Cut down in their prime

Four visionary TV series that deserved better fates

KARACHI:

In the world of television, few things are as bittersweet as a beloved show being abruptly cancelled before its time. The heartbreak of unresolved storylines, unfulfilled character arcs, and a fanbase left craving more is a pain that any true TV aficionado has experienced. While we may never fully heal from the loss of classics like Firefly or The OA, we can at least find solace in the fact that we're not alone in our grief.

In Pakistan, where TV viewership and fandom rival that of any Western market, the premature end of several seminal series has left a gaping hole that has yet to be filled. From the tragic demise of a groundbreaking coming-of-age tale to the abrupt termination of a beloved superhero cartoon, these are the shows that deserved so much more.

'Anne with an E'

When Netflix's Anne with an E premiered in 2017, it felt like a breath of fresh air in the often stale landscape of YA adaptations. Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables, the series followed the adventures of its titular redheaded orphan as she navigated life in the early 20th-century Canadian town of Avonlea.

With its lush visuals, impeccable performances, and a willingness to tackle weighty topics like trauma, identity, and social justice, Anne with an E quickly gained a devoted following, particularly among Pakistani viewers who saw their own stories and struggles reflected in Anne's experiences as an outsider.

The show's celebration of women's empowerment, its nuanced exploration of mental health, and its overall spirit of optimism and resilience resonated deeply with audiences in a country where women's rights and mental wellbeing are often overlooked. Alas, despite critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase, Netflix pulled the plug on Anne with an E after just three seasons, leaving fans bereft and heartbroken.

'Freaks and Geeks'

In the annals of TV history, few shows have achieved the cult status of Freaks and Geeks. Created by Paul Feig and produced by Judd Apatow, the series was a poignant, painfully accurate depiction of high school life in the early 1980s. Despite its wholly American premise and lacking the diversity that's more common now, the show was a delight with an appealing emotional breadth nonetheless.

With its ensemble cast of talented then-newcomers, including Linda Cardellini, James Franco, and Seth Rogen, Freaks and Geeks offered a refreshingly honest and empathetic portrayal of the social hierarchies, familial tensions, and personal struggles faced by teenagers. The 1999 TV series was discovered by most of its Pakistani viewers only years after it had its brief run as streaming gained popularity.

Suffice it to say, its cancellation after just one season put a damper on an otherwise creative glimpse into the universal challenges of adolescence. From the pressure to conform to the desire to find one's own path, the show's characters and storylines strike a deep chord even today.

'Teen Titans'

In the early 2000s, the Teen Titans animated series captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers around the world, including in Pakistan. Featuring a team of young superheroes - including the iconic Robin, Starfire, Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy - the show blended action-packed superhero adventures with relatable stories of friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of growing up.

What set the original Teen Titans series apart was its ability to balance high-stakes superhero battles with endearing character-driven narratives. Young Pakistani audiences, in particular, gravitated towards the show's diverse ensemble cast, the exploration of themes like identity and self-discovery, and the overall sense of camaraderie and found family among the Titans.

Sadly, the series was unceremoniously cancelled after just five seasons, leaving fans devastated and robbing them of the opportunity to see the Titans' stories reach a satisfying conclusion. The loss was particularly keenly felt in Pakistan, where the show had amassed a passionate following and become a beloved part of the cultural zeitgeist.

'Derry Girls'

In 2018, the world was introduced to the chaotic yet charming lives of the students at a Catholic secondary school in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the hit sitcom Derry Girls. Created by Lisa McGee, the series followed the misadventures of a tight-knit group of friends navigating the social and political upheaval of 1990s Northern Ireland, all while comically struggling with the usual host of teenage issues.

What made Derry Girls resonate so deeply with Pakistani audiences was its unapologetic celebration of female friendship and its willingness to tackle weighty issues like sectarian violence and political unrest with humour and empathy. The show's diverse ensemble cast, led by the inimitable Saoirse-Monica Jackson, offered a refreshing antidote to the often one-dimensional portrayals of young women in mainstream media.

Despite critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase, Derry Girls was discontinued by its home network, Channel 4, after just four seasons. While a promising conclusion, to many it marked a premature end of the beloved series.