When a new television show is released, it can be difficult to know whether it will become a hit or be quickly forgotten. However, there are some shows that were lucky enough to make it past their first season and become popular hits. This blog post will explore 10 of these shows that just barely made it past their first season and turned into long-running successes. From classic sitcoms to thrilling dramas, these 10 TV shows are proof that sometimes, even the underdog can succeed.

1) Firefly

Joss Whedon’s cult classic space-western aired for only one season in 2002, but has remained a fan favorite since. Despite its cancellation, it spawned a movie and a renewed interest in the characters and their stories. Many consider Firefly a classic, despite its short run. Even if you haven’t seen the show, you’re likely to be familiar with some of its most famous quotes or beloved characters.

2) Buffy the Vampire Slayer

This cult classic TV show was created by Joss Whedon and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar. It debuted in 1997 and ran for seven seasons. The show featured the story of Buffy, a young girl with supernatural powers, who is responsible for defending her hometown from evil forces. Despite initial low ratings, it quickly gained a devoted fan following, which eventually made it a success.

3) Angel

This supernatural drama was created as a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and follows vampire-with-a-soul Angel, played by David Boreanaz, as he attempts to redeem himself for past sins. Initially met with mixed reviews, Angel eventually found its footing and was lucky to get renewed for a second season.

4) Friday Night Lights

This show initially premiered in 2004 and followed the survivors of a plane crash who were stranded on a mysterious island. It gained a huge fanbase for its compelling storylines and ensemble cast, eventually becoming one of the most beloved shows of all time. Despite low ratings in its first season, the show was renewed for a second season and ended up running for six seasons before concluding in 2010.

5) Lost

This sci-fi drama focused on the survivors of a plane crash who found themselves stranded on a mysterious tropical island. Although critically acclaimed, the show was in danger of being cancelled after its first season due to low ratings. However, a fan campaign and strong DVD sales managed to keep the show alive for six more seasons.

6) The Office

This popular American comedy series was a surprise hit, becoming the highest-rated show on NBC in its first season. With its unique mockumentary style of filming and quirky characters, it quickly became a fan favorite. However, the show only narrowly made it past its first season due to low ratings. It was only after the DVD release that the show gained more popularity and became the success we know today.

7) Parks and Recreation

This beloved sitcom follows the adventures of Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat who loves her hometown of Pawnee, Indiana and works tirelessly to make it a better place. The show was almost cancelled after its first season, but due to positive reviews and strong ratings, it was renewed for another season.

8) Game of Thrones

The fantasy drama series premiered in 2011 and quickly became a fan favorite. Despite the uncertain future, the show made it through the first season and became a beloved pop culture phenomenon. With its complex characters, thrilling storylines, and spectacular visual effects, the show has become one of the most popular television series of all time.

9) Breaking Bad

The crime drama series Breaking Bad aired its first season in 2008 and was one of the lucky few that made it past their first season. The show stars Bryan Cranston as Walter White, a struggling high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime in order to secure his family’s financial future. Breaking Bad became an instant hit and is still remembered fondly by viewers today.

10) Mad Men

The iconic AMC series Mad Men was created by Matthew Weiner and premiered in 2007. Despite its mixed reception, the show’s story of a 1960s New York advertising agency and its charismatic lead, Don Draper, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. After just one season, the show was picked up for a second, and went on to run for seven total seasons.