‘80s One-Season Wonders: TV Shows That Lasted One Season

We had some of the best television shows of all time come out in the 1980s. Because of that, some of the TV shows didn’t make it. For every smash hit that lasted years, like “Family Ties,” there were shows that started with such high hopes but disappeared from primetime just one season later. The reason is unknown, but we take a look back at some memorable ‘80s TV shows that lasted just one season.

1. ‘Police Squad!’ (1982)

Before “The Naked Gun” became a comedy franchise, there was “Police Squad!” This was a short-lived spoof of crime dramas. 

“Police Squad!” starred Leslie Nielsen. The show gave viewers rapid-fire visual gags and absurd humor. Yes, the show got critical praise, but it was still cancelled after only six episodes.

While the TV show was cancelled, it did allow for “The Naked Gun” franchise to be made.

2. ‘Square Pegs’ (1982–1983)

Before “Sex and the City,” Sarah Jessica Parker had “Square Pegs.” This was a show about two high school outsiders looking to climb the social ladder.

The show was able to capture the awkwardness of your teenage years with sharp wit and authenticity. The show did gain a loyal following, but the scheduling was inconsistent. Viewers didn’t know when it would be on, and this was before DVRs could record it whenever it aired.

“Square Pegs” was cancelled after just one season. Today, it’s remembered as a cult favorite that perfectly captured early ‘80s teen culture.

3. ‘Finder of Lost Loves’ (1984)

“Finder of Lost Loves” was about a widowed radio psychologist who used his skills to reunite estranged loved ones. The show blended romance and drama, and it gave viewers a weekly story about second chances.

“Finder of First Loves” featured recognizable guest stars, but it wasn’t enough to gain viewers. It was cancelled after one season.

4. ‘The Charmings’ (1987–1988)

Snow White and Prince Charming are trying to adjust to modern suburban life? Yeah, that was the premise of this fantasy sitcom, “The Charmings.”

While this fish-out-of-water concept was different and creative, the show struggled to maintain viewership. It was cancelled after one season, but people do remember it for being one of the more unique, high-concept sitcoms of the late ‘80s.

5. ‘Probe’ (1988)

“Probe” followed a smart but quirky inventor who used creativity and reasoning to solve crimes. The series, which starred Parker Stevenson, was a little ahead of its time in the way it combined mystery with science. Regretfully, it failed to attract a consistent viewership and was canceled after just one season.

6. ‘Werewolf’ (1987–1988)

“Werewolf,” a dark drama about a man cursed to transform under a full moon while looking for the creature that bit him, is still discussed among horror lovers. 

The show definitely gained a cult following, but it had trouble getting support from the network. The schedule was being adjusted, so fans were all over the place. For horror fans, the one season of “Werewolf” is still a nostalgic favorite.

Now every series needs years on the air to make an impression. What are your favorite ‘80s one-season wonders?

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