5 TV Shows That Underwent Ridiculous Overhauls
But here's where it gets controversial...
TV shows often don't start out perfect. Even classics like The Simpsons and Friends had to find their footing. Sometimes, network executives step in and instigate a full refresh, which can be the spark shows need to become hits. However, these attempts can also make a bad show even worse. Here are five of the most shocking examples of TV shows that underwent ridiculous overhauls.
'Nichols': This short-lived Western series starred James Garner as Sheriff Frank Nichols. The show was set in 1914 and featured a 'Superman' star, Margot Kidder, as a supporting character. In the finale, Garner's sheriff is gunned down, only for his identical twin to show up and attempt to avenge his brother's death. This twist seemed to set up a new season, but the show was canceled after one season.
'Baywatch Nights': A spin-off of the popular series Baywatch, this show starred David Hasselhoff and Angie Harmon. When season 2 arrived, the producers turned it into an 'X-Files' rip-off, with Hasselhoff's character investigating supernatural events. This ill-advised attempt at emulating the success of The X-Files did not work, and the show was canceled after two seasons.
'Til Death': This sitcom aired on Fox from 2006 to 2010 and was almost unrecognizable by the end. The show focused on a married couple, Eddie and Joy Stark, and their newlywed neighbors, Jeff and Steph Woodcock. In the fourth and final season, the writers gave up, transforming the show into a surrealist dream. The main character's daughter, Ally, was played by four different actors in the final season, leading to a parade of actors playing her boyfriend/husband, Doug Von Stuessen.
'seaQuest DSV': This sci-fi drama started out as a realistic show with a focus on oceanographic research. However, in season 2, the show became a fantastical sci-fi series with sea monsters and time travel. The ratings didn't change, but the show's quality did, with the actor Roy Schneider calling it 'total, total childish trash'.
'Superboy/The Adventures of Superboy': This DC superhero show underwent a mid-series reinvention, with the stars investigating paranormal and supernatural activity. The show moved from being set at a university to The Bureau for Extra-Normal Matters, and the tone and look became darker. The reinvention seemed to work, as the show ran for two seasons before being canceled.
These shows demonstrate how a full refresh can sometimes be the spark shows need to become hits, but it can also lead to some of the most hilarious and unbelievable events in TV history. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with these overhauls? Let us know in the comments!
