‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ & More of the Most Painful Cancellations of the 2020-2021 TV Season
As another TV season comes to an end, so do some of our favorite shows for good.
The 2020-2021 season was no exception, with the ax coming down for freshman and established series alike. For some, the news came far enough in advance that there were proper farewells (like for NCIS: New Orleans and Mom). For others, what makes it so tough that the shows won’t be back is that they ended on such a major cliffhanger that we need to see what’s next (like Prodigal Son and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist).
Below, we’ve listed the cancellations that hurt the hardest at the end of the 2020-2021 season. (And with a few shows’ fates still up in the air, check back to see if any others are added.) Which cancellation hurt you the most? Vote in our poll below.
Debris
By the time we got to the finale of Debris, it felt like the show was just beginning with all the mysteries set up as we were left with questions about Bryan (Jonathan Tucker), Finola (Riann Steele) — or at least a version of her, her father George (Tyrone Benskin) after his true loyalties were revealed, and so much about Otto (John Noble), except exactly what he did in the gas station. It doesn’t even feel like a wrap-up movie would be enough to address everything; if ever a show needed a second season, it’s this one.
MacGyver
When it comes to series finales that left too much unresolved, MacGyver definitely fits that bill. While the last episode wrapped up a major problem for the Phoenix Foundation (the nanobots in Lucas Till’s Mac and Tristin Mays’ Riley ), it left quite a bit hanging, including with the central love triangle (Mac had just moved in with Levy Tran’s Desi but shared all the emotional moments with Riley). If ever it felt like there was a need for at least a wrap-up movie or one last episode — either could sufficiently provide at least a bit of closure — it’s with this CBS drama.
Mom
Mom had heart, humor, and heartbreak, all rolled up in a half-hour package each week. With an amazing cast, powerful writing, and touching moments amidst the comedy, the CBS series did a great job of taking a look at the characters (and their flaws) in Alcoholics Anonymous.
NCIS: New Orleans
Sure, there are still two NCIS series on air and a third coming next year, but New Orleans is the one that celebrated the music of its location and that has made it stand out over the years. The team’s office and Pride’s (Scott Bakula) bar being embedded in the city kept it unique from other procedurals.
Prodigal Son
The Fox thriller hooked us for two seasons of profiler Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne), consulting for the NYPD, and his serial killer father Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen), locked away in Claremont Psychiatric, and it ended with a wild cliffhanger: Malcolm stabbing — and possibly killing — his dad in self-defense. Admittedly, this cancellation hurt even before the finale aired; the cast and writing were just too good to bid adieu to so soon.
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist
If ever we’d be singing a heart song to express just how bummed we are about a cancellation, it’s for this one. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist was the musical dramedy we never knew we needed, filled with heartfelt moments, fantastic performances, and a unique concept. And after the finale ended with Max (Skylar Astin) suddenly seemingly having his (again) girlfriend Zoey’s (Jane Levy) ability to hear people’s inner thoughts in song (or just hers?), how can we not be upset we won’t get to see what’s next? Zoey and Max just got back together! She and Simon (John Clarence Stewart) were about to navigate being friends after their breakup (and Simon just made a career move that seems perfect for him).
Conversation117 Comments
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I have never been so angry at a cancellation as I am about Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. WTH were they thinking???? It's one of the most entertaining and imaginative shows I've ever seen! Please please please reconsider!!!
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Because of this I’m boycotting their station and telling others too. This show was that show I felt was going to bring us all together again. Boy was I wrong. Best show next to friends.
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Network TV is why I don’t usually get into a show until the networks have allowed it to be on for 3 seasons. I started watching Prodigal Son after several friends and family told me how good it was. I was hooked right away. The writing was superb & who could find fault with the cast - Michael Sheen!! Lou Diamond Phillips!! Tom Payne! Bellamy Young! Reality TV is the dumbing down of America. Back to the streaming services for intelligent programming!!
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Prodigal Son is a amazing et incredible show 😢😭
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I am so going to miss Prodigal Son and Zoey. Even Debris picked up at the end.
