Nothing is more frustrating than getting totally absorbed in a brand-new series,only for that series to be canceled after just one season. Unfortunately, whether or not shows get axed is usually outside the staff’s control, with the decision typically boiling down to low ratings or other technical issues. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily alleviate the frustration of having a favorite show taken off the air.
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This is especially true when a show gets canceled after only its first season. It feels as though things are only just getting started, only for everything to get scrapped. Even with animation, fans can be left only imagining what fun, creative stories were forced to be left on the drawing board.
1ThunderCats
After the success of the popular 80s cartoon series,ThunderCatswas rebooted by Cartoon Network in 2011.While following the same basic premise and characters, the 2011ThunderCatsfollows a new storyline and is essentially a re-imagining of the original idea. In this series, the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra destroys the kingdom of Thundera, forcing the titular ThunderCats to roam the world in search of a way to defeat Mumm-Ra.
As opposed to the original, the 2011ThunderCatstakes on a much darker tone with its story, allowing a greater focus on themes and character development. Along with its updated anime-style visuals, the rebooted series was mostly positively received, even by fans of the original. Despite this,ThunderCatsnever got renewed for a second season, with most people citing the lack of merchandise sales and the show’s darker tone being the primary reasons.
2Sym-Bionic Titan
Despite coming from the creator of popular cartoons such asDexter’s LaboratoryandSamurai Jack, this creative sci-fi series never got the attention it likely deserved to earn a second season. Essentially a blend of robotic sci-fi and a high school movie,Sym-Bionic Titanfollows two teen aliens and a robot who are forced to flee their home planet when an evil general takes it over. They flee to Earth, where they must blend in as typical high school students.
Along with an original premise,Sym-Bionic Titanis quite fun, combining its action-adventure story with surprising small character moments that make the show stand out. While a second season was planned, Cartoon Network initially canceled it due to the lack of any toy line connecting to the show. It was later revealed, however, that the show was written off for financial reasons. Series creator Gene Tartakovsky has floated the idea of reviving the series, largely due to the first season’s cliffhanger. While exciting for fans, any new developments have yet to be announced.
3Beware the Batman
Despite having previous successful animated shows, things weren’t enough to give this classic iteration of the superhero character anything beyond one season. ReplacingBatman: The Brave and the Boldwhich had been airing for several years,Beware the Batmanfollows Bruce Wayne and his early years as Batman. Fighting crime with Batman is Alfred’s goddaughter and martial arts swordmaster Yatsu Yamashiro. Together, they fight several ofBatman’s classic adversaries, including Anarky, Ra’s al Ghul, and Killer Croc.
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Even with its popular character and positive reception,Beware the Batmanstopped airing after only a few months. No explanation was ever given by Cartoon Network as to why the show was abruptly pulled from the air, leading many to speculate about its cancelation. Cartoon Network later declared that the series was a financial failure, causing them to write off the show for financial reasons. Toonami later aired the final episodes in order to finish out the season, though the series never returned to Cartoon Network.
4Green Lantern: The Animated Series
Just like Batman,Green Lantern is another DC superherowhose series on Cartoon Network was short-lived. As the only television series dedicated to the character, the show follows Hal Jordan and his partner Kilowog as they travel to the edge of the Guardian Frontier in order to help hold off the invading Red Lantern Corps.
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When it premiered, the series was received positively, primarily for the quality of the story, character dynamics, and 3D animation. However, the show’s sudden cancelation had less to do with the series and more to do with otherGreen Lanternmedia. Premiering in 2011, the show’s release coincides with the 2011 live-action adaptation of theGreen Lanterncomics. That movie’s poor reception, along with poor toy sales, led toGreen Lantern’s end after one season.
5Elliott from Earth
A fairly recent series,Elliott from Earthfeatures most of the same production team fromthe popular seriesThe Amazing World of Gumballbut unfortunately didn’t share its same legacy. Its concept follows the eleven-year-old Elliott and his geologist mother who, after studying a rock that is actually alien technology, accidentally get transported to the other side of the universe. There they meet Mo, a talking Stegasaurus, and adjust to their new, alien environment.
While not having the same wild meta-humor thatGumballbecame known for,Elliott from Earthuses its creativity to flesh out its world, story, and characters. While never officially canceled, enough time has passed since the first season finale to at least leave fans worried. Along with the suspiciously long hiatus, series creator and showrunner Guillaume Cassuto parted ways with Cartoon Network a few months after the finale, and in 2022 the show was removed from HBO Max, along with several other Cartoon Network shows.
6Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart
LikeElliott from Earth,Mao Maohas been in limbo long enough for its cancelation to be all but confirmed. The show follows its titular hero Mao Mao, an egotistical, self-centered cat warrior who inadvertently becomes the sheriff of the childlike and innocent town of Pure Heart Valley after he damages the town’s only source of protection. There, together with his partner Badgerclops and his apprentice Adorabat, he fights off the various evil forces that threaten the citizens of Pure Heart Valley.
Featuring lots of action and clever humor,Mao Mao’s real draw is its protagonist, who in every way acts the opposite of how a typical kid’s show protagonist would. Mao Mao’s ego and frustration end up driving much of the conflict, and his contrast with the otherwise innocent setting provides a nice backdrop for its humor. Unfortunately,Mao Maois seemingly in the same boat asElliott from Earth. While technically renewed for a second season, several years have passed since its finale. This, along with the show’s removal from HBO Max and Cartoon Network’s social media has led fans to believe that the show was quietly canceled.
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