere numbers and the ratings seemed to sink lower every week. It’s not known if the network will get around to airing all of the episodes.
Working Class (CMT)
The cable channel’s first sitcom had a great start but the ratings dropped too low for it to get renewed. The last episode aired on April 1st.