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The Peacock streaming service MUST pick up Zoey, that show so buoyed me up during Covid, it was as good as a visit with a therapist!
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I'm tired of paying for streaming.
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From this list, prodigal Son has the most impact for me. But to be honest, the one that hurt the most was the cancellation of STUMPTOWN - one of my favorite new series of the past season AFTEER it had already been renewed for a 2nd go round. Apparently a Covid shutdown casualty - to which I would say - you renewed it - so WAIT - and go back into production when it's safe.
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I think I'm going to stick with Acorn, Britbox, Starz & Netflix- this American is getting sick of network TV in the US. I don't understand why NBC didn't just put Zoey on Peacock- that's where they moved AP Bio. Why have a streaming service if you can't move shows there?🙄
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I already pay over $250 for cable. Why should I have to pay for streaming on top of that???
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Why cancel MacGyver, I don't understand why CBS did it. Personally I have no I interest in shows, but MacGyver made me look forward to something every Friday. I know all good things come to an end but there was suppose to be a season 6. There are too many open endings, and to fans it's very painful. 🖇️🖇️😢
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That is because they want everyone to pay for the Paramount plus
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Prodigal son. Absolutely love the show, so different and the characters were extraordinary. I was not prepared for it to be taken off the air and absolutely not happy about it either ☹️
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Canceled? Fine, but at least give us some closure! Any show that gets canceled should have an hour or 2 series finale to wrap things up and answer any lingering questions
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Im upset that they cancelled prodigal son and mom. Prodigal son was such a nice change from the every other crime drama.
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I was devastated when i heard that Prodigal son was cancelled
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Same!
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Prodigal Son was so amazing, and not like the run of the mill crime series. Fox Network, you are SO stupid! Keep the absolutely idiotic reality and game shows, but something that is so intriguing gets canceled
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I’m gutted that Prodigal Son got cancelled ,It has a fantastic diverse cast & normalises mental health struggles it was on Fox but they canceled it, the fanbase is global and we are on Twitter campaigning for someone to pick it up
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Yeah I absolutely love the show and the last episode was bull! Seriously if your going to cancel the show on us at least give us a good ending not the bs we got! So not cool!
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Save Prodigal Son!!
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I still can't believe prodigal son was canceled. I mean it was such a great show.
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Prodigal Son! Netflix/any other network better make Season 3.
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Prodigal son , 😭😭😭😭
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I hope some smart network or streaming service picks up Prodigal Son. Way too good to not be on anymore. Big Mistake! HUGE !
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VERY BIG MISTAKE FOR SURE!!!
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Bring Prodigal Son, MacGyver and NCIS New Orleans back, you take off good shows and leave crappie shows on or bring more crappie shows on, soon there will be nothing to watch. Everything now days is something or someone pushing there political, and personal views. There is a lot of even good shows I have stopped watching. Please save these shows and bring them back.
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Yes I agree that Stumptown and Macgyver along with Prodical Son were shows worth watching and should be put back on for viewers.
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Definitely prodigal son I am so upset about the cancellation.
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Very disappointed Prodigal Son has been cancelled by Fox. It really didn’t deserve that and needs to be taken up by another network. It is very well scripted and a great show. Please #SaveProdigalSon
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Fox just likes cartoons.
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I'm most upset about the cancellation of MacGyver. I love this show and it doesn't deserve to be cancelled. I can't understand why CBS are doing it, as MacGyver had a strong audience and was consistently top in its timeslot. It really doesn't make any sense! There are so many stories still to tell and as filming finished before the announcement was made there was no chance of a proper finale! MacGyver deserves more seasons! Please #SaveMacGyver
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Upset, too. But most likely the show wasn't doing that well beyond the CBS telecast. For instances, the show's failing could be off-network syndication (which is none that I know of), strong international sales, streaming on then-CBS All Access, and DVDs/Other Media. CBS Studios owned the show, so if they think they could make more money, the studio would work hard to keep the show in production.
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How do you get rid of Prodigal Son? What’s wrong with this network? And Debris OMG!! Just when everything was going starting to get good!!!
