It’s hard to believe that some of the most beloved TV shows were almost never made. When networks are presented with a program idea, it isn’t always clear on what will be a hit and what will be a flop.
Some television programs are canceled after their first season and some are even canceled right after the pilot airs due to how few people tune in to watch. Once rejected shows have stood the test of time and proved their rejectors wrong with the amount of popularity they drew in.
10 No Networks Would Accept Stranger Things
The hit Netflix original Stranger Things has a massive fanbase and a fourth season is to be released sometime next year. The show, however, didn’t always have so many fans. In fact, Stranger Things almost wasn’t a show at all.
The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, were rejected by roughly 20 different networks when they pitched the idea. Networks reportedly weren’t amused at a kids sci-fi television series that also was marketed towards adults. They couldn’t be more wrong and Stranger Things continues to be one of the most-watched Netflix originals.
9 The Walking Dead Had Too Much Violence
The Walking Dead was turned down by two networks, HBO and NBC, before finding its home on AMC. The networks were apparently turned off by the amount of violence and gore, which is surprising considering the amount of violence and gore that is in every HBO show ever.
Networks were also unsure about translating The Walking Dead comics onto the big screen since they weren’t made by Marvel or DC. The Walking Dead has declined in popularity, but is currently on its eleventh and last season.
8 The First Draft Of The Sopranos Was Rejected
The Sopranos is a crime drama television show that revolves around the life of Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini. The role was almost played by Ray Liotta, but he rejected it. The Sopranos aired from 1999 to 2007 on HBO.
Before being one of the first successful shows on HBO, the first draft was denied by many networks. One of the reasons is that the first draft simply didn’t have enough violence in it. Another reason is that NBC couldn’t agree with the idea of the Tony going to therapy.
7 Breaking Bad Was Also Rejected By HBO
Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston as Walter White and was first released on AMC in 2008. Breaking Bad was rejected by several networks before that, including both HBO and FX, a decision they would later regret. FX bought Breaking Bad, but then changed their minds. TNT wanted so badly to take on the show, but ended up passing. Breaking Bad had a successful run of five seasons and the series is currently available to watch on Netflix.
6 Adventure Time Was Rejected By Nickelodeon TWICE
Adventure Time is an animated fantasy series that aired from 2010 to 2018. An animated short was created by Pendleton Ward for Nicktoons back in 2008, so fans would think that would mean guaranteed success with the network, right? Wrong.
Nickelodeon rejected Adventure Time not once, but twice. The network claimed the series was too “weird” for them, so it was picked up by Cartoon Network. Adventure Time went on to be a huge hit and one of Cartoon Network’s most popular shows.
5 Mad Men Was Also Rejected By HBO
Mad Men is a period drama television series set in the 1960s. Mad Men aired seven seasons between 2007 and 2015 on AMC, but was rejected by both HBO and Showtime. It seems to be a common theme that HBO rejects the pitch of a show and AMC picks up the scraps and makes it into a huge hit. Funny enough, HBO CEO Richard Plepler was reportedly a frequent viewer of the show and enjoyed it. He probably regrets not picking Mad Men up now.
4 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Was Rejected By ABC
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation had a hugely successful run from 2000 to 2015. CSI found its home on CBS, but only after ABC rejected the series in 1999 for being “too confusing for the average viewer.” However, audiences were definitely intrigued by the cases featured on this show. CSI follows a team of forensic investigators in Las Vegas and viewers see how different forensic science technologies work. Since the original’s release, there have been several CSI spinoff series.
3 The Big Bang Theory Got A Second Chance
The original pilot of The Big Bang Theory was reportedly so bad that even co-creator Chuck Lorre thought it was a disaster. After viewing the pilot, CBS rejected TBBT, but ultimately gave Lorre another chance. The production team changed some characters around and the series went on to be a success. The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019 after a whopping 12 seasons. Young Sheldon is a prequel set when the main character of Sheldon Cooper is just 9-years-old.
2 Audiences Weren’t Too Thrilled With Friends At First
It’s hard to believe that one of America’s most recognizable and beloved sitcoms almost didn’t make it on-air. Friends‘ pilot episode apparently performed so badly with the test audience, that production could have been halted.
Audience members considered the show “unentertaining.” David Crane, co-creator of Friends, reflected on how networks wished there was an older character in the show in order to persuade more viewers to watch. Friends‘ cast recently got together for a reunion that is watchable on HBO Max.
1 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Found Its Home On Netflix
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt first aired on Netflix in 2015 and ran for four seasons until 2019. The show was created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. ABC reportedly rejected the show before debuting on Netflix. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt had a successful run and is known for its unique comedic aspects. An interactive special was even released on Netflix that allowed viewers to choose different endings for the series.
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