On the 19th of September 2004, a television show on the ABC network premiered to both high ratings and critical acclaim. Few could imagine at the time what a whirlwind success it would become. This show was, of course, Lost, which, throughout its six year run, amassed a huge fanbase around the world, with individuals and online communities constantly speculating on the mysteries and conspiracies presented to them. In the end, not everything was resolved and in retrospect, a few more episodes spread across seasons five and six wouldn't have gone amiss. Regardless of this, however, the show is now widely considered to be one of the finest productions to ever grace our television screens, with its complex mythology and excellent characters such as John Locke and Ben Linus being frequently singled out for praise. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, and so it was hardly surprising to see a multitude of shows attempt to replicate the Lost formula, both during its run and in the wake of its conclusion. Most of these, however, sunk without a trace, seemingly unable to excite and enthral viewers in the same manner that their inspiration did. It is five such shows that will be looked at in this article, all of which had exceptional promise and in most cases, are well worth a watch. Ultimately, however, each floundered under the burden of expectation, finding themselves cancelled after just one season on the air.
Honourable Mentions
First up, a couple of shows that almost fit the mold, but are not quite eligible for inclusion on this list. The first of these is Jericho, CBS 2006 show set against the backdrop of a nuclear apocalypse and centred on the inhabitants of a small Kansas town. Starring the likes of Skeet Ulrich and Lennie James, the series was an ensemble piece, much like Lost, with each character having their own demons and mysteries as they sought to discover the nature of the attack and the survival of society in general. Initially cancelled after one season, which wouldve made the (admittedly enjoyable) show a prime candidate for inclusion in this list, Jericho was resurrected for a brief second season after a campaign from fans, which saw them rewarded with seven new episodes before the show was cancelled again, this time for good, though its story has been developed further since through a number of graphic novels. Second is NBCs Revolution, currently airing its first season as you read this. It shares an executive producer (JJ Abrams), a main cast member (Elizabeth Mitchell) and a significant story element (flashbacks) with Lost and is being cited as its spiritual sequel across the media. Whether it deserves the title is up for debate, given both its mixed reception and average ratings, but it does seem likely to be picked up for at least an additional season at this point. Taking place in a world where electricity has become nonexistent, each episode of the show focuses on a different character, showcasing their life before the disaster. It does have potential, but given this episodic structure, it will always be compared to the predecessor that utilised the same form of narrative throughout its run.