They never give anything a chance...
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Fox is my least favorite network! Take all their commentators and move them to another country!!
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We love Prodigal Son it was our favorite!!! Whyyyyyy 😭😭
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Still no word about NBC's Good Girls and Manifest. NBC is dragging out these cancellations way too long. They just announced Zoey's status today!
It's like a slow painful torture.
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The Unicorn! Such a charming show about adults helping and supporting each other! I will miss it so much. And now Prodigal Son. I'm getting prepared to watch no American network television, it is painful to watch the creativity get squashed for all the dreck to survive.
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It still amazes me that a show that is so great and perfect like prodigal son would be cancelled. I honestly can't find one flaw with the show, that would warrant the show being cancelled. I mean they have a great cast, crew, writers, producers, music and a story that has me fully engaged in what's going to happen next. To have someone so imperfect and struggling with the ins and outs and day to day life, having to overcome and still overcome so Mich for something beyond his control amazes me. This is the type of person you want to jump in and save, hug and protect at all cost. That's why so many people want the best for him, that why so many people wanna see him happy and why so many people wanna see these characters and stories continue. These characters evolve, support, manipulate, maybe even gaslight at times that drives us even further into the story. That's why #prodigies are fighting back to #saveprodigalson #prodigiesfightfight #prodigiesdontquit #prodigiesnevergiveup #prodigalsonseason3 @hulu @netflix @primevideo.
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I love Prodigal Son!
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Prodigal son was my tv time savior after criminal minds ended, this really bites the big one.
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Bring back Prodical Son please how many times do I have to say please bring it back !!!!!
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I don't know who makes these stupid decisions. Prodigal son was fantastic! I agree with Hannah!
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Prodigal son has to be renewed
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Prodigal Son hurt the most
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Prodigal son needs a season to undo the finale and all of the Kathrine Zeta Jones. What about Kim’s Convenience?! Then Zoey and Debris. Debris needs at least another season to explain everything yet Blacklist was renewed for season and and we know less today than season 1.
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Prodical Son?! You've got to be kidding me. That's it! Where can we boycott this?
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DEBRIS was original, full of suspense, very good storyline, perfect actors to represent their characters, excellent special effects & kept you "wanting" MORE! WHOEVER DECIDED TO CANCEL IT MADE A MAJOR MISTAKE!
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Prodigal Son's cancellation hit HARD. If it weren't for the twitter campaign to save it, I'd be a huge wreck. Never been so hooked/passionate about a show and have never seen such a magnificent, organized push to save it. I feel a part of a great community now of prodigies! If you want to find some camaraderie in a time of grief for Prodigal Son, go join!
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Prodigal Son
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We want prodigal son back
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BRING BACK PRODIGAL SON!!!
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Prodigal Son and Zoey are amazing shows. Well written, smart shows that were different. Reality may be cheaper to produce but also cheaper in value. This is part of the dumbing of America. Give us these shows back. With all the streaming services around, you'd think they would try to hang on to their viewers.
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Prodical Son
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Debris and Manifest were like Lost, building up a story around a mystery, which now we'll never get answers to. At least Lost got to finish their story. Debris and Manifest were just getting started. Very bummed. Maybe another network will pick them up?
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Was Manifest canceled? I hadn’t heard that😱
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yes unfortunately after 3 seasons. I read they had a 6-year plan which NBC knew and gave the series the green light then pulled the rug out just as it was getting really good and left us with a cliffhanger. If it doesn't get picked up by another network I guess we'll never know where they disappeared to for 5 and a half years.
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Prodigal Son and The Good Dr are my favorites ❤
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Ditto
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Oh no not Zoey! I hate musicals but fell absolutely in love with this show!! I'm so sad now. Why oh why...didn't 2020 punish us enough.... I'm also sad to see NCIS New Orleans leave too...it took me a long time not to see LaSalle as Sam from quantum leap. And get used to that accent.
