10 Amazing TV Shows That Began As Mid-Season Replacements

3. Parks And Recreation

Parks And Recreation is an interesting example, because it actually ran as a mid-season replacement for three of its seven seasons (the first, third, and seventh, respectively). After the success of the documentary-style comedy utilised by The Office, Parks And Recreation was created as a vehicle for former SNL star Amy Poehler. It was rushed into production in 2008, and found an opening to premiere in the spring after Kath & Kim, a sitcom starring Selma Blair and Molly Shannon, saw its episode order cut (it was eventually cancelled). The first season of Parks And Recreation was met with mixed reviews, and often crumbled under high expectations and inevitable comparisons with The Office. The show underwent some major changes, and when it came back for a second season, the writing was better and some of the less interesting subplots were dropped. Quality material, combined with an increasing number of viewers who would go back and rewatch seasons on Netflix, made Parks And Rec a success. It's just finished its seventh and final season, with the finale airing earlier this week.