TV Shows That Went On For Way Too Long

It Turned Into A Travesty: 20 TV Shows That Went On For Way Too Long

Are you a TV series enthusiast who’s found yourself shaking your head and muttering, “Enough already!” while watching a show that just won’t seem to end? You’re not alone. Many fans have experienced the disappointment of witnessing their favorite shows spiral into prolonged mediocrity. We’ve compiled a list of 20 TV shows that overstayed their welcome, according to passionate viewers like yourself. From vampire dramas to workplace comedies, these series have one thing in common: they should have called it quits sooner.

1. Dexter

Dexter, a gripping series following a serial killer with a code, captivated audiences for years. However, as u/ Kivahoosier noted, “It could have ended at season four and gone down as a true classic.” The consensus seems to be that the show peaked early, with subsequent seasons failing to recapture the magic.

2. Glee

Glee, the musical dramedy that once stole hearts with its catchy tunes and relatable characters, lost its rhythm after the original cast graduated. According to fans, “Everything post-graduation was a train wreck.”

3. The Office

Despite its enduring popularity, The Office should have concluded with Michael Scott’s departure. As one fan confessed, “When Michael gets on the plane in The Office, I stop at that point.” For many, the departure of the beloved regional manager marked the end of an era.

4. Shameless

Shameless, a show known for its unapologetic portrayal of a dysfunctional family, overstayed its welcome for some viewers. While some enjoyed every season, others felt it “should have ended after season nine.”

5. Grey’s Anatomy

Once a medical drama juggernaut, Grey’s Anatomy has left some fans scratching their heads over its seemingly endless run. As one former fan lamented, “I have no idea how it’s still on.”

6. The Vampire Diaries

For fans of The Vampire Diaries, the allure of supernatural romance faded as the series progressed. “It became unwatchable to me somewhere around season four or five,” one viewer confessed.

7. Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time enchanted audiences with its imaginative retelling of classic fairy tales. However, the introduction of certain storylines left fans feeling disillusioned. “They shouldn’t have had that whole season where the kid became the adult who didn’t believe in fairy tales,” remarked one viewer.

8. X-Files

X-Files introduced audiences to a world of government conspiracies and extraterrestrial phenomena. While some appreciated the post-Mulder seasons, others felt the show lost its way after his departure.

9. Supernatural

A cult favorite among supernatural enthusiasts, Supernatural divided fans with its extended run. “It turned into a travesty,” one viewer remarked, highlighting a common sentiment among those who felt the series should have concluded earlier.

10. Weeds

Weeds, a dark comedy following a suburban widow turned marijuana dealer, struggled to maintain its initial momentum. As one viewer put it, “It got pretty dumb after the first couple of seasons.”

11. The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead gripped audiences with its gritty portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. However, the show’s quality began to wane in later seasons, with “almost all of the original stars” departing before its eventual conclusion.

12. Bones

Bones, a forensic crime drama, faced criticism for its increasingly implausible storylines. While some enjoyed the final season, others felt the series had strayed too far from its roots.

13. Castle

Castle, a crime procedural with a touch of romance, left some fans disillusioned with its later seasons. “It should have stopped entirely at seven,” one viewer opined.

14. The Simpsons

The Simpsons, a beloved animated sitcom, has faced criticism in recent years for its declining quality. As one fan bluntly put it, “Voice actors dying, characters written off, storylines stagnating. Give up already.”

15. 13 Reasons Why

Controversial from the start, 13 Reasons Why attracted both praise and condemnation for its depiction of sensitive topics. However, many felt the story should have concluded after its initial season.

16. Californication

Californication, a dark comedy exploring the life of a troubled writer, struggled to maintain its edge in later seasons. Fans lamented the show’s deviation from its original premise.

17. The 100

The 100, a dystopian drama set in a post-apocalyptic world, faced criticism for its narrative direction in later seasons. Many felt the series should have concluded earlier to preserve its legacy.

18. Smallville

Smallville, a superhero origin story centered on Clark Kent’s formative years, overstayed its welcome for some fans. Despite its initial success, the show’s later seasons failed to recapture the magic of its earlier years.

19. Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Sabrina the Teenage Witch underwent significant changes in its later seasons, leading to a decline in quality. Fans lamented the absence of key characters and the show’s departure from its original charm.

20. Friends

Yes, even Friends, the iconic sitcom that defined a generation, isn’t immune to criticism. While many adore its witty banter and endearing characters, some argue that it should have wrapped up before it started to feel stale. As one viewer put it, “It’s like they were just dragging it on for the sake of it.” Whether you’re Team Ross or Team Rachel, it’s hard to deny that even the best of shows can overstay their welcome.

In conclusion, these 20 TV shows serve as cautionary tales of the perils of overstaying one’s welcome. While some managed to maintain their quality throughout their run, others faltered under the weight of prolonged storytelling. As viewers, it’s essential to recognize when a series has reached its natural conclusion, lest it tarnish the legacy it worked so hard to build.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com