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I am just heartsick that they canceled Prodigal Son and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. I was just getting into Debris and now they canceled it. Why did they do this they keep bad Programs and cancel the good stuff. I’m very sad
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I seriously can't believe they actually canceled "Prodigal Son" !!! 😱😭🤬 Prodigal Son is one of my absolute FAV TV shows ever! How can such a good show be canceled?!? It just doesn't make any sense to me... so very annoyed! 😤
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It kinda feels like, why should I even watch a new show when all they do is CANCEL THEM!!!!!!! If it's a bad show, ok? maybe give it 2 seasons to give it a chance. But it's a good show, a lot of people like it, WHY CANCEL IT! WHY!!!!!????!!!!! Oh I know why! So they can put on REALLY STUPID shows that nobody watches, not even the actors watch em. (Yea I know exaggerating a little lol!)
I just hate getting invested in new shows when u know they are probably getting canned!
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I'm hoping Netflix or Amazon Prime picks up Prodigal Son..
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MacGyver and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.
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Amen, Prodigal Son had the best writing and awesome actors. Someone NEEDS to pick it up.
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I loved Prodigal Son. It deserved better from FOX then just 2 seasons. Acting and writing was great. So mad it got cancelled.
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I'm not over Tommy and Stumptown yet.
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What bugs me the most is they get rid of the really good shows, fan-favorite and popular, to bring back some shows that were cancelled YEARS ago, and if there was a reason to cancel them then, why bring them back now???, game shows, and extremely stupid reality shows. They cancelled NCIS New Orleans only to put on NCIS Hawaii. Why? They could care less about what the fans want. Why mess up a good thing?
Mom was perfectly fine without Ana Faris, actually, better because they had a great cast without her.
Nola's cast was like family and don't even get me started on STUMPTOWN and Prodical Son!
Soon you won't need the idiots that could care less about what the majority of the fans like or want because there will not be any of us left. SAD!!!
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Zoey needed to stay...feel good show like Glee. TV stations need to let the general public pick the shows.
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I'm not happy with these cancellations either--I kinda get NCIS New Orleans--I like all the NCIS but this one the least. McGyver definitely needed to continue the storyline it left hanging and Debris was definitely intriguing. Prodigal Son was a little too dark for me so I quit watching it (real life has been dark enough) but Zoey upsets me most of all! What a unique concept! How could you not feel good when they broke into song and her quirky personality was refreshing. I was rooting for them to get back together so please BRING BACK ZOEY!
I don't want to have to PAY to watch TV shows by paying for five different streaming services. I already pay for Netflix and Amazon Prime. ridiculous.
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I'm upset about Debris getting cancelled. Great concept. Thank God Mom was finally cancelled. I do not understand how that stayed off the chopping block for so long and other, better quality shows got the ax.
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The more painful to me is Macgyver ! I got obsessed with this show since episode one, and with Mac and Riley too I admit 😍❤️💔
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MacGyver 😭😭😭😭
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Fox needs to stop with the stupid cartoons. Prodigal Son was the best show ever created and those actors all deserve Emmy's.
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I think NBC should'nt had canceled the show debris. I was really getting into the show. I didn't really like the show Zoey's extraordinary playlist. Thought it suck,
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Bring back DEBRIS, you just left us hanging onto what else could happen and that is not fair!!!!!!
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I'm sorry to see All Rise and For Life go.
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I'm so sad to lose MacGyver 2016. It was such a good show with amazing actors, smart plot, always learning something interesting. I know every show ends someday but this one deserves better ending, especially with the Mac/Riley relationship. Hope someone will save the show, Netflix or Paramount+ or Hulu, because it can't end like this, not after 5 years.
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Extremely disappointed about Zoey even more upset about Rebel & All Rise, finally had some great shows
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I'm SO upset about Zoey's cancellation. I can't believe this couldn't find a spot on Peacock. Come on, NBC!! It's not too late to change your minds.
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I dislike unresolved cliffhangers and storylines and knee jerk decisions made by frightened network executives.I dislike decisions made based on an out of date ratings system.I dislike great programming that could be saved at streaming networks owned by the network canceling a program to go unsaved.I hope more cutting edge programs like Prodigal Son and Debris get better chances in the future or TV will be boring.We do NOT need more reality and competition TV.
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Note,this site uses OpenWeb for these message board,a ridiculous company that censors common every day words like one that starts with an H and has ate in it,I had to substitute dislike for it
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Hawaii Five-0 needs to be on the list save it also
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Prodigal son being cancelled was the worst for me. After a year of waiting for the release of season 2, it finally came out and it was gooooood, so different, great performances, and then, just like that, they (Fox) killed it 😲😲😭😭
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Prodigal Son was by far the most painful cancellation. It is so important to so many people and deserves many more seasons.
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Prodigal Son was absolutely spectacular. Never disappointed. I am petitioning for someone to pick it up on a streaming service.
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Prodigal Son
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MacGyvers hurts the most for me. Because this show has made me feel hopeful when there was nothing to be hopeful about. It can’t just get cancelled. CBS is making a huge mistake.
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Prodigal Son.
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We FINALLY get something FRESH and NEW plot wise with Prodigal Son and Zoey and what do they do? Cancel it! THEY WERE ACTUAL GOOD! But you leave stale show that have been regurgitated a thousand times to last several seasons. It makes NO sense. Or better yet, let's leave the absolute brainless entertainment that doesn't even seem to have a plot and just waste people's time. 🙄 It's a joke. I don't know why they bother to bring us new shows if they are only going to get us hooked and then take them away before we find out how they end.
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Tv executives are rubbish. We the viewers are the customers. We pay with our time. Could you write 3/4 of a book and still get it published? Of course not. There are so many shows, not just on this list that were axed without good reason. Thinking I may ditch network tv all together.
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SO I GUESS DEBRIS WAS CANCELED TOO. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME READING ABOUT IT. IT IS HEARTBREAKING TO ME THAT Z.E.P. WAS AXED.
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Rebel
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Absolutely devastated about MacGyver, it deserved a better ending and thats why we won't give up until we get one, either from Paramount+, Netflix, Hulu or somewhere else
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Hi. I cannot see the poll. Could you please advise?
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The cancellation of MacGyver feels like a farce. It was never given a fair chance to shine under the new show runner Monica Macer.
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CBS never really pushed to make the show a hit. Yes, surprisingly, we got 5 seasons, but no reruns during the summer. For that matter, barely any reruns throughout the 5 years. No major promotion, except when it premiered.
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I'm upset about a lot of the cancellations, but Prodigal Son the most. It was so different than most of what's on. It always amazed me how you could have all the humor among the serial killing and detective work. Also, the entire cast is top notch, great performances all around.
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Agreed. I've even signed the petition to save it and have never done that before 😆
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It's not surprising to see Prodigal Son canceled, it's always the ones that maybe too edgy for many TV watchers; shows like Hannibal that get axed.
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Rosie...nobody cares!
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debris and Zoey back love those shows
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Prodigal Son, Debris, and Mom Why do they always cancel the best and put on reality instead. I hate reality, get enough of that in real life
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Debris is the first show I’ve loved as much as Fringe when it aired. I am so disappointed but still hopeful someone will save it. Amazon?
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Save Hawaii Five-0
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I loved Mom til the end.
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MacGyver hurt the most! I've been watching the show for 5 years and they cancelled it without wrapping up the stories properly. Any show thats been on air for that long deserves a proper finale season.
Btw- When will the poll close? It can't go on forever, right?
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Mr. InBetween
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MacGyver deserved another season!! It is an amazing show!!💖❤️💖🎉💖
#SaveMacGyver
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Why axe New Orleans for Hawaii
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I see someone has MacGyvered a bot. So to speak.
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I loved Debis, Zoey and Prodigal Son. They always end the best shows and keep the crap on season after seasom
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Zoey's is the one show that our whole family watches together every week. So angry over the cancelation, especially when the rest of their line up is basically shows that are repeats of each other. Cancel the one original show? Ridiculous.
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Zoeys was my favorite show! Heartbroken its cancelled
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why would they cancel macgyver??w it makes no sense! we want macgyver back!
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Bring back MacGyver!!!
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